What is Kojic Soap?

By Sabah Karimi, eHow Contributor  

Kojic acid soap is used as a skin-lightening agent for people who may have sunspots, freckles and other forms of pigmentation on their face, hands and neck. There are several types of Kojic acid soap brands available, and the formulation can be used on its own or as part of a skin lightening facial treatment.

Kojic acid skincare products have been used for decades in the Philippines and the Far East for their skin lightening benefits. The definition of beauty for cultures outside the Western world consists of fair, even toned skin, so many women resort to using skin-lightening products, such as Kojic acid soap, to achieve a lighter skin tone. Kojic acid skincare products are made with natural ingredients and work primarily as a deep exfoliating treatment.

Kojic acid is considered a very important ingredient for cosmetics. It is used to lighten pigment spots and skin discoloration and considered as a popular inhibitor for melanin. Kojic is used in various kinds of cosmetic therapies for acne, freckles, sunburn, eczema, skin blemishes and other skin problems. The quest for light, even-toned skin is an age-old pursuit, dating as far back as when Cleopatra immersed herself in milk to achieve the beautiful, radiant skin that had men fighting over her. 

Kojic acid was derived from a mushroom and has been used in several skincare and anti-aging products as a natural ingredient for lightening skin pigmentation. Kojic acid soaps are typically made with a combination of natural skin lightening fruit acid and papaya extract that work by softening the skin and creating a luminous, healthy glow.

Function

Kojic acid soap is primarily an exfoliating skin product that slowly gets rid of pigmentation and dark spots by buffing away the damaged skin cells. The enzymes in Kojic acid soaps help to break down the top layer of skin cells and peel away damaged skin, revealing the fresh and healthy cells underneath. This soap can be used as a regular bath soap all over the body, as a shaving foam for the face and neck, or just on the face to even out the skin tone.

 

Benefits

Using Kojic acid soap on a regular basis may help reduce the appearance of age spots, eliminate or reduce freckles, reduce or eliminate skin discoloration from pregnancy and strengthen cell activity. Many Japanese men and women use the soap as part of their regular facial regimen so that the skin stays soft and vibrant. Kojic acid also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

 

Warnings

Kojic acid soap can be irritating to sensitive skin types and may cause redness, itchiness, inflammation and tenderness. It's important to use only a small amount on the arms as a trial to make sure the skin does not undergo an adverse reaction. Extra moisturizer and skin soothing serums may be necessary after using a Kojic acid soap, as these will replenish lost moisture and help the skin heal faster. People who use Kojic acid soap regularly need to avoid using skincare products that contain salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy or retinol, because these can aggravate the skin.