The simple answer is that there are no conclusive studies that prove kojic acid, as a topically applied ingredient and in the doses that they are used in most cosmetics, and in our Illuminants+, has carcinogenic effects.
We have registered our products in several international markets and have been unable to find corroboration that kojic acid, again as a topical ingredient and in the doses used in Illuminants+, is a banned substance. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer Evaluation, there is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of kojic acid. There is limited evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of kojic acid, but when taken internally (not applied topically) and in very high doses (not normally used in cosmetics). The agency’s overall evaluation of this ingredient is: kojic acid is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.
It may be helpful to note that several common substances are considered carcinogenic when taken internally or inhaled at very high doses. For example, tar is commonly used in hair dyes and some shampoos. At high doses, it is a proven carcinogen. However, at the doses used in these products, it has not been proven to be harmful. Dyes in foods have also been shown to be carcinogenic when consumed in large amounts by laboratory animals. However, in the doses normally consumed by human beings over a lifetime, there is no substantive proof that they have the same carcinogenic effects.
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