Skin treatments for hyperpigmentation and discoloration are so damn pricey. And I'm not just talking about the fancy schmancy in-office lasers that dermatologists use. Almost every serum I've used to remedy my acne scars and melasma costs well over $80 (😩). My wallet has been begging for an affordable solution, so, as one does, I went to TikTok to sleuth, and discovered that soap—more specifically, kojic acid soap—can brighten and lighten dark spots for cheap.
Kojic acid is a natural brightening antioxidant that's becoming super popular in serums, but it can be just as beneficial in other formats, including cleansers, says dermatologist Nicole Lee, MD. "Kojic acid in soap form is a convenient and cost-effective way to treat larger areas of the body, making it ideal for addressing uneven skin tone on the arms, legs, or back," she says. "This not only simplifies your routine but also makes skin brightening an easy, integrated part of everyday self-care."
Beyond being pretty damn affordable, kojic acid soaps are also a lot more practical than most serums because, like Dr. Lee mentions, they can be used on your face and body. That means if you're dealing with discoloration under your arms, along your bikini line, or on your knees, you can lather up and watch your skin get brighter and more even allll over.
Our top picks for the best kojic acid soaps in 2025:
Best Kojic Acid Soap Overall
PCA SKIN Pigment Bar
Best Kojic Acid Soap for Body
Topicals Faded Brightening & Cleansing Bar
Best Kojic Acid Soap for Face and Body
Good Molecules Brightening & Dark Spots Bar
Okay, so are you ready for radiant skin from head to toe? Keep reading to discover seven Cosmo editor-approved kojic acid soaps, with insights from dermatologists.
1
Best Kojic Acid Soap Overall
PCA SKIN Pigment Bar
Pros
Most recommended by derms
Included sponge makes application more sanitary
Gentle enough for everyday use
Cons
Can be drying, so best to double cleanse with a hydrating formula
Ask 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.
Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide
Size: 3.36 oz
Usage: Face
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. Lee
2
Best Kojic Acid Soap for Body
Topicals Faded Brightening & Cleansing Bar
Pros
Formulated with an effective blend of brightening ingredients
Comes with two bars
Super nourishing and moisturizing
Cons
Not recommended for face
This 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, though. A potent cocktail of brightening ingredients (including kojic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and lactic acid) work 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.
Key Ingredients: Kojic acid, vitamin C, shea butter
Size: 2 3.5 oz bars
Usage: Body
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. Garshick
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3
Best Kojic Acid Soap for Face and Body
Good Molecules Brightening & Dark Spots Bar
Pros
A rare formula that can be used on the face and body
Testers say they notice a difference in dark spots after one use
Cons
Bar is rather small
There'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 restore moisture to keep your skin comfortable and hydrated.
Key Ingredients: Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, olive oil
Size: 3 oz
Usage: Face and body
One Cosmo reader says: "I've been struggling with acne scars for years, and this soap changed my life. It leaves my skin smooth, and the first time I used it it worked. I could literally see a difference. This changed my life."
4
Best Kojic Acid Soap for Underarms
Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Bright Kojic Acid Brightening Body Bar
Pros
One of the strongest brighteners on this list
Can also remedy acne, bug bites, and ingrown hairs
Helps reduce body odor (making it great for use under your arms)
Cons
Can leave skin feeling dry, so be sure to lotion up after using
Let 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~.
Key Ingredients: Kojic acid, licorice root extract, sea salt
Size: 5 oz
Usage: Body
One Cosmo reader says: "I’m seeing such an improvement in my underarms since using this. It is very gentle, and I haven't experienced any irritation or dryness. I bought the travel size but plan to repurchase the full size."
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5
Best Affordable Kojic Acid Soap
Kitsch Kojic Acid Soap
Now 17% Off
Pros
The lather on this is extra luxe
Addresses hyperpigmentation and dark spots
Cons
Can realllly sting if you get it in your eyes
Ya know, you could spend $$$ on a luxe vitamin C serum to achieve a radiant glow... 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.
Key Ingredients: Kojic acid, turmeric, hyaluronic acid
Size: 4 oz
Usage: Face and body
One Cosmo reader says: "I'm not gonna lie, I was a bit skeptical when I looked at this product and all the great reviews. But just after a week using this bar, my skin has totally transformed! I LOVE THIS BAR! My only concern now is how many more bars I can order because I need to have this for life!"
6
Best Multitasking Kojic Acid Soap
Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Cleansing Bar
Now 30% Off
$16 at Ulta Beauty$16 $11 at Target
Pros
Addresses an array of skin concerns, including dark spots, uneven texture, and dullness
Super travel-friendly
Can be left on as an exfoliating mask
Cons
Might be a bit too intense for sensitive skin
Hyperpigmentation, 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.
Key Ingredients: Kojic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide
Size: 2 oz
Usage: Face
One Cosmo reader says: "I've religiously used this bar for over three years. This cleanser is gentle, yet very effective. I have combo skin, so it can be difficult to find a cleanser that does not dehydrate my skin. This has never failed me!"
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7
Best Kojic Acid Soap on Amazon
Valitic Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap
Pros
Can be used on body and face
Reviewers experienced fast results (two to three months)
Cons
Some testers said that it has a yellow staining effect
31,000—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.
Key Ingredients: Kojic acid, vitamin C, retinol
Size: 7 oz
Usage: Face and body
One Cosmo reader says: "For a girl who has struggled with acne her whole life, this is the soap to get! I cannot stress this enough! This soap helped get rid of my dark spots and acne spots within two months! I am absolutely blown away by this soap."
What 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.
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Can I use kojic acid soap every day?
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.
How 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.
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Meet 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 surgery
Marisa 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.