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[ DemythSkin Verdict ]
The Derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Face Serum with 1% Alpha Arbutin & Niacinamide
SerumBrightening
Efficacy
Exceptional
4.5 / 5.0
Safety
Mostly Safe
4.2 / 5.0
System Verdict
This is a potent, well-built pigmentation serum with real S Tier brightening actives—but it flirts with irritation risk and demands disciplined sun protection. Efficacy is high because kojic acid 2%, alpha-arbutin 1%, and niacinamide sit in the top of the INCI and are delivered in a solvent-rich, penetration-enhancing base, giving genuine clinical potential for hyperpigmentation and dark spots, but the absence of barrier lipids and the cumulative strength of multiple pigment inhibitors keep it shy of an S-tier, 4.5+ score.
Active Ingredients Detected
S Tier: Gold StandardsHigh Clinical Proof | Skin-Transformative
Kojic Acid
A Tier: Good BasicsProven Results
AquaNiacinamideAlpha-ArbutinGlycerinSodium PCAPanthenolSodium HyaluronateProlineHydroxyproline
B Tier: Supporting IngredientsPromising Ingredients
1,3-PropanediolEthoxydiglycolPentylene GlycolDimethyl IsosorbideEpigallocatechin Gallatyl GlucosideAstragalus Gummifer GumSclerotium GumHydroxypropylcelluloseHydroxypropyl MethylcelluloseCaprylyl GlycolSilicaDisodium EDTAPhenoxyethanolTrisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateTris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) CitrateSodium MetabisulfiteCitric AcidCI 19140
D Tier: Potential IrritantsBe Cautious
Ethylhexylglycerin
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DemythSkin is an independent ingredient analyzer. Scores are computed by a deterministic rubric from published clinical evidence — no brand pays for a score.