Tranexamic Acid
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Skin brightener
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Serums
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRANEXAMIC ACID?
As a skincare ingredient, tranexamic acid helps improve skin discoloration as well as post-inflammatory erythema. Tranexamic acid inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in the production of pigmentation.
WHAT IS TRANEXAMIC ACID?
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine. It is a skincare ingredient with both anti-inflammatory and anti-melanin-producing properties.
IS TRANEXAMIC ACID SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Side effects may include skin irritation and dryness, so people with sensitive skin should test on a small area of the skin before applying.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
None
Sources:
- Janney MS, Subramaniyan R, Dabas R, Lal S, Das NM, Godara SK. A Randomized Controlled Study Comparing the Efficacy of Topical 5% Tranexamic Acid Solution versus 3% Hydroquinone Cream in Melasma. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2019 Jan-Mar;12(1):63-67. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_40_18. PMID: 31057273; PMCID: PMC6484568.
- Kalantari Y, Dadkhahfar S, Etesami I. Post-acne erythema treatment: A systematic review of the literature. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Apr;21(4):1379-1392. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14804. Epub 2022 Feb 3. PMID: 35076997.
- Kim KM, Lim HW. The uses of tranexamic acid in dermatology: a review. Int J Dermatol. 2022 Mar 24. doi: 10.1111/ijd.16160. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35323992.
- Cho YH, Park JE, Lim DS, Lee JS. Tranexamic acid inhibits melanogenesis by activating the autophagy system in cultured melanoma cells. J Dermatol Sci. 2017 Oct;88(1):96-102. doi: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2017.05.019. Epub 2017 Jun 7. PMID: 28669590.
- Ebrahimi B, Naeini FF. Topical tranexamic acid as a promising treatment for melasma. J Res Med Sci. 2014 Aug;19(8):753-7. PMID: 25422661; PMCID: PMC4235096.
Toral Vaidya, MD, MPH
Author
Toral Vaidya, MD, MPH, is a dermatology resident physician at Weill Cornell Dermatology in New York City. Her clinical interests include skin of color dermatology, cosmetic dermatology and skincare education. She has been involved with medical writing for the last 10 years.
