Can Bar Soap Brighten Your Skin? If It’s Made With Kojic Acid, It Can

ProsMost recommended by dermsIncluded sponge makes application more sanitaryGentle enough for everyday useConsCan be drying, so best to double cleanse with a hydrating formulaAsk any dermatologist what kojic acid soap they recommend, and most will mention this effective formula. Both Dr. Lee and dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, are huge fans and named this their top pick for how it cleanses skin, evens out skin tone, and reduces discoloration. Plus, they mention the formula is so gentle, it can be used daily.Aestheticians regularly use this during pro facials, so incorporating this into your routine brings the luxury home. Inside the travel-friendly jar, you'll find a soft sponge that helps work up a sudsy lather and lightly exfoliates your skin. A tiny amount goes a long way, too, so even if you use this every day—Dr. Garshick reminds us consistency is key!—the tub should last you six months or more.One Cosmo expert says: "This is packed with so many amazing brightening ingredients. I also love how it comes in a jar for storage and with a sponge for ease of application. It leaves the skin feeling clean and is much less irritating than other brands." — Dr. LeeFeatures at a glanceKey ingredientsAzelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamideSize3.36 oz.UsageFaceProsDesigned to brighten with vitamin C, kojic acid, and turmericFroths into the most luxurious foam Less messy/slippery than a bar soapSome of us truly struggle to maneuver a bar of soap. (Hi, it’s me.) Instead of attempting to wash your face as one frustratingly slips out of your hands, Medicube created this foaming kojic acid solution. Two different types of capsules—one filled with vitamins C and E, and the other with kojic acid and turmeric—are suspended in a creamy cleanser that froths up as you lather. Not only is the experience of using this incredibly enjoyable, but the glowing results will keep you reaching for this again and again.One Cosmo editor says: “I honestly begrudgingly used kojic acid bar soaps because I loved how they made my skin look. Now I’m so glad I can experience the same benefits with a cleanser the froths up and feels so luxe.” —MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITORFeatures at a glanceKey ingredientsKojic acid, turmeric, niacinamideSize4.23 oz.UsageFaceAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsFormulated with an effective blend of brightening ingredientsComes with two barsSuper nourishing and moisturizingConsNot recommended for faceThis isn't your grandma's bar soap—Topicals is here to make cleansing bars cool again. It simply feels like a bonus that this fades dark spots and discoloration on top of effectively cleansing. A potent cocktail of brightening ingredients (including kojic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and lactic acid) works to even skin tone over time. The addition of shea butter makes it a serious godsend for sensitive areas like underarms, inner thighs, and bikini line too.One Cosmo expert says: "I like that this is fragrance-free and contains shea butter, making it especially good for those with dry and sensitive skin." — Dr. GarshickFeatures at a glanceKey ingredientsKojic acid, vitamin C, shea butterSizeTwo 3.5 oz. barsUsageBodyProsA rare formula that can be used on the face and bodyTesters say they notice a difference in dark spots after one useThere's a bit of a conundrum in the skincare space: Most body products aren't gentle enough to be used on your face. That's especially true for bar soap, but Good Molecules made it a point to develop this versatile cleanser that can be used anywhere. Yep, even on the most sensitive areas, like your bikini line and your face. This pH-balanced bar contains mega brighteners (hi, kojic and tranexamic acids) to effectively fade dark spots, while a nourishing blend of olive oil, grapeseed oil, and glycerin restores moisture to keep your skin comfortable and hydrated.One Cosmo editor says: "I've been struggling with acne scars for years, and this soap finally helped the extra stubborn ones fade. It leaves my skin smooth, and I could literally see a difference from the first use.” — MHFeatures at a glanceKey ingredientsTranexamic acid, kojic acid, olive oilSize3 oz.UsageFace and bodyAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsOne of the strongest brighteners on this listCan also remedy acne, bug bites, and ingrown hairsHelps reduce body odor (making it great for use under your arms)ConsCan leave skin feeling dry, so be sure to lotion up after usingLet me start by saying that dark underarms are totally normal and nothing to be concerned about. But if the discoloration bothers you, this brightening soap can give you some peace of mind and take your confidence to level 100. Kaia Naturals uses kojic acid dipalmitate, the strongest form of the ingredient, which doesn't just address pigmentation, but it also prevents it from returning. Along with licorice root extract and sea salt, this multi-tasking soap cleanses the hell out of your body to completely diminish unpleasant odors. Talk about a ~full refresh~.One Cosmo editor says: "Once I changed birth control I noticed my underarms get darker, and I’ve seen such an improvement in my since using this. It is very gentle, and I haven't experienced any irritation or dryness.” —MHFeatures at a glanceKey ingredientsKojic acid, licorice root extract, sea saltSize5 oz.UsageBodyProsThe lather on this is extra luxeAddresses hyperpigmentation and dark spotsConsCan realllly sting if you get it in your eyesYa know, you could spend $$$ on a luxe vitamin C serum to achieve a radiant complexion... or you could just wash your face—and your body—with this $12 soap. Kojic acid and turmeric are a dynamic brightening duo in this bar and gently reduce hyperpigmentation while also leaving behind a nice glow on your skin. The lather is the best out of all the picks on our list, tbh, because it works up to a lush, fluffy froth for the most energizing cleanse, maybe ever.One Cosmo editor says: "I was never a big bar soap gal (I love a good body wash gel) but just after a week using this bar, my skin has a glassy glow to it. I’m a total convert now and always have a few stashed under my sink.”