Kaolin

WHAT IT DOES:

One of the most popular types of clay mask, kaolin allows for deep cleansing and purification, drawing out impurities from the skin, including excess oil. It’s great for acne-prone skin, and can detoxify pollutants from pores.  

HOW IT WORKS:

Working especially effectively on congested or oily skin via a mask form, kaolin clay draws excess water, oil or toxins from the skin by acting essentially like a magnet, bringing to the surface any unnecessary compounds, leaving the skin clean, clear and matte. 

MG SAYS:

Kaolin is often included in detoxifying and clarifying masks. It is best not to let kaolin completely dry on the complexion, so if you are using a mask, mist it frequently so the mask activates as needed.

Kojic Acid

WHAT IT DOES:

Kojic acid is derived from mushrooms, usually found in depigmenting and lightening products to improve discoloration and pigmentation on the surface of our skin. It penetrates the deeper levels of the skin barrier and inhibits how melanin forms in our skin. Kojic acid can also improve skin tone by assisting in the exfoliation of dead skin cells, leading to faster cell growth.

HOW IT WORKS:

As a chemical exfoliant, kojic acid works double duty, both exfoliating to slough away dead skin cells and also to inhibit the production of melanocytes in the skin. This makes it great for reducing pigmentation while also exfoliating to prevent further damage. 

MG SAYS:
Kojic acid is a relatively mild skin-lightening ingredient used in the maintenance of tonal irregularities experienced with melasma, chloasma, hyperpigmentation and sun damage. It is best used in the evenings due to its exfoliating properties, and should be followed with sunscreen in the morning.