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Kojic Dipalmitate can balance skin tones, fade dark spots, and eliminate free radicals.
Kojic Dipalmitate is a topical cream formulation indicated for the treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma and hyper-melanotic skin pigmentation disorders.
Kojic Dipalmitate can lighten the skin pigmentation and corrects discoloration in adults.
CAS Number: 79725-98-7
Molecular Formula: C38H66O6
Molecular Weight: 618.93
EINECS Number: 207-922-4
Synonyms: Kojic dipalmitate, 13N249RWTM, UNII-13N249RWTM, KOJIC PALMITATE, ORISTAR KDP, SCHEMBL29360829, Kojic Dipalmitate; 79725-98-7, MFCD03840587, KOJIC ACID DIPALMITATE [WHO-DD], SY053269, Q27251530, Kojic acid dipalmitate(KAD-15,whitening agent in cosmetic), Kojic acid dipalmitate(KAD-15,whitening agent in cosmetic);KOJIC ACID DIPALMITATE;2-Palmitoyloxymethyl-5-palmitoyloxy-gamma-pyrone;2-palmitoyloxymethyl-5-palmitoyloxy-pyrone;4-OXO-6-[[(1-OXOHEXADECYL)OXY]METHYL]-4H-PYRAN-3-YL ESTER HEXADECANOIC ACID;LGB-KAD;Brillian-MB228 Kojic Dipalmitate;Brillian-MB228
Kojic Dipalmitate is a widely used skin lighten-ing agent as it inhibits catecholase activity of tyrosinase.
Derivatives of kojic acid such as kojic acid dipalmitate are easilyabsorbed through skin and are more effective than kojic acid.
Kojic Dipalmitate is an effective tyrosinase inhibitor that stunts melanin production, making it a powerful skin whitening agent.
Kojic Dipalmitate is a lipophilic derivative of kojic acid formed by esterification with palmitic acid.
Kojic Dipalmitate is primarily used as a cosmetic skin-conditioning and skin-brightening ingredient, particularly in formulations designed to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.
Kojic Dipalmitate is identified by CAS No. 79725-98-7 and has the molecular formula C38H66O6.
Its molecular weight is approximately 618.9 g/mol.
The molecule contains two palmitoyl groups attached to the kojic acid structure.
This esterification substantially increases its lipophilic character compared with unmodified kojic acid and makes it more compatible with oil-based cosmetic systems.
Kojic Dipalmitate is a kojic acid derivative rather than the free acid itself.
The chemical modification is intended to improve formulation properties, particularly stability and compatibility with cosmetic oils and lipid phases.
Kojic acid itself is a naturally occurring compound associated with microorganisms including species of Aspergillus, Acetobacter, and Penicillium.
Kojic Dipalmitate is produced by chemically modifying the kojic acid structure with palmitic acid rather than occurring as the principal natural compound in these organisms.
The material is generally described as a white or off-white crystalline powder or solid.
Its physical appearance can vary somewhat according to purity, manufacturing process, and commercial grade.
Kojic Dipalmitate is considerably more lipophilic than kojic acid.
Its long palmitoyl chains give the molecule a strong affinity for oils, fats, mineral oils, and ester-based cosmetic ingredients.
This oil compatibility is one of the main formulation advantages of Kojic Dipalmitate.
Kojic Dipalmitate allows the ingredient to be incorporated into creams, emulsions, balms, and other products containing an oil phase more readily than highly water-soluble active ingredients.
Kojic Dipalmitate has a calculated XLogP3 value of approximately 14.4, reflecting its strongly lipophilic character.
Kojic Dipalmitate topological polar surface area is approximately 78.9 Ų, while its molecular structure contains six hydrogen-bond acceptors and no hydrogen-bond donors.
One of the most important characteristics of Kojic Dipalmitate is its greater stability compared with kojic acid.
Research literature describes the dipalmitate derivative as more resistant to light, heat, and oxidation, which can make it more suitable for long-term cosmetic formulations.
The improved stability can also provide advantages in terms of color stability.
Kojic acid can undergo degradation and discoloration under certain conditions, whereas esterification into Kojic Dipalmitate is reported to reduce the tendency toward yellow or brown discoloration.
Kojic Dipalmitate is associated with tyrosinase inhibition, an important property for cosmetic formulations targeting the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Tyrosinase is involved in melanin biosynthesis, so inhibition of this enzyme can reduce melanin formation in experimental systems.