—MHFeatures at a glanceKey ingredientsKojic acid, turmeric, hyaluronic acidSize4 oz.UsageFace and bodyAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsAddresses an array of skin concerns, including dark spots, uneven texture, and dullnessSuper travel-friendlyCan be left on as an exfoliating maskConsMight be a bit too intense for sensitive skinHyperpigmentation, dullness, uneven texture—oh my! These skin woes often go hand in hand, but rather than buying multiple serums and creams to tackle each individual concern, this cleansing bar addresses all three while also deep cleaning your skin. And if you despise washing your face (like me), the unique formula can instead be used as an exfoliating mask. It even comes with a sponge for convenient application.One Cosmo editor says: "I’m not the best at washing my face—especially when I travel, which I do once a month. But since I started packing this my skin doesn’t freak out after long flights. I won’t go anywhere without it."—MHFeatures at a glanceKey ingredientsKojic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamideSize2 ozUsageFaceProsCan be used on body and faceReviewers experienced fast results (two to three months)ConsSome testers said that it has a yellow staining effectThirty-one thousand—yep, that number is correct—Amazon shoppers can't get enough of this brightening soap. What makes it so great? Well, I'm glad you asked. The unique bar combines kojic acid, vitamin C, and retinol (aka a trifecta of dark spot correctors) to quickly improve hyperpigmentation and acne scars, as well as discoloration all over your body. A slew of skin hydrators, including hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and shea butter, ensure skin stays soft, smooth, and happy too.One Cosmo editor says: "The Amazon reviews don’t lie. This kojic acid soap is the GOAT for addressing all kinds of dark spots.”—MHFeatures at a glanceKey ingredientsKojic acid, vitamin C, retinolSize7 oz.UsageFace and bodyAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowWhat does kojic acid soap do for the skin? Soooo, interestingly enough, kojic acid is a thing thanks to fungus—but Dr. Garshick assures us it's not mold. "Kojic acid is naturally derived as a result of fermentation from fungus and helps to brighten the skin and lessen discoloration," she explains. "It works as a tyrosinase inhibitor [tyrosinase is an enzyme that helps produce melanin] to block the production of melanin and therefore reduce pigmentation." The ingredient also offers antioxidant benefits to ward off signs of free radical damage like fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness.Is it okay to use kojic acid soap daily?The short answer is yes, although Dr. Lee suggests slowly introducing it into your routine like you would any other skincare active. "Start every other day to minimize the potential for irritation." she says. Dr. Garshick adds that kojic acid soaps should only be used once daily, either in the morning or evening. Also, be sure to check if the soap you choose is safe for your face or just the body. Some formulations, like the Kaia Naturals Takesumi Bright Kojic Acid Brightening Body Bar, aren't gentle enough for the delicate facial skin.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowHow long does it take to see results from kojic acid soap?Are you hoping to diminish hyperpigmentation and acne scars or just aiming for an overall brighter complexion? Depending on your goals and skin concerns, the length of time it will take to see results varies, says Dr. Lee. "Many patients notice initial improvement in overall skin tone and brightness with some lightening of dark spots within four to six weeks, but more significant changes in overall complexion and clarity often take three to four months of consistent use," she explains. The most important take away: Consistency is key.What are the disadvantages to using kojic acid soap?While kojic acid soaps are wonderful at addressing dark spots and discoloration, they’re not the most hydrating. If you deal with dry skin, kojic acid soaps can leave you feeling tight or itchy, which is why you’ll want to follow up with a moisturizing body wash to replenish your moisture barrier. When double cleansing, start with the kojic acid soap then finish with a hydrating body wash for softer (and brighter!) skin.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowMeet the experts:Nicole Lee, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Epoch Dermatology in Garden City, NY. She specializes in cosmetic and laser surgeryMarisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and New Jersey. She is proficient in remedying a wide array of skin issues including acne, eczema, rosacea, and more.Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?Mary Honkus is a contributing beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including a deep dive into the plumping agent Maxi-Lip and testing out viral moisturizers. She’s an authority in all beauty categories, and particularly enjoys researching buzzy ingredients, like kojic acid. For this story, she consulted with two dermatologists to learn what kojic acid soap is, what issues it addresses, how to use it, and compile the top seven options currently available.Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she's not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell's Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC's hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.