The key difference between kojic acid and kojic acid dipalmitate is that kojic acid comparatively has less stability whereas kojic acid dipalmitate has high stability.
Kojic acid and kojic acid dipalmitate are important whitening agents in the cosmetic industry. Furthermore, there are many applications for kojic acid in the food industry as well.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Kojic Acid
3. What is Kojic Acid Dipalmitate
4. Similarities – Kojic Acid and Kojic Acid Dipalmitate
5. Kojic Acid vs Kojic Acid Dipalmitate in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Kojic Acid vs Kojic Acid Dipalmitate
What is Kojic Acid?
Kojic acid is a chelation agent that forms as the byproduct of fermentation of malting rice used for Japanese rice wine. This acidic compound is produced by a fungus named Aspergillus oryzae. This fungus has the Japanese common name “koji”. This substance can act as a mild inhibitor for the formation of pigments in plants and animal tissues. It is also useful in producing some foods and cosmetics as an agent to prevent colour changes of the product.
Figure 01: The Chemical Structure of Kojic Acid
The chemical formula of kojic acid is C6H6O4. The molar mass of this compound is 142 g/mol. It appears as a white solid compound that is slightly water-soluble. Kojic acid is formed from the dehydratase enzyme action on glucose. However, pentoses also can act as precursors for this compound.
The applications of kojic acid include prevention of oxidative browning when cutting fruits, preserving the pink and red colour in seafood, lightening the skin when used in cosmetics, and treating skin diseases such as melasma. It has also been used for research purposes to protect Chinese hamster ovary cells from ionizing radiation.
What is Kojic Acid Dipalmitate?
Kojic acid dipalmitate or KAD is a diesterified derivative of kojic acid. This substance is superior to kojic acid in the effect of whitening. Moreover, this substance is more stable than normal kojic acid. Therefore, it is widely useful in the cosmetic industry. This whitening ability of kojic acid diplomitate comes from its ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity, which can result in the suppression of skin pigmentation.
Further, kojic acid dipalmitate can act not only as a whitening agent but can also fight age spots, pregnancy marks, freckles, and general skin pigmentation disorders on the face and body. Many cosmetic products use this substance due to its high effectiveness and high stability.
What are the Similarities Between Kojic Acid and Kojic Acid Dipalmitate?
- Both kojic acid and kojic acid dipalmitate can act as whitening agents for the skin.
- They are carcinogenic, according to some research studies.
What is the Difference Between Kojic Acid and Kojic Acid Dipalmitate?
Kojic acid is a chelation agent formed as the byproduct of fermentation of malting rice used for Japanese rice wine, while kojic acid dipalmitate is a diesterified derivative of kojic acid. Kojic acid and kojic acid dipalmitate are important whitening agents in the cosmetic industry. Kojic acid also has many applications in the food industry. The key difference between kojic acid and kojic acid dipalmitate is that kojic acid comparatively has less stability, whereas kojic acid dipalmitate has high stability.
The below infographic lists the differences between kojic acid and kojic acid dipalmitate in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Summary – Kojic Acid vs Kojic Acid Dipalmitate
Kojic acid is a chelation agent that forms as the byproduct of fermentation of malting rice used for Japanese rice wine. Kojic acid dipalmitate or KAD is a diesterified derivative of kojic acid. The key difference between kojic acid and kojic acid dipalmitate is that kojic acid comparatively has less stability, whereas kojic acid dipalmitate has high stability.
Reference:
1. “Kojic Acid: Uses, Benefits, Safety, and Risks.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Kojic Acid” By Fuzzform – (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