Kojic Dipalmitate has therefore attracted considerable interest as a skin-brightening and tone-evening ingredient.
It is commonly incorporated into cosmetic products intended for dark spots, uneven pigmentation, freckles, and other forms of uneven skin appearance.
Kojic Dipalmitate is sometimes preferred over kojic acid when formulation stability is an important consideration.
Its greater resistance to environmental degradation can help formulators develop products with improved storage stability and a lower tendency toward unwanted discoloration.
Another distinguishing characteristic is that Kojic Dipalmitate is reported to be less capable of chelating metal ions than kojic acid.
This difference results from modifying the hydroxyl groups involved in the chemical behavior of kojic acid and contributes to the different physicochemical properties of the esterified derivative.
Kojic Dipalmitate has also been described as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient in cosmetic ingredient classifications.
This means that its role in a formulation can extend beyond pigmentation-related applications to include contributing to the conditioning and sensory characteristics of the finished product.
Kojic Dipalmitate is particularly relevant to oil-based and emulsion-type cosmetic formulations.
Its lipophilic structure allows it to be incorporated into the oil phase of creams, lotions, serums, and other products where an oil-compatible active ingredient is desirable.
Kojic Dipalmitate is also investigated in advanced cosmetic delivery systems.
Research has explored nanotechnology-based approaches for improving the delivery and cosmetic performance of Kojic Dipalmitate, particularly because its lipophilic structure presents formulation challenges in conventional aqueous systems.
Although Kojic Dipalmitate is closely related to kojic acid, their regulatory and safety assessments should not automatically be considered interchangeable.
The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety specifically noted that kojic acid derivatives such as Kojic Dipalmitate were not included in its 2022 kojic acid safety opinion because sufficient data on those derivatives had not been submitted.
Kojic Dipalmitate is a lipophilic, esterified derivative of kojic acid and palmitic acid that combines improved formulation stability with cosmetic skin-conditioning and pigmentation-related functionality.
Its oil compatibility, resistance to light and oxidation, and tyrosinase-inhibitory activity make it particularly valuable in skin-brightening and uneven-tone cosmetic formulations.
Melting point: 92-96°C
Boiling point: 684.7±55.0 °C(Predicted)
Density: 0.99±0.1 g/cm3(Predicted)
storage temp.: Sealed in dry,Room Temperature
form: powder to crystal
color: White to Almost white
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions: SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT
InChIKey: SGEADTGIZKXPIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: C(OC1C(=O)C=C(COC(=O)CCCCCCCCCCCCCCC)OC=1)(=O)CCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
Kojic Dipalmitate is a White to pale yellow powder, Soluble in oil, alcohol, mineral oil and esters (ethyl acetate).
Kojic Dipalmitate is light and heat stable, while kojic acid tends to oxidize over time.
Kojic Dipalmitate is stable within a wide pH range of 4-9, It is more easily absorbed into skin when it is incorporated into a cream as compared with kojic acid.
Kojic Dipalmitate has the advantage that it does not complex with metal ions, does not change colour, is light and heat stable and is compatible with most cosmetic ingredients.
Therefore, in addition to whitening the skin, it has anti-aging properties, treats melasma, reduces scars, and has antibacterial (antifungal) benefits.
Kojic Dipalmitate also has a markedly different solubility profile from kojic acid because esterification with two palmitic acid chains greatly increases its lipophilic character.
Kojic Dipalmitate is practically insoluble in water but has better compatibility with oils, esters, and other lipophilic components commonly used in cosmetic formulations.
Kojic Dipalmitate is generally described as a white crystalline powder, with a melting point reported at approximately 94 °C.
Its physical form and relatively high melting point make it suitable for incorporation into anhydrous products and oil-containing cosmetic systems when appropriate processing conditions are used.
The two long-chain palmitate groups substantially increase the molecular size and hydrophobicity of Kojic Dipalmitate compared with the parent kojic acid molecule.
This structural modification can improve the affinity of the ingredient for lipid-rich formulation environments and may facilitate its partitioning into the skin's lipid domains.
Kojic Dipalmitate is therefore particularly relevant to formulations in which direct incorporation of water-soluble kojic acid would be difficult or undesirable.
Its lipophilic nature allows formulators to work with oil phases and lipid-based delivery systems that are less suitable for unmodified kojic acid.
The esterification process also changes how the functional groups of kojic acid participate in chemical interactions.
