I came across a website about all the harmful garbage in everyday products like shampoos and lotions. They said kojic acid is harmful because somehow it can absorb into the bloodstream and can do DNA damage. Do you think its safe to use every now and again?
I'm am terribly confused. Some say kojic acid is harmful & others say kojic acid is safe.
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The effects of kojic acid, a compound that suppresses melanogenesis and is widely consumed in the Japanese diet with the belief that it is beneficial to health, were investigated on several aspects of leukocyte function. Kojic acid significantly decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (O 2 – ), H2O2, OH) generated by neutrophil and by a cell-free ROS-generating system. In contrast, it significantly enhanced neutrophil phagocytosis and ROS generation, and lymphocyte proliferation stimulated by phytohemagglutinin. In addition, calcium concentration, [Ca2+]I in human neutrophils was increased in the presence of kojic acid. These results suggest that kojic acid is a favorable agent in terms of host defense in that it enhances a number of activities of leukocytes, but scavenges ROS excessively released from cells or generated in the tissues or blood vessels that are potentially injurious to host tissues.
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If you visit the web site of American Academy of Dermatologists, they declare that long-term use of lightening creams that contain hydroquinone and kojic acid can lead to exogenous ocronosis, a darkened, bluish discoloration of the treated area.
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Kojic Acid is produced by fermentation of bacteria from aspergillus of rice. This ingredient was discovered by the Japanese to have a profound effect on melanin production. It seems to impair the presence of free form tyrosine, an amino acid necessary for melanin production. Kojic Acid has been used in skin-lightening products for over a decade and when absorbed into the skin, can produce rapid, lasting results. Kojic acid has had no scientifically reported health risks associated with its use. Any information suggesting such risks is published by chemical producers of competing agents and has not been validated scientifically.
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Kojic acid is a natural source of whitening. Many cusmetic lines developed by dermatologists contain kojic in low percentage for evening skin tone. As for whitening, kojic acid, along w/ mulberry, arbutin, licorice, etc. are well known to be safe and natural depigmenting agents.
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I have researched the safest skin lighteners available. Kojic acid is the active ingredient in the latest safe skin lightener. It helps lighten skin colour by inhibiting the production of melanin that causes skin darkening and age spots. The skin takes between 4-8 weeks to renew its layers, so during that time the new lighter skin cells come through and the whole complexion will look fresher and brighter.
