Kojic acid
Kojic acid is 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-pyrone, a small organic acid produced by fungi such as Aspergillus oryzae. Commercial material is made by aerobic fermentation of glucose or other sugars with Aspergillus, then recovered from the broth and purified by crystallization. It is sold as white to pale yellow crystals or powder that discolor with light, heat and traces of iron. Oil-soluble esters such as kojic dipalmitate are separate ingredients.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Purified crystals or powder, typically 99% or higher purity, the standard cosmetic grade.
The dipalmitate ester, an oil-soluble and more color-stable derivative with its own specification and INCI name.
Kojic acid dissolved in water or glycol with stabilizers, sold at a stated percentage.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Keep kojic acid in a tightly closed, opaque container in a cool, dry place and away from metal contact, since light, heat and iron cause discoloration. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification; check color and assay on older lots.
Record the assay and color for each lot and compare color against the previous lot on receipt. Rotate stock oldest first.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS/1637/21, with a June 2022 corrigendum) concluded kojic acid (CAS 501-30-4) is safe in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 1%.
Source: health.ec.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)The same opinion considered only topical use of kojic acid in cosmetics and did not assess esters such as kojic acid dipalmitate.
Source: health.ec.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · Redmond, WA
US supplier of cosmetic ingredients repackaged in retail and bulk sizes, covering actives, butters, oils, waxes and emulsifiers for brands, contract manufacturers and independent formulators.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include crystalline kojic acid, kojic dipalmitate and pre-blended solutions. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay (HPLC or titration), color and appearance, iron and heavy metals, loss on drying and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Keep kojic acid in a tightly closed, opaque container in a cool, dry place and away from metal contact, since light, heat and iron cause discoloration. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification; check color and assay on older lots.
The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS/1637/21, with a June 2022 corrigendum) concluded kojic acid (CAS 501-30-4) is safe in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 1%. The same opinion considered only topical use of kojic acid in cosmetics and did not assess esters such as kojic acid dipalmitate.
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