In particular, conversion of the hydroxyl groups into ester groups reduces the hydrogen-donor character of the original molecule while retaining several oxygen-containing functional groups capable of accepting hydrogen bonds.
Kojic Dipalmitate has consequently been investigated as a derivative that can provide a more formulation-friendly alternative to kojic acid for topical applications.
Its improved oil compatibility, together with its potential for skin penetration, has contributed to its continued use in cosmetic research and commercial skincare products.
Kojic Dipalmitate is also being investigated in advanced delivery systems designed to control where and how the ingredient reaches the skin.
Research has examined Kojic Dipalmitate in liposomes, nanosomes, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, ethosomes, nanocreams, and multiple-emulsion systems.
These delivery approaches are intended to improve dispersion of the poorly water-soluble ingredient, enhance skin deposition, and provide more controlled release.
Such systems are particularly useful when conventional formulations cannot provide sufficient solubilization or uniform distribution of a strongly lipophilic active ingredient.
Kojic Dipalmitate can also undergo chemical transformation in the skin, where enzymatic processes may contribute to the release of kojic acid from the ester structure.
This behavior has been proposed as one explanation for why the derivative can combine the formulation characteristics of a lipophilic molecule with biological activity associated with the kojic acid structure.
An important point about its stability is that Kojic Dipalmitate should not simply be described as universally more oxidation-stable than kojic acid under every condition.
Although it has often been reported to offer improved resistance to light, heat, pH changes, and discoloration in cosmetic formulations, comparative oxidative-stress experiments have also found that Kojic Dipalmitate can degrade faster than kojic acid under specific hydrogen-peroxide stress conditions.
This distinction is important for formulation development because the stability of Kojic Dipalmitate depends on the surrounding formulation environment rather than only on its chemical structure.
Antioxidants, packaging, oxygen exposure, temperature, and other formulation components can therefore influence its long-term performance.
Kojic Dipalmitate is mainly associated with topical cosmetic science rather than with general industrial applications.
Its combination of lipophilicity, pigment-modulating activity, and compatibility with cosmetic delivery systems makes it particularly relevant to products designed for uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.
Kojic Dipalmitate has also investigated its potential to inhibit tyrosinase activity and reduce processes involved in melanin formation.
This mechanism is the principal reason Kojic Dipalmitate is used as a skin-brightening ingredient, although the strength of the effect depends on formulation, concentration, skin penetration, and other factors.
Uses Of Kojic Dipalmitate:
Kojic Dipalmitate is classified as an emollient, preparations containing kojic acid dipalmitate are said to inhibit uV-induced erythema.
Kojic Dipalmitate is a diesterified derivative of tretinoin.
Kojic Dipalmitate is considered superior to tretinoin in its whitening ability and is more stable than tretinoin in cosmetic formulations.
Kojic Dipalmitate is commonly used in sunscreens and after-sun products, colour cosmetics, whitening products, anti-ageing products, creams and lotions.
Kojic Dipalmitate is primarily used as a skin-brightening and depigmenting ingredient in cosmetic and topical skincare formulations.
Its ability to interfere with tyrosinase-related melanin production makes it particularly relevant to products formulated for uneven pigmentation and dark spots.
Kojic Dipalmitate is commonly incorporated into products intended to improve the appearance of hyperpigmented areas of the skin.
These applications include formulations targeting dark spots, sun-induced pigmentation, post-inflammatory pigmentation, freckles, and other forms of uneven skin tone.
Kojic Dipalmitate is also used in cosmetic products formulated for the appearance of melasma.
Research has investigated both conventional topical preparations and advanced delivery systems containing Kojic Dipalmitate for reducing visible pigmentation associated with melasma.
Facial creams are among the most common product formats in which Kojic Dipalmitate can be incorporated.
Its lipophilic character makes it particularly suitable for emulsion-based creams containing an oil phase, where it can be dispersed or dissolved with appropriate formulation ingredients.
Kojic Dipalmitate is also used in facial lotions and moisturizing emulsions designed to provide gradual skin-brightening effects.
Such products can combine Kojic Dipalmitate with moisturizers, emollients, antioxidants, and other cosmetic actives to address multiple aspects of skin appearance.
Serum formulations can also contain Kojic Dipalmitate, particularly when the product is designed around pigmentation control rather than solely hydration.
Because the ingredient is strongly lipophilic, formulators may use suitable oils, solubilizers, emulsifiers, or delivery systems to achieve a uniform and stable preparation.
