Before you try the trend
Kojic Acid: What TikTok Isn't Telling You
The facts on the viral brightening trend, plus a gentler place to start if your skin is sensitive.
Myth vs. fact
What the videos leave out
The gentler routine
Start with calm skin
If your skin is irritated, give it less to react to: a gentle cleanse, then moisturize. Made without fragrance, dyes or SLS.
Free guide
Get the Calm Skin Guide
What to look for, what to skip, and a simpler routine for skin that reacts easily.
The basics
Why Kojic Acid can backfire
Is Kojic Acid irritating your skin?
What raises the risk
- Using kojic acid soap daily on face or body
- Higher-strength products
- Layering it with acids, retinoids or scrubs
- Skipping sunscreen while using it
- Using it on skin that's already irritated or broken
- Applying it to sensitive areas like underarms, inner thighs or bikini line
Signs of irritation
- Redness or stinging after use
- Dryness, tightness or peeling
- Itching or a rash where it was applied
- New dark marks where skin was irritated
- A reaction that starts weeks after you began
What helps
- Stop the product and give your skin time to settle
- Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
- Moisturize right after washing
- Wear sunscreen every day
- Add one new product at a time, patch-tested first
- See a dermatologist if irritation or dark marks don't settle
Skip while your skin settles
These can add to irritation on skin that's already reacting.
- Kojic acid
- Fragrance
- Exfoliating acids
- Physical scrubs
- Drying alcohol
Not an exhaustive list. Check labels and ask your dermatologist what's right for you.
Frequently asked questions
Kojic Acid Questions, Answered
Cleure products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. For education only, not medical advice. If you have persistent reactions, see a dermatologist.