Kojic Acid

This is a relatively new product in the market allegedly containing Kojic Acid. Kojic acid for the purpose of cosmetics as many are aware is actually banned in a few countries including Switzerland, Korea and Japan for its possible mutagenicity effects possibly linked to cancer and other health hazards.


What is available in this preparation is none other than glutathione and vitamin C. So this is yet another repacked products made to look as if it is a new novel product.


The bar code below shows that it is not a real bar code. The number portrayed as the bar code shows it is the wrong sets of numbers for a product said to be made in Japan. This number is only used as voucher codes. It is not a real bar code. A real product made in Japan would bear a different set of numbers. You may refer to our previous article on bar codes. However the packaging we must say is rather impressive, together with the logo of Kyowa Hakko, the purported company that makes it.


This product does not contain Kojic Acid. It is just a name. And it is not made in Japan. The error in the bar code reveals it all:

Product:   Kojic Acid                                           
Bar Code:  9987164432453332     
Origin: Voucher Codes
Significance: This bar code is a false bar code                                                                                                          

Insert on the inside of the box

Supposed Certificate of Authenticity

Below is a newspaper clip from a Chinese daily that reported the fake nature of Kojic Acid.