In November 2021, EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) released a preliminary opinion on Kojic Acid (CAS No. 501-30-4, EC No. 207-922-4), which was subject to a commenting period from November 5, 2021 to January 14, 2022. Considering the comments received during this period, the SCCS released a final opinion on Kojic Acid on March 17, 2022. 

Based on the safety assessment, and considering the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties of Kojic Acid, the SCCS holds the opinion that Kojic Acid is not safe when used as a skin lightening agent in cosmetic products at concentrations of up to 1%. Alternatively, the SCCS considers the use of Kojic Acid as a skin lightening agent in cosmetics safe for consumer up to a maximum concentration of 0.7% Kojic Acid in the final product.

The SCCS also clarifies that only the topical use of Kojic Acid in cosmetics has been considered in this opinion, and this opinion is not applicable to the derivatives of Kojic Acid, e.g. esters of Kojic Acid such as Kojic Acid dipalmitate and Kojic Acid isopalmitate, as well as derivatives such as chloro-Kojic Acid.

Timeline: SCCS's Opinions on Kojic Acid

• September 2008: The SCCS was of the opinion that, the use of Kojic Acid at a maximum concentration of 1.0% in skin care formulations posed a risk to consumers' health.
• June 2012: The SCCS considered the use of Kojic Acid as a skin lightening agent was safe for consumers at a concentration of 1.0% in leave-on creams that are generally applied to the face and/or hands.
• October 2021: Considering the concerns related to potential endocrine disrupting properties of Kojic Acid, the SCCS held the opinion that the concentration of 1.0% Kojic Acid was not safe for the intended use in cosmetic products. Since there was no specific data on different cosmetics containing Kojic Acid, the SCCS failed to advice on the safe concentration of Kojic Acid in individual cosmetic products.

Reference Links

[1] SCCS - Final Opinion on Kojic Acid

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