Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a natural ingredient found in some fungi and also produced during the fermentation process of sake, a Japanese rice wine. In the world of skincare, it's a popular ingredient used for its:
- Skin-lightening properties: Kojic acid works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This makes it effective in fading dark spots caused by sun damage, acne scars, and other forms of hyperpigmentation.
- Antioxidant benefits: Kojic acid has some antioxidant properties, meaning it can help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV rays and pollution. This can contribute to a more youthful appearance.
- Antibacterial and antifungal properties: While less commonly used for this purpose in skincare, kojic acid also has some antibacterial and antifungal properties. This may be beneficial for those struggling with mild acne or fungal skin concerns.
- Exfoliating ingredients: Kojic acid itself is a mild exfoliant, so combining it with other exfoliating ingredients like AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid), BHAs (salicylic acid), or scrubs can irritate your skin.
- Retinol: Both kojic acid and retinol can be irritating, so using them together can increase your risk of experiencing side effects like redness, dryness, and peeling. If you want to use both ingredients, it's best to alternate nights or use them on different parts of your face.
- Vitamin C: While kojic acid and vitamin C are both brightening ingredients, using them together can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you do use both, be sure to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.
Most users experience gradual improvement in skin tone and reduced hyperpigmentation within a few weeks to a couple of months of consistent use. Individual factors like your skin type and the severity of your hyperpigmentation can influence how quickly you see results.
The right amount of kojic acid for you depends on your skin type and the strength of the product. Here's a breakdown:
- Sensitive Skin: Start slow! Use kojic acid just once or twice a week to see how your skin reacts.
- Regular Skin: You might be able to use it daily, but keep an eye out for any irritation.
General Tips:
- Start Low, Go Slow: Especially for first-timers or those with sensitive skin, begin with a low frequency (once or twice a week) and increase gradually if your skin tolerates it well.
- Concentration Matters: Lower kojic acid concentrations (around 1-2%) are gentler and can be used more often than higher ones.
- Listen to Your Skin: It's the boss! If you experience any redness, dryness, or itching, reduce usage or stop completely.
Remember:
- Kojic acid makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so daily sunscreen is a must.
- Be patient! Kojic acid takes time to show results, so stick with your routine for at least a few weeks.
For personalized advice: Consult a dermatologist for the best way to incorporate kojic acid into your skincare routine based on your unique needs.
Ingredients & Preservatives
Absolutely! We believe in harnessing the power of nature to nurture your skin. All of our skincare ingredients are derived from natural sources like plants and minerals. We don't use any harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients in our formulations.
While some ingredients may undergo processing to ensure safety, purity, and efficacy, they all start out as natural materials. We never use synthetic ingredients or harsh chemicals in our formulations.
We use a combination of natural and nature-derived preservatives depending on the specific application to extend the shelf life of our products and ensure their safety:
- Potassium Sorbate & Sodium Benzoate: These are common preservatives that occur naturally in some fruits (potassium sorbate) or can be derived from natural sources like benzoic acid (sodium benzoate). They help prevent the growth of mold and yeast that can spoil products.
- Citric Acid: This naturally occurring acid helps create an inhospitable environment for microbes and enhances the effectiveness of the other preservatives. You'll find citric acid in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges.
- Leucidal® SF Complete: This is a plant-derived preservative made from radish root ferment. It's a broad-spectrum preservative that helps protect against a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
We prioritize the use of natural and nature-derived ingredients whenever possible to ensure the safety and efficacy of our products.
Turmeric & Kojic Exfoliating Pads
Our Turmeric & Kojic Exfoliating Pads use coco-glucoside as a cleansing agent. Coco-glucoside is a gentle, sulfate-free surfactant derived from coconut oil and sugar.
Here's a breakdown:
- Natural: Yes, coco-glucoside is a natural, plant-derived ingredient.
- Gentle: It's known for being mild and suitable for most skin types, even sensitive ones.
- Cleansing Power: Coco-glucoside effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping away natural oils, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed.
Shipping & Tracking
Orders placed on our website are typically processed within 1-3 business days. Once your order is shipped we will email you a shipping confirmation and a tracking number.