Kojic acid is a perfectly natural acid derived from plant extracts. It is a by-product in the fermentation process of malting rice and is a safe natural ingredient of some skincare creams. It works as a skin lightening ingredient as it fades away visible sun damage spots, age spots, or scars. This produces an anti-aging effect on the skin. It reduces skin blemishes to give your skin an even skin tone for younger-looking skin. Kojic acid also can help treat acne caused by bacteria in the skin, because it has certain anti-microbial properties.