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Is Kojic acid banned?

Kojic acid is permitted by the US FDA. Several countries restrict, warning-label, or have reviewed it for safety concerns. The US has more lenient additive rules than the EU, UK, Canada, and Japan, which is why this ingredient remains widely used here.

Why Kojic acid is flagged

A sensitizer flagged for possible thyroid effects; the EU caps it at 1% in face/hand products. US use is unrestricted.

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