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Kojic Acid Dipalmitate (KAD)

INCI: Kojic Acid Dipalmitate

What is it?

Kojic acid dipalmitate is kojic acid with two palmitic acid molecules attached, made by reacting kojic acid with palmitic acid (or a reactive form of it) until both of kojic acid's available attachment points are esterified. Free kojic acid works by grabbing onto the copper that a skin enzyme called tyrosinase needs...

How is it used?

Add it to the oil phase. It's insoluble in water. It's commonly melted into a compatible ester emollient like isopropyl palmitate at around 80°C before blending into the rest of the formula. Its wide pH stability (roughly 3 to 10) makes it much less fussy about finished pH than free kojic acid.

Forms

Available forms and grades affect how this ingredient behaves and how it should be selected for a formula.

Appearance

Color, texture, and physical characteristics can vary between suppliers and product grades.

Usage rate

Recommended incorporation levels depend on product type, supplier guidance, and the intended result.

Why we use it

Formulators choose this ingredient for specific performance, sensory, and stability benefits.

Strengths and limitations

Its advantages, compatibility considerations, and practical tradeoffs should be weighed during development.

Alternatives and substitutions

Possible replacements depend on the ingredient's role, desired skin feel, and formulation system.

Storage and shelf life

Appropriate storage conditions help protect quality and performance throughout the ingredient's usable life.

Kojic Acid Dipalmitate (KAD)

What is it?

How is it used?

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