Kojic acid

5-hydroxy- 2-( hydroxymethyl) -4-pyrone

Colorless prismatic crystal needles

Fixed

153-154 ° C

7.90 ( 8.03 )

Soluble in water and ethanol

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Kojic acid is found in nature in the mycelia of various fungi, especially in the mold Aspergillus oryzae ago. It was first isolated in 1907.

Extraction

Kojic acid is produced by fermentation of glucose-containing solutions with Aspergillus species, especially from the group of Aspergillus flavus / Aspergillus oryzae.

Properties

Kojic acid forms with some heavy metal ions ( Fe3 , Cu2 , Zn2 ) color sparingly soluble chelate complexes.

Effect

Kojic acid is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Uses it is, however, mainly because of their action as tyrosinase inhibitors. When applied to the skin, this property causes an inhibition of melanin production and thus a skin bleaching. Especially popular is this effect in Asia, which is why there are many cosmetics containing kojic acid on the market. In the European Union the use of kojic acid is not regulated in cosmetic products, in Switzerland it is prohibited.