Kojic Dipalmiate (Cosmetic Grade)   

Kojic dipalmitate (cosmetic grade) is an advanced, more stable derivative of kojic acid. It’s widely used in skincare for brightening and evening skin tone, but with less irritation and greater stability compared to regular kojic acid.

What is Kojic Dipalmitate

• A modified form of kojic acid, created by combining kojic acid with palmitic acid (a fatty acid).
• This makes it:
• More stable → resists oxidation and light degradation.
• Oil-soluble → blends well in creams, lotions, and serums.
• Less irritating → gentler on sensitive skin.
• Used in cosmetic-grade formulations for safe topical application.

Properties

• Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder.
• Solubility: Oil-soluble (unlike kojic acid, which is water-soluble).
• Mode of action: Inhibits tyrosinase enzyme, blocking melanin formation → reduces hyperpigmentation.

Cosmetic Benefits

1. Brightening effect → reduces age spots, melasma, freckles, and acne scars.
2. Even skin tone → helps with dullness and patchy pigmentation.
3. Anti-aging support → improves skin clarity and radiance.
4. More stable & longer shelf life than kojic acid.
5. Gentle → suitable for sensitive or easily irritated skin.

Common Applications

• Brightening creams & serums
• Anti-spot treatments
• Skin-lightening soaps & lotions
• Sunscreen formulations (as it pairs well with UV filters)
• Combined with other actives (niacinamide, vitamin C, arbutin) for stronger results

Recommended Usage Levels

• 1% – 5% in formulations.
• Often used with emulsifiers in oil-based products due to its fat solubility.

Safety & Precautions

• Considered safer and gentler than pure kojic acid.
• Still do a patch test for sensitive skin.
• Use alongside daily sunscreen → prevents re-darkening of pigmentation.
• Cosmetic grade → for external use only.

Quick DIY Concept (Brightening Cream): Blend into a cosmetic cream base:

• 50 g lightweight lotion base
• 2% kojic dipalmitate (oil-soluble, melted into the oil phase)
• 5% vitamin E (antioxidant booster)
• Result → a stable, gentle, brightening cream suitable for daily use.