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Does Kojie San Soap Really Work? My Experience with Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots | My Honest Review

Wondering if Kojie San Soap works? I used it for dark spots and uneven skin tone—read my experience, results, and buying tips.

About Kojie-san soap

If you're into skincare or have ever searched for products that promise a more even skin tone, chances are you've come across Kojie San Skin Lightening Soap. This bright orange bar has gained popularity across Africa, Asia, and beyond for its bold claims and budget-friendly price. The main ingredient,

Kojic Acid, is known for its ability to lighten dark spots, fade acne scars, and even out the complexion by reducing melanin production.

Kojie San markets itself as a soap that promotes brighter, smoother, and clearer skin, and it's often recommended for people dealing with hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun damage, or uneven skin tone. Naturally, I was curious. I’d heard so many mixed reviews — some people swear by it, while others say it’s too harsh. So, I decided to try it for myself and share my honest thoughts.

My Skin Type & Concerns Before Using Kojie San

Before trying Kojie San, I was dealing with a few frustrating skin issues. My main concerns were:

Hyperpigmentation
Dark spots from old pimples and skin irritation
A generally dull skin tone, likely due to a buildup of dead skin cells

I had tried a few exfoliating soaps and scrubs in the past, but nothing seemed to give me the clear, glowing skin I was hoping for. That’s when I started hearing a lot about Kojie San—especially how its kojic acid content could help brighten the skin, fade dark spots, and improve overall skin texture.

After seeing enough reviews and testimonials online, I figured it was worth trying. So, I bought a pack of three bars and used them consistently to see if they could improve my skin.

Product Description & Buying Experience

I first bought Kojie San Skin Lightening Soap sometime in 2024 from a skincare vendor I discovered on TikTok. I got the three-in-one pack for 11,000 FCFA, and it lasted a good while. When I eventually ran out, I went looking for another bar and found one in a local store for 3,000 FCFA — but unfortunately, it turned out to be fake.

Although I tried to verify it by checking the packaging and color, I wasn’t entirely sure. I realized it was fake as soon as I opened it — the smell was off, the texture was harder, and the color was a lighter orange-yellow compared to the original. I didn’t even bother using it. I threw it away because I couldn’t risk applying a fake product to my skin. I was honestly so annoyed to waste my money like that.

Thankfully, I later repurchased the original version from a different trusted skincare vendor, also found on TikTok. Again, I bought the three-in-one pack for 10,000 FCFA, and it was the authentic Kojie San I remembered.

🔔 Important Tip: There are many fake versions of this soap on the market, so be very vigilant. The original has a soft, mild, pleasant scent and a smooth, soft texture that you can press in slightly with your fingers. Fake ones tend to smell harsh or chemically aggressive and are often much harder or crumbly in texture.

The soap lathers beautifully and is quite rich — a little goes a long way. However, it does finish quickly, so I personally cut each bar into three smaller pieces and use one at a time to make it last longer.

Key Ingredients

The main active ingredient in Kojie San soap is Kojic Acid, which is derived from mushrooms and fermentation processes (like sake brewing). Kojic Acid works by inhibiting melanin production, making it effective in treating:

Hyperpigmentation
Dark spots
Sun damage
Uneven skin tone

It also contains coconut oil, which helps to moisturize the skin and balance out the drying effect that kojic acid can sometimes cause. Some versions include glycerin, fragrance, and mineral oil as well.

How I Use Kojie San Soap

When I first started using Kojie San, I was advised to apply it daily in the evening (or when the sun is down) for five consecutive days, then reduce usage to twice a week. This method worked well, but over time, I realized the importance of listening to your skin and adjusting based on how it responds.

Here’s what I’ve found helpful:

If your skin is very sensitive or you live in a hot climate, use it less frequently
If your skin is more tolerant or you’re dealing with stubborn hyperpigmentation, you might need to use it a bit more often (but never overdo it!)
If your skin is already quite clear, start with once or twice a week and build up only if necessary

My routine:

I wet my skin
Apply the soap and let it sit for 3–5 minutes
Rinse thoroughly using a sponge or my hands

I notice a mild stinging around areas like my neck, which I was told is normal with Kojie San — especially if it’s the original soap. It doesn’t burn harshly but has a slight tingle.

Supporting Products I Used

I paired Kojie San with the Nemalia Cosmetics body lotion and soap, which are non-lightening, hydrating, and very gentle on the skin. This combo worked perfectly for me because while Kojie San helped exfoliate and brighten my skin, Nemalia kept it moisturized and protected. On days I didn’t bathe with Kojie San, I simply used the Nemalia soap.

Results & Experience

After using Kojie San Soap consistently for some time, I started seeing real changes in my skin — and not just the subtle kind.

Dark spots began fading noticeably, even those stubborn ones that had been sitting on my skin for ages.
My joints, especially my knees and elbows, became lighter and gradually started matching the tone of the rest of my body.
I noticed that the first visible results appeared on the softer areas of my body, like my arms and chest, before showing up on tougher parts like knees and elbows.

Now, on days when I don’t want to use the soap all over my body, I simply apply it on the darker areas (knees, elbows, underarms), and it still helps those areas catch up and even out with the rest of my skin tone. That’s one trick I’ve found very helpful.

