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Skin conditioning agents and actives

Kojic acid

Also known as 5-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one, 5-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-pyrone, 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyran-4-one

CAS 501-30-4Formula C6H6O4Molar mass 142.11 g/molEC 207-922-4
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Serious health hazard 166 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Kojic acid chemical structure, C6H6O4, CAS 501-30-4
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Prismatic needles from acetone, ethanol+ether or methanol+ethyl acetate
Melting point
153.5 °C
Solubility
Soluble in water, acetone, slightly solluble in ether, insoluble in benzene
HS code
293299
Category
Skin conditioning agents and actives
Illustrative photo, 25 kg white woven sacks of powder on a pallet in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Kojic acid?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Kojic acid is a pyranone that is 4H-pyran substituted by a hydroxy group at position 5, a hydroxymethyl group at position 2 and an oxo group at position 4. It has been isolated from the fungus Aspergillus oryzae. It has a role as an EC 1.14.18.1 (tyrosinase) inhibitor, a NF-kappaB inhibitor, an Aspergillus metabolite, a skin lightening agent, an EC 1.10.3.1 (catechol oxidase) inhibitor, an EC 1.10.3.2 (laccase) inhibitor, an EC 1.13.11.24 (quercetin 2,3-dioxygenase) inhibitor and an EC 1.4.3.3 (D-amino-acid oxidase) inhibitor. It is a member of 4-pyranones, a primary alcohol and an enol. It derives from a hydride of a 4H-pyran.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyran-4-one
CAS number
501-30-4 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 123712-78-7
EC number
207-922-4
Molecular formula
C6H6O4
UNII
6K23F1TT52
MDL number
MFCD00006580
INCI name
KOJIC ACID
InChIKey
BEJNERDRQOWKJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C6H6O4/c7-2-4-1-5(8)6(9)3-10-4/h1,3,7,9H,2H2
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C1=C(OC=C(C1=O)O)CO

Synonyms

  • 5-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one
  • 5-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-pyrone
  • 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyran-4-one
  • 5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4-pyrone
  • 4H-Pyran-4-one, 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
  • acido kojico
  • 2-Hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxy-gamma-pyrone
  • 2-(Hydroxymethyl)-5-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one
  • Beaute
  • Cleansing Pasds
  • TurmericKojicSoap
  • Surfree Kojic Acid
  • Cleansing pads
  • Kojic Acid Dark Spot
  • Kojic Acid 0.6%
  • Kojic Acid 4.4%
  • RET I NOL
  • Deodorant Underarms Body Skin
  • GZE Lemon Turmeric Kojic ScidSoap
  • Kojic Acid Turmeric Cleansing Pads
  • Cvc turmeric cleansing pasds
  • GZE Lemon Turmeric Kojic Acid LiquidSoap
  • Kambuta Turmeric Kojic acid Cleansing Pasds
  • Pyran-4-one, 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)
  • 5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4H-4-pyranone
Show all 33 synonyms
  • 5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4H-pyran-4-one
  • 5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-pyran-4-one
  • KOJIC ACID (MART.)
  • kojate
  • Kojisaeure
  • Kojic acid (Standard)
  • 2-Hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxy-4-pyrone
  • Natural Kojic Acid Powder

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Prismatic needles from acetone, ethanol+ether or methanol+ethyl acetateexp.
Melting point
153.5 °Cexp.
Solubility
Soluble in water, acetone, slightly solluble in ether, insoluble in benzeneexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
142.11 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
142.0266 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.16calc.
Topological polar surface area
70.67 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
2calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
4calc.
Rotatable bonds
1calc.
Heavy atoms
10calc.
Rings
1calc.
Aromatic rings
1calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.17calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, O=c1ccocc1

O=c1ccocc1

1 ring, 7 atoms, the 4H-Pyran-4-one ring system.

339 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard

Hazard statements

  • H351Suspected of causing cancer.
Precautionary statements (5)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Kojic acid suppliers

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All 166 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

166 suppliers in 24 countries

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Kojic acid price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Converted to maltol and ethyl maltol, flavor-enhancing additives. Food additive to inhibit tyrosinase.

Chemical intermediate, metal chelates, ... antifungal and antimicrobial agent.

Mildly antibiotic.

Kojic acid is widely used as a food additive for preventing enzymatic browning, and in cosmetic preparations as a skin-lightening or bleaching agent.

Laboratory reagent used as standard chemical for tyrosinase inhibitor assays.

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name KOJIC ACID(antioxidant, bleaching)

Pharmacological actions

  • Antioxidants

Roles

  • Aspergillus metabolite
  • NF-kappaB inhibitor
  • cosmetic
  • enzyme inhibitor
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • fungal metabolite
  • metabolite
  • skin lightening agent

Functional uses

  • Antioxidant

Cosmetic functions

  • Antioxidant
  • Bleaching

How it is made

Antibiotic substance produced in an aerobic process by a variety of microorganisms from a wide-range of carbon sources.

Fermentation of starches and sugars by certain molds.

Readily obtained from D-glucose either enzymatically by Aspergillus oryzae (growing on steamed rice) or chemically via pyranoid 3,2-enolones.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III, restricted in cosmetics
    Name: Kojic Acid, Ref no: 375, Annex ref: III/375
  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Kojic acid is traded under.

HS 2932.99Indicative HS code

Heterocyclic compounds with oxygen hetero-atom(s) only, other

World exports in 2024
$3.81B
+10.3% vs 2023, imports $7.05B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China28.9%
  2. Switzerland * partner reported12.7%
  3. Germany7.8%
Top importers
  1. United States49.7%
  2. China11.9%
  3. India * partner reported3.3%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Kojic acid is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Kojic acid, based on the data on this page

What is Kojic acid?

Kojic acid is a pyranone that is 4H-pyran substituted by a hydroxy group at position 5, a hydroxymethyl group at position 2 and an oxo group at position 4. It has been isolated from the fungus Aspergillus oryzae.

What is the CAS number of Kojic acid?

The CAS registry number of Kojic acid is 501-30-4. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 123712-78-7.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Kojic acid?

The molecular formula of Kojic acid is C6H6O4 and its molar mass is 142.11 g/mol.

What is Kojic acid used for?

Converted to maltol and ethyl maltol, flavor-enhancing additives. Food additive to inhibit tyrosinase. Chemical intermediate, metal chelates, ... antifungal and antimicrobial agent. Mildly antibiotic.

Is Kojic acid hazardous?

Kojic acid carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: suspected of causing cancer. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Kojic acid?

Kojic acid is usually classified under HS code 293299 (Heterocyclic compounds with oxygen hetero-atom(s) only, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Kojic acid?

CompoundList lists 166 suppliers of Kojic acid in China, United States, India, United Kingdom and 20 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Kojic acid in India?

9 suppliers in India list Kojic acid on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Kojic acid?

Suppliers quote Kojic acid on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Kojic acid

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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