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Kojic Acid is a compound made by certain fungi and used in skin products that Bayview compounds to a prescriber's order.
Kojic acid is a naturally occurring compound produced by fungi of the Aspergillus genus, particularly Aspergillus oryzae, and is used as a skin-lightening ingredient.[1] It works by chelating copper at the active site of tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in producing melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.[1] It has been used in the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders such as freckles, age spots, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma.[1][3]
Kojic acid has also shown antioxidant properties in laboratory studies.[1] It is used in many cosmetic creams at lower concentrations, and at concentrations of 2% to 5% it is considered a cosmeceutical.[2] Bayview Pharmacy compounds kojic acid preparations on a prescriber's order.
Reported drawbacks of kojic acid include contact dermatitis and possible photodamage of the skin, so prescribers should consider skin sensitivity.[1] In clinical studies for melasma, kojic acid has been combined with other agents such as glycolic acid and hydroquinone.[1]
Compounded at Bayview
Patient guides for the preparations we make most often. Each one is compounded to order and requires a prescription.
For prescribers
Every preparation in our formulary that contains this ingredient. Strength, base and dose form are set by the prescription.
Other salt forms of this molecule, and ingredients commonly compounded alongside it.
This page describes an active pharmaceutical ingredient, not a finished drug product. Bayview Pharmacy compounds preparations containing it only on a prescriber's order for an individual patient.
Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. Nothing on this page is a claim that any preparation is effective for any condition.
A valid prescription is required. Availability depends on Bayview's licensure in your state. This page is general information, not medical advice — discuss your situation with a licensed healthcare provider.
Our pharmacists work with prescribers to build preparations around a patient's dose, form and tolerances. Ask us what is possible with this ingredient.