Kojic Dipalmitate is used in targeted spot-treatment products intended for localized areas of visible hyperpigmentation.
These preparations can be designed for application to individual dark spots or small areas where a more concentrated cosmetic treatment is desired.
Body-care products represent another application area for Kojic Dipalmitate.
It can be included in body creams and lotions formulated to improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation on areas such as the hands, arms, legs, and other exposed or friction-prone regions.
The ingredient is also found in cosmetic products designed for the appearance of darker areas around the underarms.
Underarm brightening formulations may combine Kojic Dipalmitate with other cosmetic ingredients intended to improve the appearance of localized pigmentation.
Kojic Dipalmitate can be incorporated into products intended for the delicate eye-area region, where cosmetic formulations may target the appearance of uneven pigmentation or dark-looking areas.
Commercial and formulation literature includes eye-brightening products among the product categories in which the ingredient has been used.
Face masks and other intensive skincare treatments can also use Kojic Dipalmitate as a pigmentation-focused active.
Its inclusion allows formulators to combine pigment-modulating activity with other ingredients commonly used in mask formulations.
Cleansers and face or body washes may contain Kojic Dipalmitate as part of cosmetic brightening systems.
Because these products remain on the skin for a relatively short period, their formulation and intended performance differ from those of leave-on creams and serums.
Kojic Dipalmitate is also incorporated into some soap-bar and cleansing formulations marketed for skin-brightening purposes.
Its oil-compatible nature can be useful in formulations containing fatty materials and other lipophilic components.
The ingredient can be combined with other cosmetic depigmenting agents to create multi-active formulations for uneven skin tone.
Reported combinations include ingredients such as arbutin, niacinamide, retinoids, and tranexamic acid, although the compatibility, stability, and regulatory suitability of each combination must be evaluated individually.
Kojic Dipalmitate is also investigated in formulations containing exfoliating ingredients such as glycolic acid or lactic acid.
These combinations are designed to address pigmentation through complementary cosmetic mechanisms, but formulation pH, irritation potential, and overall skin tolerance require careful consideration.
Advanced delivery systems are an important research application of Kojic Dipalmitate.
Nanoemulsions, ethosomes, liposomal systems, and polymeric nanocapsules have been investigated to improve dispersion, skin deposition, stability, and delivery of this poorly water-soluble ingredient.
Kojic Dipalmitate-loaded nanoemulsions have been studied for topical formulations targeting hyperpigmentation and melasma.
Research has shown that appropriately designed nanoemulsions can incorporate the lipophilic ingredient into an aqueous-based cosmetic vehicle while maintaining suitable physical stability and allowing delivery to the epidermis.
Ethosomal gels containing Kojic Dipalmitate have also been investigated as topical delivery systems for pigmentation-focused formulations.
In one study, the optimized formulation demonstrated skin penetration and reductions in measured melanin and erythema together with improvements in hydration and elasticity during the experimental evaluation.
Polymeric nanocapsules containing Kojic Dipalmitate are another emerging formulation approach.
These systems have been investigated for protecting the active ingredient from degradation while controlling its release and improving its delivery to the epidermal layer.
Kojic Dipalmitate is therefore used not only as a conventional cosmetic active but also as a model lipophilic compound for the development of advanced topical delivery technologies.
Its combination of pigment-modulating activity and challenging water solubility makes it particularly useful for studying nanoemulsions, nanocapsules, and other carrier-based cosmetic systems.
Importantly, the European Commission's SCCS assessment of kojic acid should not be interpreted as a safety assessment of Kojic Dipalmitate itself.
The 2022 SCCS opinion specifically stated that kojic acid derivatives such as Kojic Dipalmitate were not included because data on those derivatives had not been submitted.
Kojic Dipalmitate is also used in toners and lightweight gel formulations designed for daily skin-brightening routines.
Its inclusion in these products allows formulators to target uneven pigmentation while maintaining a lighter texture than traditional cream-based products.
It can be incorporated into under-eye brightening products formulated to improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation around the eyes.
Because the eye area is particularly sensitive, the finished formulation must be designed with appropriate concentrations and supporting ingredients for good skin tolerance.
Kojic Dipalmitate is also used in underarm brightening creams and gels intended to improve the appearance of localized hyperpigmentation.
Commercial formulations may combine it with other pigment-modulating ingredients to create targeted underarm-care products.
