
Highlights
WHAT IS IT?
Face Serum with 2% Kojic Acid
FEATURES
Contains 2% Kojic Acid, derived from rice and mushrooms, brightens skin tone, protects as antioxidant, smooths and hydrates skin, lightweight, non-greasy, absorbs quickly
BEST FOR
all skin types
CHECKS
paraben-free, sulphate free
Who Is It For?
What Does It Help With?
Uneven Skin Tone Pigmentation Dark Spots Dull Skin Brightening ComplexionBudget
Affordable (under $30)How To Use
Which routine should it be used in?
Instructions:
Key Information
What Naturis Cosmetics Pvt Ltd Says
Product Description:
Add DermDoc 2% Kojic Acid Serum to your skincare routine and turn the brightness UP! This serum is thoughtfully curated with 2% Kojic Acid, an active ingredient derived from rice and certain mushrooms, that acts as a protective antioxidant while brightening the skin tone. Making way for a smooth, plump & clear glow, this serum offers a top-notch hydration formula that helps keep the skin refreshed for long. As you hustle through the day, let DermDoc Kojic Acid Serum work hard on the spots.
About the Brand:
Ingredients Overview
Ingredients List
kojic-acid
Key Ingredients
kojic acid
Ingredients Details
Kojic Acid
Common Name(s): 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-pyranone,koji acid
CAS Number: 501-30-4
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides potent copper-chelating tyrosinase inhibition for effective hyperpigmentation treatment.
Why It's Used: One of the most effective brightening agents โ kojic acid's copper chelation directly blocks the tyrosinase active site providing stronger brightening than most naturally-derived alternatives.
How It Works: Chelates copper in the tyrosinase active site via the 3-hydroxy-4-pyranone chelating group (ic50 ~5ฮผg/ml). without copper cofactor, tyrosinase cannot oxidise tyrosine to dopa or dopa to dopaquinone. inhibits both hydroxylation steps in eumelanin synthesis pathway.
Typically Found In: Brightening serums,hyperpigmentation treatments,anti-spot products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ fungal brightening agent
Secondary Functions: Melanin inhibition,hyperpigmentation reduction
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ from aspergillus oryzae or acetobacter fermentation
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Synthetic or plant-derived.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Eu annex iii regulated: max 1% in face products. sensitiser potential โ patch test for sensitive skin. photosensitive in formulation โ requires stabilisation.
Works Well With: Niacinamide,vitamin c,alpha-arbutin,tranexamic acid,spf
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Kojic acid's copper chelation mechanism provides an unusually direct enzyme inhibition: rather than competing with tyrosine substrate (competitive inhibitor) or altering enzyme conformation (allosteric inhibitor), kojic acid simply removes the copper cofactor that is essential for tyrosinase catalytic activity โ a metal-chelation mechanism that provides near-complete enzyme inhibition regardless of substrate concentration.
Last Verified: Cosing database,eu annex iii,cir safety assessment
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12