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Compatibility  /  Kojic acid

Kojic acid

INCI · Kojic Acid

A fungal-derived ingredient used for the look of uneven tone; can be more irritating than its gentler cousins.

More on this ingredient: read the guide.

Read the neutral reference entry →
What Kojic acid layers with
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

Both are acidic, tone-directed and capable of stinging, and using them in the same step is a common cause of irritation. Splitting them across AM and PM is the usual advice, particularly on sensitive skin.

Use with caution
AHAs (glycolic / lactic acid)

Kojic acid is among the more irritating brightening ingredients, and an AHA on top of it compounds that. Alternate nights rather than layering; a stinging, reddened barrier will hold pigment longer, not clear it faster.

Use with caution
Alpha-arbutin

Both target the same step in pigment production, so combining them stacks irritation risk more reliably than it stacks results. If you use both, introduce one at a time and watch for redness — kojic acid is the more irritating of the two.

Use with caution
Niacinamide

A sensible pairing: niacinamide is well tolerated and addresses pigment transfer, which balances kojic acid's harsher profile. Often formulated together for that reason.

Compatible
Copper peptides (GHK-Cu)

We have not reviewed this combination. That means we have nothing to report about it — not that it is safe, and not that it is a problem. Treat it as an open question: introduce one new product at a time and patch-test, as you would with any unfamiliar pairing.

Not studied
Argireline

We have not reviewed this combination. That means we have nothing to report about it — not that it is safe, and not that it is a problem. Treat it as an open question: introduce one new product at a time and patch-test, as you would with any unfamiliar pairing.

Not studied
Matrixyl

We have not reviewed this combination. That means we have nothing to report about it — not that it is safe, and not that it is a problem. Treat it as an open question: introduce one new product at a time and patch-test, as you would with any unfamiliar pairing.

Not studied
SNAP-8

We have not reviewed this combination. That means we have nothing to report about it — not that it is safe, and not that it is a problem. Treat it as an open question: introduce one new product at a time and patch-test, as you would with any unfamiliar pairing.

Not studied
Retinoids (retinol)

We have not reviewed this combination. That means we have nothing to report about it — not that it is safe, and not that it is a problem. Treat it as an open question: introduce one new product at a time and patch-test, as you would with any unfamiliar pairing.

Not studied
BHA (salicylic acid)

We have not reviewed this combination. That means we have nothing to report about it — not that it is safe, and not that it is a problem. Treat it as an open question: introduce one new product at a time and patch-test, as you would with any unfamiliar pairing.

Not studied
Benzoyl peroxide

We have not reviewed this combination. That means we have nothing to report about it — not that it is safe, and not that it is a problem. Treat it as an open question: introduce one new product at a time and patch-test, as you would with any unfamiliar pairing.

Not studied
Hyaluronic acid

We have not reviewed this combination. That means we have nothing to report about it — not that it is safe, and not that it is a problem. Treat it as an open question: introduce one new product at a time and patch-test, as you would with any unfamiliar pairing.

Not studied
Vitamin E

We have not reviewed this combination. That means we have nothing to report about it — not that it is safe, and not that it is a problem. Treat it as an open question: introduce one new product at a time and patch-test, as you would with any unfamiliar pairing.

Not studied
Azelaic acid

We have not reviewed this combination. That means we have nothing to report about it — not that it is safe, and not that it is a problem. Treat it as an open question: introduce one new product at a time and patch-test, as you would with any unfamiliar pairing.

Not studied
Sunscreen (SPF)

We have not reviewed this combination. That means we have nothing to report about it — not that it is safe, and not that it is a problem. Treat it as an open question: introduce one new product at a time and patch-test, as you would with any unfamiliar pairing.

Not studied
Bakuchiol

We have not reviewed this combination. That means we have nothing to report about it — not that it is safe, and not that it is a problem. Treat it as an open question: introduce one new product at a time and patch-test, as you would with any unfamiliar pairing.

Not studied
Tranexamic acid

We have not reviewed this combination. That means we have nothing to report about it — not that it is safe, and not that it is a problem. Treat it as an open question: introduce one new product at a time and patch-test, as you would with any unfamiliar pairing.

Not studied
Ceramides

We have not reviewed this combination. That means we have nothing to report about it — not that it is safe, and not that it is a problem. Treat it as an open question: introduce one new product at a time and patch-test, as you would with any unfamiliar pairing.

Not studied
Squalane

We have not reviewed this combination. That means we have nothing to report about it — not that it is safe, and not that it is a problem. Treat it as an open question: introduce one new product at a time and patch-test, as you would with any unfamiliar pairing.

Not studied
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Kojic acid: what layers with it · Vallydia