The 7 Best Kojic Acid Soaps, According To Beauty Experts

After looking at several options, this face wash takes our number one spot for its ultra-soothing ingredients. Made with turmeric, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, kojic acid, which helps to brighten skin, and shea butter and aloe vera for hydration, this body wash aims to reduce the appearance of blemishes and uneven skin tone while revitalizing skin, says dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD.This foaming formula also buffs away dead skin for a brighter complexion. Several users love the turmeric scent, noting that it creates a spa-like shower experience. Plus, those with sensitive skin add that the scent isn't strong enough to cause a reaction. "This seems like a really simple formula that comes in handy if you’re someone with sensitive skin, or if you need something to slough away dead skin without the roughness of thick sugar crystals and beads," says Women's Health beauty contributor Danielle Jackson. Price-wise, this one sits higher than the other kojic acid soaps, but the transparency of ingredients, size of the bottle, and overall positive feedback from testers sets it apart from the rest.Read more: Best Body Washes For WomenKey ingredientsShea butter, aloe vera, kojic acidSize5 ozIf aging skin is a concern for you, look no further than Koji White's Skin Brightening Body Wash. While this brand offers a wide array of kojic acid-based products, this one contains moisturizing heros such as vitamins E and B5. Vitamin B5 is known for its abilities to reduce fine lines and improve elasticity—something our testers experienced first hand. Still, a few users found that it took a few months to see results, and others dislike that you only get 10.8 ounces for the price. At the same time, products in bottles are less prone to bacteria, which might make it worthwhile if that's something you're worried about.Key ingredientsHyaluronic acid, vitamin E, vitamin B5Size10.8 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowThis bar soap strikes the perfect balance of great for sensitive skin (thanks to hydrating hyaluronic acid and shea butter) with powerful skin ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and turmeric to target melasma, age spots, and sun damage.Based on the ingredient list, our beauty team found that it’s a great formula for treating dark spots. They note it also lathers up well. This wash is only 3.5 ounces, making it perfect for someone who doesn't want to invest in a large soap without knowing how their skin will react.If you want an all-around healthier glow, this won't disappoint.Key ingredientsTurmeric, retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, shea butterSize3.5 ozIn need of a clarifying formula that also fight acne bumps that lead to scarring? This product from Nasola uses a mix of vitamin C, retinol, and collagen to hydrate skin and improve cell turnover—making room for new layers of healthy skin. Our beauty team believes this is a great point of entry for those who want to slowly start incorporating retinol into their skincare routine. And while it's one of the more expensive options on the list, you're getting 15.2 ounces of product, which evens out. Something worth noting: no matter where you plan on using this product, the brand suggests rinsing it off in two to three minutes, with five minutes being the absolute max. Additionally, a few users did comment that the scent smells fruity, but a little medicine-like. Key ingredientsTurmeric and vitamin CSize15.2 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowThis bar has a lot of unique features that make it one of our top choices—chief among them being that it lathers well enough to adequately cleanse both face and body. Despite the fact that it doesn't include some of the heavy-hitting anti-aging ingredients in some of our other choices, it's still infused with turmeric and hyaluronic acid to nurture skin and fade some types of spots (perhaps not the most stubborn ones, though). It's also worth noting that the experience of using many of these products may leave something to be desired (the smell can be off-putting). That's another standout feature of this pick: The light, beautiful citrus aroma that will emanate from your shower. What's more, it's vegan and cruelty-free. Plus, the unique design means the bar dries more quickly—and thoroughly—than other options, making it an eco-friendly pick that lasts longer. Key ingredientsTurmeric, hyaluronic acidSize4 oz.To minimize the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, this body wash includes kojic acid to brighten skin, turmeric root to balance inflammation, and hyaluronic acid to help skin retain moisture, says Dr. Camp. Its formula is suitable for all skin types, and it's great for treating fine lines and wrinkles.Testers love how soft it leaves their skin thanks to the orange extract. Vitamin C also assists with collagen production, acne, and signs of aging—it's also the gold-standard brightening ingredient that can give your skin an overall glow. Plus, the bar is infused with nourishing olive oil and is free of sulfate detergents, making it a great pick for even those with the most reactive skin. For that reason alone, our beauty team believes that while these bars are a great first buy for those who are just starting to use kojic acid.Key ingredientsOrange extract, hyaluronic acid, turmeric, vitamin CSize7 oz.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowFor those who like a quick no-muss, no-fuss cleanse, a pad can't be beat. That's why we love these, from Pumkot. Each pad is infused with turmeric and kojic acid and is textured to provide some gentle exfoliation, making them perfect for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The pad format is also ideal for makeup removal and for travel. For those who like their products to err on the side of natural, these are a great option: They're crafted from organic cotton, with ingredients derived from plants. Key ingredientsTurmeric, vitamin CSize60 padsSabrina Talbert is the beauty editorial assistant at Women’s Health. With over five years of experience, her bylines have appeared in Byrdie, Nylon, Daily Front Row, and more. She’s passionate about covering topics related to haircare, skincare, and the latest happenings at the intersection of beauty and sports. When she’s not working, you can catch her training for her next race (NYC Marathon loading!) and binge-watching F1 or combat sports.Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. He was previously an assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.