7 Best Kojic Acid Soaps For An Even Skin Tone, Tested By Experts
<p>It’s important that you buy a cleanser and not a soap considering they are two different things. In fact, many of the <a href=” target=”_blank”>body washes</a> used in the shower aren’t true soaps … they’re cleansers. “Soap is not defined by the shape of the product,” says Dr. Gohara. “Soap has a high pH, and when it cleanses your skin, it doesn’t keep it at its natural pH.” Having an unbalanced pH can cause dryness, irritation, redness, and sensitivity, according to <a href=” target=”_blank”>Cleveland Clinic</a>. Because of how soaps work, derms tend to advise against using them. Here are some other things to think about before buying a kojic acid soap.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>What to consider</h2><h3 class=”body-h3″>Key ingredients </h3><p>The best way to make sure you’re getting a cleanser and not a soap is by simply checking the label, says Dr. Gohara. “You would want to go with a non-soap cleanser that is gentle and has kojic acid in it rather than a full kojic acid soap because it can be irritating and break down your skin barrier, causing more issues around skin tone and texture,” she says. You should also get a cleanser that is sulfate-free and pH-neutral to further prevent the chance of a bad skin reaction. </p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Size</h3><p class=”body-text”>With kojic acid soaps becoming so popular, you may notice a price increase on some products. You might also assume that just because a formula is expensive, it must be the most effective option, but that’s not the case. “You can find kojic acid in over-the-counter products at a very reasonable price, so there’s no reason to be paying $50 for a cleanser,” says Dr. Gohara. Ultimately, it’s about what fits your budget and meets your standards, but if you’re considering a splurge, skip on premiums—our top picks are all $25 and under.<br></p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How we selected</h2><p>For the past few months, <em>Women’s Health</em> editors, including editorial assistant <a href=” target=”_blank”>Sabrina Talbert</a>, researched the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated kojic acid soaps. Our team consulted one dermatologist and a group of anonymous testers. We then narrowed down the best kojic acid soaps for a wide range of skincare needs and preferences.</p><p>If you’re ready to check out your options, read on for the seven best kojic acid soaps of 2024.</p>”/>
Pros
- It contains hydrating ingredients
- A little bit of product goes a long way
Cons
- May not be great for people who are sensitive to aloe
After looking at several options, this body wash takes our number one spot for its ultra-soothing ingredients. Made with turmeric, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, kojic acid, which helps to brighten skin, and shea butter and aloe vera for hydration, this body wash aims to reduce the appearance of blemishes and uneven skin tone while revitalizing skin, says dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD.
This foaming formula also buffs away dead skin for a brighter complexion. Several users love the turmeric scent, noting that it creates a spa-like shower experience. Plus, those with sensitive skin add that the scent isn’t strong enough to cause a reaction. “This seems like a really simple formula that comes in handy if you’re someone with sensitive skin, or if you need something to slough away dead skin without the roughness of thick sugar crystals and beads,” says Women’s Health senior beauty editor Danielle Jackson. Price-wise, this one sits higher than the other kojic acid soaps, but the transparency of ingredients, size of the bottle (16 ounces), and overall positive feedback from testers sets it apart from the rest.
Read more: Best Body Washes For Women
| Key ingredients | Shea butter, aloe vera, kojic acid |
|---|---|
| Size | 16 oz |
Best Kojic Acid Gel Soap
Koji White Kojic Acid Skin Brightening Body Wash
Pros
- It’s sulfate-free
- It’s a good option for anti-aging
Cons
- Some testers didn’t notice change over time
If aging skin is a concern for you, look no further than Koji White’s Skin Brightening Body Wash. While this brand offers a wide array of kojic acid-based products, this one contains moisturizing heros such as vitamins E and B5. Vitamin B5 is known for its abilities to reduce fine lines and improve elasticity—something our testers experienced first hand.
Still, a few users found that it took a few months to see results, and others dislike that you only get 10.8 ounces for the price. At the same time, products in bottles are less prone to bacteria, which might make it worthwhile if that’s something you’re worried about.
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, vitamin B5 |
|---|---|
| Size | 10.8 oz |
Best Gentle Kojic Acid Soap
Healov Papaya Cleanser With Turmeric & Kojic Acid
Pros
- It helps with scar reduction
- It’s sulfate and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some say the smell is sweet, but not like papaya
If you’re worried that a product with kojic acid is going to irritate your sensitive skin, try this Papaya Cleanser from Healov. Not only is it super budget-friendly, but the formula is also gentle on skin. The mix of turmeric and kojic acid with papaya targets melasma, age spots, and sun damage.
