10% Niacinamide + Kojic Acid Serum
Excellent10% Niacinamide + Kojic Acid Serum
Hyperpigmentation, dark spots, uneven tone, melasma
A dual-brightening serum combining 10% Niacinamide (vitamin B3) with Kojic Acid for a two-mechanism approach to melanin reduction. Niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer at the k…
A dual-brightening serum combining 10% Niacinamide (vitamin B3) with Kojic Acid for a two-mechanism approach to melanin reduction. Niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer at the keratinocyte junction; Kojic Acid inhibits tyrosinase at the enzyme level. Alpha Arbutin and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (stable vitamin C precursor) provide additional brightening synergy. Sodium Hyaluronate adds hydration. No fragrance, no parabens. PETA-certified cruelty-free.
All ingredients are compliant under Indian, EU, and US regulations. Kojic Acid is a tyrosinase inhibitor permitted in face care products in the EU at up to 1% (SCCS 2021 opinion). Alpha Arbutin is the glycosylated form of hydroquinone, but unlike hydroquinone it does not carry the same regulatory restrictions at cosmetic use concentrations. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a stable vitamin C precursor with a well-established tolerability record. Kojic Acid can cause irritation on reactive or compromised skin, particularly at undisclosed concentrations. The EU SCCS has noted its irritation potential, but Pilgrim does not explicitly advise sensitive-skin users to patch test.
This formula attacks hyperpigmentation from four different directions, which is a sound approach because it reduces the likelihood that skin will adapt to any single ingredient. Niacinamide (brand-confirmed at 10%) blocks the transfer of melanin from pigment-producing cells into skin cells. Kojic Acid suppresses melanin production at the enzyme level by inhibiting tyrosinase. Alpha Arbutin also inhibits tyrosinase but via a different binding mechanism, providing complementary coverage. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate helps reduce melanin that has already formed. Ferulic Acid provides antioxidant support. The concentrations of Kojic Acid and Tranexamic Acid are not published; if either is at a sub-functional level, the multi-mechanism claim would be weaker in practice than it appears on paper.
The full INCI list is published on the product page, and Niacinamide is confirmed at 10%. Kojic Acid concentration is not disclosed - this matters because the EU caps Kojic Acid in leave-on face products at 1% (SCCS 2021), and knowing the concentration helps consumers gauge both safety and efficacy. Alpha Arbutin, Ferulic Acid, and Tranexamic Acid concentrations are also not disclosed. No third-party clinical study data has been published for this formula.
Pilgrim is PETA-certified cruelty-free and the formula is vegan. The brand does not sell into markets that require mandatory animal testing. There is no synthetic fragrance and no azo dyes. Kojic Acid is produced through fermentation by Aspergillus flavus, giving it a naturally derived origin. Carbomer is a synthetic polymer. Palm derivative sourcing has not been independently verified against RSPO or equivalent standards.
Hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are the most common skin concerns across Fitzpatrick III-V skin tones in India. This serum's four-mechanism approach - covering melanosome transfer inhibition (niacinamide), tyrosinase inhibition (Kojic Acid + Alpha Arbutin), and melanin reduction (SAP) - is better suited to persistent PIH than single-active brighteners. Particularly effective for sun-induced dark spots in India's high UV index environment. Use SPF daily to prevent re-darkening. If you have sensitive or disrupted skin, patch test for 48 hours before full application - Kojic Acid can cause temporary flushing on reactive skin.
| Ingredient | Note | Status |
|---|---|---|
Aqua | Solvent base | Safe |
Niacinamide | Vitamin B3, position 2 confirms dominant concentration; brand-confirmed at 10% | Safe |
Propanediol | Plant-derived humectant and solvent | Safe |
Glycerin | Humectant, functional hydration support | Safe |
Kojic Acid | Tyrosinase inhibitor, EU-permitted at up to 1% in face care; position indicates meaningful brightening concentration | Note |
Pentylene Glycol | Humectant and mild preservative booster | Safe |
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | Stable vitamin C phosphate ester; does not require anhydrous packaging unlike L-Ascorbic Acid | Safe |
Alpha Arbutin | Glycosylated hydroquinone, tyrosinase inhibition without hydroquinone restrictions at cosmetic concentrations | Safe |
Tranexamic Acid | Inhibits UV-induced plasminogen activator, anti-melasma activity at functional positions | Safe |
Allantoin | Soothing and skin-repairing, buffers potential irritation from Kojic Acid | Safe |
Ferulic Acid | Antioxidant, stabilises vitamin C derivatives and provides independent pigmentation protection | Safe |
Sodium Hyaluronate | HA salt for hydration, functional humectant support | Safe |
Hydroxyethylcellulose | Natural-derived polymer thickener | Safe |
Carbomer | Synthetic polymer gel-former, well-tolerated at cosmetic concentrations | Safe |
Sodium Hydroxide | pH adjuster, trace quantity for pH calibration | Safe |
Phenoxyethanol | Preservative within EU/India 1% limit | Note |
Ethylhexylglycerin | Preservative booster, very low concern | Safe |
Ingredients listed in INCI order as declared on product packaging. Position reflects approximate concentration (high → low).
Clean Sheet Scores are generated by analysing every ingredient against India, EU, US & Korean safety regulations. No brand sponsorship. No affiliate relationships. Independent science-backed analysis only.
The Clean Sheet does not use fear-based ingredient labels. We assess products through a structured evidence hierarchy:
- What global regulations say
- What toxicology says
- What the formula concentration shows
- What the product format changes
- What the intended user needs
- What testing evidence proves
- What the brand is claiming