However, one thing to note is that Kojie San has a drying effect — especially if you already have dry or sensitive skin. That’s why I always follow up with a hydrating body lotion or cream to lock in moisture and prevent flakiness. I also drink plenty of water daily to stay hydrated from within. It really helps with the overall glow and texture of your skin.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

I honestly recommend Kojie San Soap to anyone dealing with hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, dark spots, or dull skin — but use it wisely:

✅ Use only in the evening or when the sun is down
✅ Do not use it every day forever — let your skin rest and monitor how it reacts
✅ Always moisturize after use to prevent dryness
✅ Drink water and stay hydrated
✅ Use a gentle sunscreen during the day to protect your skin, especially if you’re exfoliating regularly

If you use it right, it can do wonders for your skin — but consistency and care are key!

Product Links to get it on Amazon

Here are some products I recommend if you’re planning to start using Kojie San:

How I Styled My Short Hair with Relaxer and Gel: A Low-Maintenance Journey

Earlier this year, I made the decision to cut my hair. Life was hectic, especially with school runs for my kids, and I wanted a hairstyle that required minimal effort. I didn’t want to spend time combing, brushing, or even checking the mirror before stepping out of the house. Cutting my hair felt like the perfect solution to reduce stress in my routine.

After the big chop, I experimented with different hair colours, but eventually, I decided to no longer colour my hair. Still, I wanted to add style to my look, so I created curls with my short hair. At first, I doubted that I could achieve this using a regular relaxer, as I’d heard there were relaxers specifically designed for curls. But since I couldn’t find one, I decided to use Dark and Lovely hair relaxer because it doesn’t make hair overly thin after relaxing.

How to make curls on short hair using Dark & Lovely hair relaxer | Beauty

Here’s the step-by-step process I followed to achieve beautiful curls with my short hair:

How to Create Curls on Short Hair Using Relaxer and Gel

Prepare Your Hair and Relaxer
- Start with freshly shaved or very short hair.
- Mix the relaxer with the activator according to the instructions on the packaging. I used the Dark and Lovely relaxer because it’s gentle on hair and doesn’t overly thin it after use.

Apply the Relaxer
- Use your hands to evenly rub the relaxer mixture into your hair. Be sure to cover all areas.
- Comb through the hair gently to monitor the softening process. The goal is to achieve a "half-relaxed" state where the hair is softer but not fully straightened.
Wash Out the Relaxer
- Once the hair feels softer and halfway relaxed, rinse out the relaxer thoroughly with water. Follow up with a neutralizing shampoo to stop the relaxing process and protect your scalp.
Style with Gel
- Pat your hair dry with a towel but leave it slightly damp.
- Apply a generous amount of hair gel to your palms. I used Eco Gel, alternating between the regular gel and the gel for curls.
- Rub the gel onto your hair in circular motions with your hands. This technique helps the hair form natural-looking curls.
Smooth and Shine

Once the curls are formed, smooth the edges or style your hair as desired.
Add a small amount of hair oil for shine and extra hydration.

How to achieve curls with very short hair featuring Dark & Lovely hair relaxer | Beauty

Why I Loved This Hairstyle

This curly short hairstyle was everything I needed at the time. It was incredibly low-maintenance, stylish, and easy to achieve. I didn’t need to spend time combing or brushing, and it gave me the confidence to step out quickly and still feel put together.

Though I’m now in the process of growing my hair back to start plaiting again, I sometimes miss the convenience and simplicity of my short, curly hair. If you’re looking for a quick and stylish way to manage short hair, I highly recommend giving this method a try! You don't need to curl it every day. Some days you can comb it out and then curl it when you want.

Have you ever tried a similar hairstyle, or do you have tips for managing short hair? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

It's been a moment we talked. Hope you all are doing well.

I just got out of a "functional freeze" and now I feel good writing this post. A functional freeze is similar to a writer's block but it involves the lack of motivation or energy to do many daily tasks in your life. Itt often occurs after a period of intense work or focus to achieve an objective which makes your brain go to rest mood. I didn't understand this until I saw a video on Tiktok talking about it. I'm glad I found that video because it helped me understand what I was experiencing and eventually a solution. That said, let me share with you guys how things have been going lately.

Life Update | Losing more weight & Self grooming

My weight loss so far

A while ago I told you guys about my weight loss journey and since then I've made more progress thanks to more intermittent fasting. I honestly didn't have the strength to workout since I was fasting and I didn't feel like it mentally. I don't know yet how much I weigh now but my body has really improved. I'm proud of myself because the fasting wasn't easy but I did it. I fasted from about 8 pm to midday the next day for a little over a week. During my eating time, I ate normally or just what I needed. I didn't try to eat too much or more than I needed to.

Fitting into clothes is much better though my belly still stands out. But at least I can "suck my belly in" to have a flat tummy. Lol.

We are getting close to looking like the baddie we used to be a few years ago lol. The journey is tough but we thank God.

And with a touch of white hair color I've been able to pull the baddie look for a few weeks now.

Reconnecting with my younger version through self grooming

After months and even years of not taking care of my appearance as I used to, I decided to focus on grooming myself back to my younger self. Lol, it's not been an easy journey and I have been trying different things like getting a low cut and also trying different hair colors too. Although my main reason for cutting my hair was to have an easy and low maintenance hairstyle I also wanted to find my face, the face I know - My younger face. Now that I'm satisfied with the younger look, I feel like growing my hair again. We'll see. It's been fun and exciting so far with all the changes I have made with my hair. And I am glad I let myself go on this adventure to try new things and extreme colors.

The long holiday is over and I'm switching to back-to-school mood which is not easy. The school runs will begin very soon. I'm excited about the free alone time I'll get and at the same time I'm bothered by the early mornings I have to start getting use to.

I hope you are warming up for the school reopening too. Wishing all you parents a wonderful reopening and all the best in Jesus' name, amen.

Have a blessed month of September.

Take care.