Based on the ingredient list, our beauty team found that it’s a great formula for treating dark spots. They note that while this feels more like a gel than a traditional cleanser, it lathers up well. This wash is only 3.3 ounces, making it perfect for someone who doesn’t want to invest in a large bottle without knowing how their skin will react. If you want an all-around healthier glow, this won’t disappoint.
| Key ingredients | Turmeric, kojic acid, essential oils, shea butter, honey |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.3 oz |
Best Clarifying Kojic Acid Soap
Nasola Kojic Acid Body Wash
Pros
- It’s formulated for all skin types
- It exfoliates without drying the skin
Cons
- The pump breaks easily
In need of a clarifying formula? This product from Nasola uses a mix of vitamin C, retinol, and collagen to hydrate skin and improve cell turnover—making room for new layers of healthy skin. Our beauty team believes this is a great point of entry for those who want to slowly start incorporating retinol into their skincare routine. And while it’s one of the more expensive options on the list, you’re getting 15.2 ounces of product, which evens out.
Something worth noting: no matter where you plan on using this product, the brand suggests rinsing it off in two to three minutes, with five minutes being the absolute max. Additionally, a few users did comment that the scent smells fruity, but a little medicine-like.
| Key ingredients | Turmeric and vitamin C |
|---|---|
| Size | 15.2 oz |
Best Fragrance-Free Kojic Acid Soap
Body Restore Kojic Acid Soap
Pros
- It’s ideal for those who are sensitive to fragrance
- It promotes even skin texture
Cons
- Some say the bar doesn’t lather up much
Anyone with sensitive skin knows that products with added fragrance are often no-gos. Fortunately, this soap from Body Restore is fragrance-free. It contains hydrating ingredients that our testers love, like hyaluronic acid and shea butter, while retinol, vitamin C, and vitamin E promote even skin texture and overall radiance.
However, if you want other versions of this in different scents, the soap is also available in grapefruit and vanilla. Even so, users say the smell isn’t overwhelming. Usually available for just a few dollars, it’s a total steal for two bars 5 ounce bars.
| Key ingredients | Vitamin C, vitamin E, shea butter, collagen, hyaluronic acid, turmeric, retinol |
|---|---|
| Size | 5 oz |
Best Multi-Purpose Kojic Acid Soap
Palficab Kojic Acid Soap for Dark Spots
Pros
- You get three bars for a budget-friendly price
- Can be used as a hands, face, and body wash
Cons
- It’s not ideal for acne-prone skin
Unlike some other options on this list, this product from Palficab contains tea tree oil, which is a great ingredient for reducing oiliness if you’re prone to greasy skin. You’ll also get three 10 ounce bars instead of two for just a few dollars more. “Made without animal fat, this handmade bar brightens and cleanses the skin of the body and face, says Dr. Camp.
In addition to tea tree oil, the soap is also made with moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter. If your skin is sensitive to tea tree tree oil, one user found luck using a hydrating moisturizer after use of the soap to prevent irritation.
Even so, it’s worth calling out that coconut oil is comedogenic, and shea butter can also clog pores. So if you’re someone who struggles with acne, it might be better to try a different cleanser.
| Key ingredients | Tea tree oil, shea butter, coconut oil, vitamin C, |
|---|---|
| Size | 10.9 oz |
Best Brightening Kojic Acid Soap
Lola Skincare Kojic Acid Soap
Pros
- It only contains clean ingredients
- It’s formulated to help lock in moisture
Cons
- Some say the soap dissolves faster than others
Lola Skincare is on a mission to be as transparent as possible about ingredients. To minimize the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, this body wash includes kojic acid to brighten skin, turmeric root to balance inflammation, and hyaluronic acid to help skin retain moisture, says Dr. Camp. Its formula is suitable for all skin types, and it’s great for treating fine lines and wrinkles.
Testers love how soft it leaves their skin thanks to the papaya extract. Vitamin A also assists with collagen production, acne, and signs of aging. Our beauty team believes that while these bars are much smaller compared to other options on this list (only 2.8 ounces), they still think it’s a great first buy for those who are just starting to use kojic acid.
| Key ingredients | Turmeric root, orange oil, kojic acid soap, papaya extract, vitamin A |
|---|---|
| Size | 2.8 oz |
Meet the experts
- Mona Gohara, MD, is a board certified dermatologist and Women’s Health Advisory Board member.
- Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board certified dermatologist based in New York.
What should you keep in mind when using a product with kojic acid?
Cleansers are short-contact products—you put it on and quickly wash it off. This also means they’re less effective than products that are meant to be left on your skin post-cleanse. Dr. Gohara explains that to see results you would likely have to pair it with other products that target your skin concern. “It would be one component in a more involved routine,” she says. “It’s not the end all be all.”
Is there anyone who shouldn’t use kojic acid soaps?
As previously mentioned, cleansers are washed off, but still provide somewhat of a benefit. That said, those with sensitive skin might find them to be a better option compared to products that sit on the face long-term, such as kojic acid serums or creams, says Dr. Gohara. However, she notes that anyone who has inflammation of the skin (think: rosacea, acne, and eczema) should avoid using it since it can make things worse.
Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.
Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. He was previously an assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
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