I love a good skincare cocktail. Salicylic acid and niacinamide work wonders when my skin feels oily and congested. Vitamin C and retinol have my back when I need a brightening boost. And for days when my skin just doesn’t feel like itself? Ceramides and hyaluronic acid step in to nourish, soothe and strengthen it.
Layering the right ingredients allows them to work synergistically, enhancing the efficacy of your overall routine. One underrated powerhouse duo? Kojic acid and vitamin C.
What makes them instantly compatible? And why are they power couple goals in the skincare world? Experts break it down.
Meet kojic acid
This skincare ingredient originally gained popularity in Japan in the 80s and 90s, thanks to its skin-brightening properties. “Kojic acid works by inhibiting the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin formation,” explains Dr Batul Patel, medical director of The Bombay Skin Clinic.
This essentially means it slows down melanin production, making it highly effective at reducing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and melasma. The active ingredient also has mild exfoliating, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, making it a sought-after addition for improving skin clarity and radiance.
Meet vitamin C
When it comes to antioxidants, vitamin C reigns. Besides protecting the skin from environmental stressors, it’s one of the best ingredients for overall skin health. Dr Niketa Sonavane, celebrity dermatologist and founder of Ambrosia Aesthetics, explains, “It boosts collagen, keeps skin firm and youthful, protects against sun damage and pollution, brightens, evens out skin tone, and speeds up healing, which also helps fade acne scars faster.”
While vitamin C is a skincare favourite, Dr Nidhi Singh Tandon, founder and chief medical director of The Skin Art Clinic, warns that L-Ascorbic acid (its most active form) can be irritating at higher concentrations (15-20%), especially for those with sensitive skin.
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The dynamic duo
When paired together, kojic acid and vitamin C enhance each other’s brightening effects, evening out skin tone while fighting hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin C neutralises free radicals and boosts collagen production, while kojic acid inhibits melanin at its source.
Dr Tandon explains, “Both inhibit melanin at different stages, making them a power couple for tackling pigmentation.” Their antioxidant properties also help prevent further damage from UV exposure and pollution. The result? Reduced dark spots, improved skin texture, and a radiant glow. Dr Sonavane reaffirms their status as a dynamic duo, elevating “each other’s effects without irritating the skin–when used correctly.”
A beginner’s guide
If you’re new to this pairing, start slow. Experts recommend using vitamin C in the morning and kojic acid at night every other day.
