What should you know about kojic acid scrub?

Kojic acid is used to reduce the appearance of excess pigment, while a scrub removes surface cells through friction. Together they can leave the barrier dry, tight, or inflamed, particularly on the face, around the nose, or on skin prone to eczema or rosacea. More friction does not make pigment leave the skin faster.

Irritation may cause stinging, flakes, redness, or small cracks. Inflammation can then make dark marks more noticeable, creating a cycle of scrubbing and worsening tone. A scrub also cannot safely treat a mole, bleeding spot, or unexplained new mark.

Patch-test before use and keep the first application gentle and limited to intact skin. Do not press hard, use a rough mitt, or combine the scrub with other exfoliating acids or retinoids without clinical advice. Rinse with lukewarm water, moisturise, and use sun protection on exposed areas.

Pause when skin feels raw, hot, or persistently tight. If your goal is to address uneven pigmentation, a clinician can review the cause and discuss [Kojic Acid](/materials/kojic-acid/) or a supervised [Skin Brightening Treatment](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/skin-brightening-treatment/).

Stop using the scrub for significant burning, swelling, blistering, hives, or a spreading rash. Seek medical review if the skin becomes infected-looking, painful, or slow to heal. Have any dark spot assessed when it changes quickly, bleeds, crusts, or develops an irregular border instead of exfoliating it.

Ask whether your pigmentation needs a diagnosis, whether physical exfoliation is suitable for your skin, and which active products should not be combined. Ask for a barrier-repair plan and clear instructions for restarting, if restarting is appropriate.