Kojic acid

Chemical properties

tan powder

The Uses of Kojic acid

kojic acid is a skin-lightening agent that acts through anti-oxidant activity. Kojic acid is a tyrosinase inhibitor, although it is not as effective as licorice extract. When combined with allantoin and other proper ingredients in sunscreen preparations, the mixture can inhibit uV-caused erythema and accelerate wound healing. It is also found to be skin sensitizing and can be irritating.

The Uses of Kojic acid

A naturally occurring chelation agent.

The Uses of Kojic acid

hydroxystearate nonionic solubilizer

The Uses of Kojic acid

Converted to maltol and ethyl maltol, flavor-enhancing additives. Food additive to inhibit tyrosinase.

What are the applications of Application

Kojic acid is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that acts as a chelation agent which inhibits melanin production.

Definition

ChEBI: A pyranone that is 4H-pyran substituted by a hydroxy group at position 5, a hydroxymethyl group at position 2 and an oxo group at position 4. It has been isolated from the fungus Aspergillus oryzae.

General Description

Kojic acid, a tyrosinase inhibitor, is produced by several fungi species, including Aspergillus oryzae. It exhibits skin-lightening property, due to its ability to chelate the copper-containing enzyme tyrosinase in the formation of melanin. Kojic acid is also commonly used as a whitening agent in regular cosmetics, bleaching cosmetics, etc. It is found to be a therapeutic agent and helps in preventing pigmentation.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Kojic acid is derived from some fungal species such as, Aspergillus, Acetobacter and Penicillium.. It halts melanin synthesis by inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme. It is used in the preparation of skin whitening cosmetics. However, kojic acid usage is minimal in cosmetics, as it induces skin irritation by its unstability and cytotoxic nature during long storage. It is an antioxidant and elicits radioprotective effects on chelating with manganese and zinc.

Purification Methods

Crystallise the acid from MeOH (charcoal) by adding Et2O. It sublimes at 150-200o/0.1torr. [Beilstein 18 II 57, 18 III/IV 1145, 18/2 V 516.]