Ladies and gents, today we’re debunking the common misconception that the road to great skin is paved with hundreds of thousands of pesos, and we’re starting with the little acid that could: kojic acid.

It’s a popular ingredient in tons of whitening products—like Belo Prescriptives Kojic Acid Face Wash (P1,300) and Belo Prescriptives Kojic Acid Cream (P600)—but it’s actually more than just a whitening agent. Here are some reasons you should consider including kojic acid in your skincare routine.

1. It’s naturally produced by, well, nature.

According to beauty website Byrdie, kojic acid (KA) is naturally found in mushrooms as well as “a byproduct of various fungi that also occurs as the result of fermentation of certain Asian foods, such as soy sauce and rice wine.” This means it’s gentler on the skin—and there are less chances of harsh skin reactions.

2. It works beyond the surface.

In a 2019 study by medical experts at the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in Sari, Iran, kojic acid brightens or lightens the skin by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme that plays an important role in the production of melanin or the natural pigments in our skin. This means it works at the source, which means longer lasting and more natural-looking effects. Say goodbye to the off-tone, overly white skin that used to haunt us all.  

3. It’s more than just whitening.

Kojic acid has become one of the most popular brightening ingredients in the market today, often marketed as part of whitening products, especially around Asia. But it’s also an effective and gentle way of treating “discoloration caused by sun damage, melasma, and/or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that occurs after a blemish”, according to Byrdie.

4. It’s gentle enough to be used daily.

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In fact, kojic acid is often recommended for those who can’t tolerate other face acids (like salicylic acid or glycolic acid), so if you’re thinking of including kojic acid into your daily skincare routine, that’s a great idea. You can start by introducing it to your routine in safe concentrations, like Belo Prescriptives Kojic Acid Face Wash and Belo Prescriptives Kojic Acid Cream. If you’re looking for the complete package, both kojic acid-based products are also available in the Belo-It-Yourself Face Brightening Kit and save a couple of bucks.

Click here to purchase the Belo Prescriptives Kojic Acid Face Wash, and here to purchase the  Belo-It-Yourself Face Brightening Kit.

Want to chat before diving in? Click here to book an online consultation with a Belo MD. If you want to speak to the Beauty Expert herself, click here to book an online consultation with Dr. Vicki Belo.