Kojic Acid Dipalmitate CAS 79725-98-7 | Stable Kojic Acid

• Kojic Acid Dipalmitate (INCI: Kojic Acid Dipalmitate, industry abbreviation KAD, CAS 79725-98-7) is an oil-soluble derivative of the classic skin brightening ingredient Kojic Acid, produced via esterification modification of kojic acid with palmitic acid. It appears as a white flaky crystalline powder, readily soluble in oils and organic solvents, insoluble in water.
  
  
• As a new-generation high-efficacy skin brightening active, KAD fully retains kojic acid's core efficacy of inhibiting tyrosinase activity and blocking melanin synthesis. With no free hydroxyl groups in its molecular structure, it overcomes kojic acid's instability to light, heat and metal ions, delivering excellent formulation compatibility.
  
  
• Its oil-soluble property enables deeper and more effective skin absorption, with additional moisturizing benefits. Clinical studies show that formulations containing Kojic Acid Dipalmitate achieve 40%–50% improvement in pigmentation index. It is widely used in mid-to-high end skincare products including brightening serums, spot-removing creams, lotions, masks and color cosmetics.
  
  
• As a direct source manufacturer, we supply high-purity cosmetic-grade Kojic Acid Dipalmitate with guaranteed stable bulk supply capacity.
  

1. Industry-Leading Stability Solution (Solves Core Kojic Acid Pain Points)

Compared to traditional kojic acid, Kojic Acid Dipalmitate delivers significantly improved chemical stability:

Photostability: Resists decomposition under UV exposure, ensures consistent shelf-life quality even in transparent packaging

Thermal stability: Maintains full activity at high processing temperatures and extreme climate conditions

pH stability: Stable across a wide pH range of 4–9, providing maximum formulation design flexibility

Metal ion stability: No free hydroxyl groups in molecular structure, will not chelate metal ions, completely eliminates yellowing and browning issues caused by iron ion reaction

Oxidation stability: Strong antioxidant capacity, resists discoloration from air oxidation

2. Excellent Formulation Convenience & Compatibility

Outstanding formulation compatibility: Fully compatible with all types of preservatives, UV filters, vitamins, peptides and antioxidants, does not interfere with the efficacy of other active ingredients via hydrogen bond formation

Direct oil phase addition: As an oil-soluble ingredient (readily soluble in mineral oil, esters and hot ethanol), it can be directly added to the oil phase of skincare formulations with simple processing, no special treatment required

Superior skin affinity & lipophilicity: Excellent skin penetration capacity, can cross the skin barrier to reach the deep epidermis

3. Clinically Proven High-Efficacy Skin Brightening Performance

Potent tyrosinase inhibition: KAD is converted back to active kojic acid via skin enzyme hydrolysis, delivering tyrosinase inhibition effect. It competitively and reversibly inhibits melanin production, with stronger melanogenesis inhibitory activity than pure kojic acid, by targeting tyrosinase — the key rate-limiting enzyme for melanin synthesis

Effective pigmentation correction: Significantly improves dullness, uneven skin tone, dark spots, age spots and other hyperpigmentation issues, with transparent efficacy data for marketing claims

Soothing & auxiliary sun protection: Delivers additional moisturizing benefits and mild UV barrier effect, enhancing overall product performance

1. Skin Brightening & Hyperpigmentation Treatment (Core Application)

Brightening serums & ampoules: Acts as the core brightening active, inhibits tyrosinase activity, blocks melanin production at the source, improves hyperpigmentation and promotes even, luminous skin tone

Spot correcting creams: Targets and improves melasma, age spots, sun spots and post-acne hyperpigmentation

Functional masks: Added to cream or emulsion masks for auxiliary brightening and glow-boosting effects

Recommended dosage: 1%–3% for standard skincare formulations; 3%–5% for high-efficacy brightening products

Synergistic combinations: Delivers enhanced brightening effects when combined with niacinamide, vitamin C derivatives (e.g. AA2G), arbutin and ferulic acid

2. Color Cosmetics & Base Makeup

Liquid foundations / BB creams / CC creams: Continuously improves uneven skin tone, combines brightening benefits with basic makeup functionality

Primers & sunscreens: Provides auxiliary brightening effects, adds functional value to base products

Cushion compacts: Delivers continuous brightening protection during frequent touch-ups

