Product Description
Kojic acid is an organic acid with antibacterial properties produced through the aerobic fermentation of glucose by Aspergillus candida at 30–32°C. Its molecular structure belongs to the γ-pyrone family with a substituted group. Among naturally occurring γ-pyrone compounds, kojic acid and maltol are the most widely recognized.
Kojic acid crystals were first isolated from rice koji by Saito in 1907. The compound was officially named by Yabuta in 1912, and its chemical structure was identified in 1924. Later studies, including surface fermentation research by Arnstela in 1953 and submerged fermentation studies by Kitada Makuo in 1971, confirmed through isotope tracing technology that kojic acid is formed via direct oxidation and dehydration of glucose without carbon skeleton cleavage.
Properties
| Melting point | 152-155 °C (lit.) |
| Boiling point | 179.65°C (rough estimate) |
| density | 1.1712 (rough estimate) |
| refractive index | 1.4434 (estimate) |
| storage temp. | Store below +30°C. |
| solubility | DMSO (Slightly), Methanol (Slightly, Sonicated) |
| form | Crystalline Powder |
| pka | 7.9(at 25℃) |
| color | White to beige-brown |
| Water Solubility | SOLUBLE |
| λmax | 269nm(CHCl3)(lit.) |
| Merck | 145317 |
| BRN | 120895 |
| Stability: | Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. |
| LogP | -0.64 |
| CAS DataBase Reference | 501-30-4(CAS DataBase Reference) |
| NIST Chemistry Reference | 5-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4h-pyran-4-one(501-30-4) |
| IARC | 3 (Vol. 79) 2001 |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Kojic acid (501-30-4) |
| Hazard Codes | Xn |
| Risk Statements | 40-68 |
| Safety Statements | 22-24/25-36/37-36 |
| WGK Germany | 3 |
| RTECS | UQ0875000 |
| HS Code | 29329995 |
| Hazardous Substances Data | 501-30-4(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Product Application
1.Food Industry Applications
Kojic acid is widely utilized in food production. Due to its antioxidant properties, it was initially used to prevent oil rancidity. Recent studies have also demonstrated its antibacterial and insecticidal effects. It is commonly applied as a food preservative, freshness-retaining agent, and color stabilizer, serving as an alternative to conventional chemical preservatives. Kojic acid is extensively used in meat processing for color protection, as well as in the preservation and sterilization of fruits, vegetables, and raw foods. It can also be used as a preservative for cut flowers to extend freshness and shelf life. In addition, kojic acid may help inhibit the formation of nitrosamines from nitrites in cured meat products, which is significant for improving food safety and supporting product upgrades. In agriculture, kojic acid can function as a biopesticide, insecticide, and biofertilizer, helping improve crop yield and productivity when sprayed or applied to plant roots.
2.Flavor and Food Additive Production
Kojic acid is used as a raw material in the manufacture of flavor enhancers such as maltol and ethyl maltol.
3.Pharmaceutical Applications
It can serve as an intermediate raw material in the production of cephalosporin antibiotics.
4.Cosmetic and Personal Care Uses
Beyond food processing, kojic acid is widely applied in cosmetics for skin brightening and spot reduction. Kojic acid and its derivatives, including acetates, possess antibacterial properties and generally exhibit low skin irritation, making them suitable as preservatives in cosmetic and food products. Kojic acid also has strong ultraviolet absorption capabilities and can be used alone or combined with sunscreen formulations. It is commonly used in skincare products to help reduce pigmentation, maintain skin moisture, and minimize wrinkles. In hair care products, it may also help reduce dandruff.
5.Other Industrial Uses
Kojic acid can additionally be used in seasonings and as a raw material for producing larch bark extract and ethyl larch bark extract.
Factory Tour
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Company Profile
Shandong Rongsheng Chemical Co., Ltd. is nestled within one of Shandong’s premier chemical industry hubs. As a multifaceted chemical enterprise engaged in production, technological research, domestic sales and global export operations, we specialize in supplying basic chemical feedstocks and fine‑chemical functional additives. Our comprehensive product portfolio finds wide practical application across rubber‑plastics compounding, coating systems, printing ink formulations, water‑treatment projects and a broad spectrum of industrial manufacturing fields.
We run our own standardized manufacturing premises to implement rigorous end‑to‑end quality supervision throughout every production phase and deliver authentic factory‑direct sourcing. By cutting out layers of middle‑man dealers, we offer flexible commercial solutions for international purchasers, encompassing large‑volume bulk orders, tailor‑made formula R&D, customized packing specifications and small‑lot sample provision. Our adaptable production schedules help us sustain dependable shipment performance to satisfy diversified procurement demands from overseas clients.
Our competent foreign trade team possesses deep‑rooted real‑world expertise in worldwide chemical markets. Familiar with varied import access standards and cross‑border logistics protocols of different nations, we provide overseas partners with full‑cycle export services. Our service scope covers inquiry processing, sample dispatching, personalized solution development, customs formalities handling, cargo arrangement as well as post‑project after‑sales follow‑up.
We follow our core business philosophy: operation guided by quality, and mutually beneficial cooperation built upon credibility. Leveraging stable product performance, flexible service mechanisms and high‑efficiency, rule‑compliant delivery capacity, we deliver economical and trustworthy all‑in‑one chemical supply‑chain solutions for buyers around the globe. We aim to establish long‑run, solid cooperative relationships and grow into a trusted strategic ally in worldwide fine‑chemical trade.
