Kojic acid
CAS 501-30-4
EC 207-922-4
Formula C6H6O4
MW 142.11 g/mol
Organic Acids Personal Care & CosmeticsFood & Nutrition Antioxidant & StabilizerFlavoring & Acidulant
Description
Kojic acid (CAS 501-30-4, EC 207-922-4), also referred to as KJ Acid or NSC 1942, is a naturally derived organic acid produced through fungal fermentation, primarily from Aspergillus and Acetobacter species. It carries no assigned E-code and is classified under HS code 29329995.
In personal care formulations, kojic acid inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis, making it a functional active in skin-brightening and hyperpigmentation treatments. In food applications, it acts as an antioxidant by chelating metal ions that catalyze oxidative degradation, extending the stability of fats and pigments.
Kojic acid is supplied as a crystalline tan powder and is available in cosmetic and food-grade specifications. Procurement should verify compliance with REACH registration requirements and relevant regional cosmetic regulations, including EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, which sets concentration limits for leave-on and rinse-off products.
In personal care formulations, kojic acid inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis, making it a functional active in skin-brightening and hyperpigmentation treatments. In food applications, it acts as an antioxidant by chelating metal ions that catalyze oxidative degradation, extending the stability of fats and pigments.
Kojic acid is supplied as a crystalline tan powder and is available in cosmetic and food-grade specifications. Procurement should verify compliance with REACH registration requirements and relevant regional cosmetic regulations, including EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, which sets concentration limits for leave-on and rinse-off products.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 153.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 179.65°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.1712 (rough estimate) |
| Appearance | tan powder |
| Color | White to beige-brown |
| Form | Crystalline Powder |
| Water Solubility | SOLUBLE |
| Refractive Index | 1.4434 (estimate) |
| Log P | -0.640 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Warning GHS08
H
H351
P
P203P280P318P405P501
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29329995 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyran-4-one5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-pyrone5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-oneKJ ACID2-HYDROXYMETHYL-5-HYDROXY-4-PYRONE5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4-pyrone2-HYDROXYMETHYL-5-HYDROXY-1,4-PYRONE5-HYDROXY-2-HYDROXYMETHYL-4-PYRANONE
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
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