KOJIC ACID is graded C (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING, FDA regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexIII-COMBINATION-.
KOJIC ACID
Safety grade: C
Kojic acid is a skin-brightening ingredient. The EU restricted it in November 2023 — limited to 1% in face and hand leave-on products and prohibited in rinse-off products.
Graded using: COSING, FDA.
- EU COSING — Restricted
- EU COSING — Restricted
Last verified: June 7, 2026
Safer alternatives to KOJIC ACID
- ASCORBIC ACID — Grade A. Potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals like kojic acid does.
- CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT — Grade A. Plant antioxidant extract that protects skin from oxidative damage.
- UBIQUINONE — Grade A. Cellular antioxidant that defends skin against free radical damage.
Other Antioxidant ingredients
- TOCOPHEROL — Grade A
- TOCOPHERYL ACETATE — Grade A
- BHT — Grade C**
- ASCORBYL PALMITATE — Grade A
- HYDROXYACETOPHENONE — Grade A
- PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE — Grade A