The ingredient can be found in lip-care and lip-brightening formulations designed to address the appearance of uneven lip pigmentation.
Its incorporation into lip products demonstrates the versatility of Kojic Dipalmitate in different topical cosmetic formats.
Kojic Dipalmitate is used in face and body gels where a lighter, less occlusive vehicle is preferred.
Gel formulations can provide an alternative to richer creams while still allowing the lipophilic active to be incorporated through suitable formulation systems.
It is also incorporated into facial and body lotions intended for regular use on areas affected by visible uneven pigmentation.
The ingredient's compatibility with oil phases makes it suitable for a range of emulsion-based lotion systems.
Another application is in combination creams for melasma and other pigmentation concerns.
Clinical and formulation research has investigated Kojic Dipalmitate-containing combination products as topical approaches for improving the appearance of hyperpigmented skin.
Kojic Dipalmitate is particularly useful in oil-containing cosmetic formulations because its strong lipophilic character allows it to be incorporated into appropriate lipid phases.
This property is valuable when developing creams, emulsions, and other products in which water-soluble kojic acid would be more difficult to formulate.
Kojic Dipalmitate is also used in nanoemulsion-based cosmetic formulations developed to improve the dispersion and delivery of this poorly water-soluble active.
Research has demonstrated that Kojic Dipalmitate can be incorporated into nanosized emulsions while maintaining high incorporation efficiency and allowing delivery toward the epidermis.
Ethosomal gels represent another specialized application of Kojic Dipalmitate.
Research on KDP-loaded ethosomes has investigated these systems for enhanced topical delivery and reported reductions in measured melanin and erythema together with improvements in skin hydration and elasticity during experimental evaluation.
Kojic Dipalmitate is also being explored in liposomal and nanosomal delivery systems for cosmetic applications.
These carrier systems are designed to improve the distribution of the lipophilic ingredient and potentially increase its availability within the upper layers of the skin.
Solid lipid nanoparticles and polymeric nanocapsules have likewise been investigated as carriers for Kojic Dipalmitate.
These technologies are mainly research-oriented and aim to improve active loading, physical stability, controlled release, and topical delivery.
More recent research has examined Kojic Dipalmitate-based nano-assemblies specifically for improving anti-melanogenic activity and transdermal delivery.
A 2026 study reported enhanced skin permeation and investigated inhibition of melanogenesis through the MC1R–MITF–tyrosinase pathway in a nanoscale delivery system.
Kojic Dipalmitate can also be used alongside antioxidant and botanical oils in advanced cosmetic formulations.
For example, nanoemulsions combining Kojic Dipalmitate with rosehip oil have been investigated for pigmentation-focused topical products because the formulation provides both the lipophilic active and an oil phase with additional cosmetic functionality.
The ingredient is therefore relevant to both conventional skincare manufacturing and advanced cosmetic formulation research.
Commercial products commonly use it in creams, lotions, serums, gels, masks, toners, washes, soaps, and targeted brightening products, while research continues to investigate more sophisticated carrier systems.
Safety Profile Of Kojic Dipalmitate:
The hazard classification reported for Kojic Dipalmitate varies between suppliers and regulatory notifications, so the applicable Safety Data Sheet for the specific commercial grade should always be used.
ECHA notification data aggregated by PubChem include reports classifying the substance as harmful if swallowed, harmful if inhaled, and irritating to the skin, while another notification reports no GHS classification.
Some current SDS documents classify Kojic Dipalmitate as Acute Toxicity Category 4 by the oral route and Skin Irritation Category 2.
These classifications correspond to the hazard statements H302, “harmful if swallowed,” and H315, “causes skin irritation.”
Certain supplier SDS documents additionally classify the material as harmful by inhalation or capable of causing respiratory irritation.
This is particularly relevant when the substance is handled as a dry powder because airborne particles can be inhaled during weighing, transferring, or manufacturing operations.
Direct contact with the eyes should also be avoided when handling concentrated Kojic Dipalmitate.
A 2025 MedChemExpress SDS classifies the substance as causing serious eye irritation under H319, while other SDS documents describe eye irritation as a potential effect.
Kojic Dipalmitate Procurement and Technical Support:
Ataman Kimya supports customers looking for Kojic Dipalmitate with dependable supply solutions and relevant technical information for industrial and formulation requirements.
Additional support can be provided regarding product specifications, available documentation, and the evaluation of suitable product options based on the intended application.
