# KOJIC ACID (kojic-acid) — Global Cosmetic Regulatory & Formulation Monograph

- **Canonical URL**: https://www.inciname.com/en/ingredients/kojic-acid
- **Standard INCI**: `KOJIC ACID`
- **KR MFDS Standard Name**: `코직애씨드`
- **CAS No.**: `501-30-4`
- **EC / EINECS No.**: `207-922-4`
- **Origin**: `synthetic`
- **Functions**: 항산화제, 미백제, 탈색제
- **Molecular Formula / MW**: `—` (— g/mol)

## 1. 7-Track Official Regulatory Label Names
| Track | Official Label Nomenclature |
| :--- | :--- |
| KR (MFDS Standard) | 코직애씨드 |
| KR (Former Names) | — |
| EU (CosIng 1223/2009) | KOJIC ACID |
| US (PCPC / MoCRA INCI) | KOJIC ACID |
| US (FDA OTC Monograph) | — |
| CN (NMPA IECIC) | 曲酸 |
| JP (JCIA / MHLW QD) | コウジ酸 (QD: コウジ酸) |

## 2. Layer 1 — Global 6-Region Statutory Summary
- **KR (MFDS)**: `noted`
- **EU (1223/2009)**: `restricted`
- **US (FDA/MoCRA)**: `none`
- **CN (NMPA IECIC)**: `noted` (Entry: `5453`)
- **JP (MHLW)**: `noted`
- **ASEAN (ACD)**: `restricted`



## 3. Layer 2 — Toxicological & Historical Safe Use Concentrations
- **reported_use** (all): ≤ 1% — undefined (undefined)

## 4. Layer 3 — Formulation Quartiles & Compatibility
- **Optimal pH Window**: 4.5 – 7.5
- **Max Process Temp**: ≤ 70°C
- **Synergy Pairings**: —
- **Incompatibilities**: —

## 5. Academic Monograph
Kojic acid is an active cosmetic ingredient used to regulate melanin production as a tyrosinase inhibitor.
Tyrosinase is a binuclear copper enzyme catalyzing the hydroxylation of L-tyrosine and oxidation of L-DOPA to synthesize melanin, and kojic acid inhibits this enzyme to help treat skin hyperpigmentation disorders.
In HPLC analysis, kojic acid demonstrated a limit of detection of 0.06 µg/mL with recovery rates ranging from 98 to 102%, showing stability for quantitative analysis in cosmetic formulations.
Kojic acid serves as one of the established tyrosinase inhibitors and is used as a comparative reference standard against certain natural compounds and synthetic derivatives.
Against the skin pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, kojic acid exhibits strong antimicrobial activity at concentrations ranging from 2 to 1024 µg/mL.
Kojic acid is currently used as a standard reference substance for tyrosinase inhibitors and serves as a benchmark for efficacy comparison in the development of new inhibitors.

## 6. Linked PubMed Literature
- [PMID: 42235859] Cannabidiol-thiosemicarbazone exhibits dual tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant activity in human skin-derived cells — *Bioorg Med Chem Lett* (2026)
- [PMID: 42057847] Molecular docking and experimental evaluation of natural alkaloids from Chilean flora (Cryptocarya alba, Peumus boldus, and Laurelia sempervirens) for tyrosinase inhibition and depigmenting potential — *Front Pharmacol* (2026)
- [PMID: 42012583] Controlling Staphylococcus aureus skin infections by targeting biofilm and virulence properties using FDA-approved antiseptics and skin care products — *Folia Microbiol (Praha)* (2026)
- [PMID: 41723564] Analytical method development for simultaneous estimation of kojic acid, ascorbic acid and niacinamide in cosmetics and its validation — *BMC Chem* (2026)
- [PMID: 41720804] Optimization of ultrasound extraction of phlorotannin rich extract from Dictyopteris justii with tyrosinase Inhibition — *Sci Rep* (2026)
- [PMID: 41686353] Bioactivities and Phytochemical Potential of Vatica Diospyroides Flower Extracts — *Appl Biochem Biotechnol* (2026)
- [PMID: 41655265] Preparation and Evaluation of the Synergistic Benefits of a Glycoside-Pyrone-Based Multifunctional System as a Possible Regulator for Melanogenesis — *Macromol Biosci* (2026)
- [PMID: 42213377] Rational design of triazole tyrosinase inhibitors via integrated free energy calculations — *Mol Divers* (2026)
- [PMID: 42036078] Guaiane-type sesquiterpenes from Carciofo Bianco di Pertosa, a cultivar of Cynara cardunculus subsp. scolymus (L.), leaf: Isolation and evaluation of tyrosinase inhibitory activity — *Fitoterapia* (2026)
- [PMID: 41743871] Phytochemical profiling and enzyme inhibitory activity of Sterculia populifolia DC stem bark extract and fractions against elastase and tyrosinase — *Narra J* (2025)
- [PMID: 41606813] Green and biocompatible formulation of arbutin encapsulated alginate nanoparticle: improved cytotoxicity against melanoma cancer and potent inhibition of melanin biosynthesis and L-DOPA auto-oxidation — *J Biomater Sci Polym Ed* (2026)
- [PMID: 41596661] Potential Bioactive Function of Microbial Metabolites as Inhibitors of Tyrosinase: A Systematic Review — *Int J Mol Sci* (2026)