What should you know about kojic acid and lactic acid?

Kojic acid is used in pigment-focused products, while lactic acid is an exfoliating acid that can loosen surface buildup and improve the feel and appearance of dull skin. Their roles overlap around uneven tone, but they do not diagnose or treat every cause of pigmentation.

Using both may make skin more sensitive, particularly when the barrier is already dry, inflamed, or affected by eczema. Irritation can cause redness and may leave darker marks after the inflammation settles, especially in skin that tends to pigment after irritation.

Do not begin both ingredients together. Introduce one product first, use it according to its label, and wait until your skin is comfortable before considering the other. Apply to clean, dry, intact skin, avoid the eye area, and use moisturizer afterward.

Avoid combining this routine with scrubs or several other exfoliating products. Daytime sun protection helps limit further darkening. Stop if you develop persistent burning, marked redness, cracking, or scaling; recovery of the skin barrier comes before resuming active ingredients.

Seek prompt care for facial swelling, blistering, severe pain, breathing symptoms, or a reaction involving the eyes. Have a clinician assess a dark patch that changes rapidly, bleeds, crusts, or remains unexplained despite a simple routine.

Ask which ingredient fits your pigmentation and skin sensitivity, whether they should be used on separate days, and which acne or anti-ageing products could make irritation more likely. Discuss previous reactions, eczema, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.