Is Kojic acid Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Kojic acid is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (endocrine disruptors).
INCI name Kojic Acid. CAS 501-30-4.
Is Kojic acid banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | skin-brightening serum, dark-spot cream |
| CAS number | 501-30-4 |
What is Kojic acid?
Kojic acid is a fungal-derived skin-lightening agent.
Why is Kojic acid used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.
Is Kojic acid dangerous? Documented risks
A sensitizer flagged for possible thyroid effects; the EU caps it at 1% in face/hand products. US use is unrestricted.
Products that may contain Kojic acid
- skin-brightening serum
- dark-spot cream
How to avoid Kojic acid: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Kojic acid
Is Kojic acid banned in the EU?
Kojic acid is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Kojic acid in US cosmetics?
Yes — Kojic acid can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Kojic acid?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Kojic acid automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Kojic acid?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Kojic acid.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Kojic acid or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related endocrine disruptors
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU endocrine disruptor list I — EU ED Lists
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.