Kojic Acid

What is Kojic Acid?

Molecular Formula (Kojic Acid): C₆H₆O₄

Molecular Weight: 142.11 g/mol

Chemical Name: 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-pyrone

CAS Number: 501-30-4

It is among the types of organic acids classified as pyranones and their derivatives. Therefore, it is an organic compound.

In such chemicals, a pyran ring is present. At the same time, a ketone group is attached to this pyran ring.

It is a very weak acid found in solid form that dissolves easily.

Other Names Are As Follows;

• Cas No 501-30-4
• 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-pyrone
• Kojic Acid
• 5-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4-pyrone
• Acido Kojico
• Natural Kojic Acid Powder
• Anti-Dandruff Active

How is Kojic Acid Produced?

Kojic Acid production is achieved through the fermentation method. It is obtained as a byproduct of soy sauce and many types of fungi.

What are its Physical and Chemical Properties?

It has a physical appearance in solid crystalline form.

Melting point is 153.5 °C.

Density: 1.40 g/cm³

Boiling Point: Information not available.

In terms of solubility, it dissolves to some extent in water, ethyl alcohol and acetone.

What are the Usage Areas of Kojic Acid?

• In the cosmetics sector, skin cleansing creams generally clean the skin by exfoliating. Kojic Acid prevents pigment formation on the skin. It is considered an inhibitory agent.
• It has the ability to create better effects by undergoing esterification reactions with different chemicals used as skin lighteners in the cosmetics sector.
• In the field of dermatology, it is used as a brightening agent by combining it with hydroquinone.
• It is used as a skin color brightening agent in some cosmetic products.
• As a substance that prevents pigment production in the skin, it stops the tyrosinase enzyme that enables pigment production.
• Kojic Acid is used in the manufacture of creams produced to eliminate sunburns and dark spots when applied to the body.
• It is used in the manufacture of creams produced to fade blackheads remaining from acne. In this application, it can be modified with salicylic acid.
• It is used to clean and prevent free radicals that cause the formation of dirty appearances on the skin after UV exposure.
• It is used by being modified with Ascorbic Acid (L-Ascorbic Acid) to minimize damage from solar rays.
• It is used as a preservative in components used particularly for hair curling in the production of hairdresser supplies. In this way, it prevents microbial growth.
• Kojic Acid is used as an active ingredient in medicines produced for the prevention of yeast infections or fungal infections occurring in athlete's foot. In these applications, it is used to increase the effect of antifungals and fungicides.

What are the Factors Affecting Prices?

The price of Kojic Acid is directly dependent on the prices of the materials used in its production. As the prices of the materials used in its production increase, the price will also increase.

Prices have increased with the growing use of Kojic Acid in the cosmetics sector. Recently, raw material prices have doubled due to the increased interest of women in this product.

Kojic Acid distributors largely determine the pricing policy. When demand increases, the prices of this chemical substance will increase.