3. Skincare Lotions & Creams

Daytime skincare: Works with sun protection products to deliver brightening and basic moisturizing benefits

Nighttime repair: Helps repair daytime UV damage and inhibits melanin production

Full-body brightening products: Used in body lotions and hand creams to improve overall body uneven skin tone

4. Clinical Efficacy Data Support

A 2025 systematic review on KAD for hyperpigmentation management confirmed:

Formulations containing KAD reduce melanin index by 40%–50% in clinical evaluations, while significantly improving skin hydration and elasticity with extremely low irritation potential

KAD delivered in 70 nm solid lipid nanoparticles achieves 80% controlled release within 24 hours; <130 nm nanoemulsion delivery systems maintain >95% formulation stability for 30 days under refrigerated conditions

KAD demonstrates antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and antioxidant capacity equivalent to 1 mM ascorbic acid 

Q1: What is Kojic Acid Dipalmitate, and what is its standard global identifier?

A: Kojic Acid Dipalmitate (INCI: Kojic Dipalmitate, industry abbreviation KAD, CAS 79725-98-7) is an oil-soluble modified derivative of kojic acid, produced via esterification of kojic acid with palmitic acid. It appears as a white flaky crystalline powder, non-irritating odor, and is the most widely used stable kojic acid derivative in the global cosmetic industry.

Q2: What is the core difference between Kojic Acid Dipalmitate (KAD) and regular Kojic Acid?

A: KAD solves all the core pain points of traditional kojic acid:

Stability: KAD has no free hydroxyl groups, so it is resistant to light, heat, oxidation and metal ions, will not yellow or brown, and maintains stable efficacy

Solubility: KAD is oil-soluble, suitable for both skincare and color cosmetics, while regular kojic acid is only water-soluble

Skin absorption: KAD has better lipophilicity, penetrates deeper into the skin and delivers longer-lasting efficacy

Irritation: KAD has lower skin irritation potential, suitable for sensitive skin formulations

Q3: How does Kojic Acid Dipalmitate achieve skin brightening effects?

A: KAD exerts its brightening effect via a targeted mechanism: after penetrating the skin, it is converted back to active kojic acid by skin enzymes, which selectively inhibits tyrosinase activity (the key rate-limiting enzyme for melanin synthesis) and blocks melanin production at the source. It delivers stronger melanin inhibition activity than pure kojic acid in clinical applications.

Q4: What is the recommended usage level of KAD in cosmetic formulations?

A: The standard recommended dosage of Kojic Acid Dipalmitate is:

1% – 3%: For standard skincare formulations (serums, creams, lotions, masks)

3% – 5%: For high-efficacy brightening and spot-correcting products

It can be directly added to the oil phase of formulations with no special processing required.

Q5: Will Kojic Acid Dipalmitate discolor or degrade in formulations?

A: No, KAD will not discolor or degrade under normal formulation and storage conditions. Its molecular structure has no free hydroxyl groups, so it will not chelate metal ions, react with iron ions, or oxidize to produce yellow/brown discoloration. It remains stable across a wide pH range of 4–9, under UV exposure, and at high processing temperatures.

Q6: Is KAD compatible with common cosmetic active ingredients?

A: Yes, KAD has excellent formulation compatibility. It works stably with all types of preservatives, UV filters, vitamins, peptides, niacinamide, arbutin, ferulic acid and other common cosmetic ingredients, and will not interfere with the efficacy of other actives via hydrogen bond formation or chemical reaction. It delivers synergistic brightening effects when combined with niacinamide and vitamin C derivatives.

Q7: In which products is Kojic Acid Dipalmitate commonly applied?

A: As a versatile stable brightening active, KAD is widely used in:

Skincare: Brightening serums, spot-correcting creams, lotions, masks, ampoules, body brightening products

Color cosmetics: Liquid foundations, BB creams, primers, cushion compacts, lipsticks

Sensitive skin formulations: Gentle brightening products for sensitive and post-procedure skin

Q8: What clinical efficacy data supports KAD's brightening performance?

A: A 2025 systematic review on hyperpigmentation management confirmed:

Formulations containing KAD reduce melanin index by 40%–50% in 8-12 weeks of clinical use

It significantly improves skin hydration and elasticity with extremely low irritation potential

Delivered in nano delivery systems, it achieves 80% controlled release within 24 hours and maintains >95% stability for 30 days