Tranexamic Acid Is About To Be The Ingredient Everyone Is Talking About

Source: Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images

If you’re a skincare fanatic, you’ll be well acquainted with buzz ingredients like vitamin C, salicylic acid, and retinol. However, there’s a new ingredient that’s about to deserve a worthy spot on your shelf, named Tranexamic acid. Heralded by dermatologists for being a miracle ingredient for uneven skin tone, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation, this anti-inflammatory powerhouse won’t be flying under the radar for long. Here’s everything you need to know, and the best formulas on offer.

What is Tranexamic Acid?

Unlike other acids like glycolic and salicylic acid, tranexamic acid doesn’t actually exfoliate the skin. Instead, tranexamic acid is a powerful anti-inflammatory that works to disrupt the overproduction of melanin that’s caused by aggravated skin inflammation. Melanin is the naturally occurring pigment that gives your skin its color, and while melanin helps protect the skin, when produced in excess, it can cause dark patches, isolated spots, and dullness. Tranexamic acid works by interfering with the chemical pathway that causes pigmentation and can help improve conditions like melasma, hyperpigmentation while also improving common skin concerns like dullness and acne scars. With regular use, it can also reduce freckles caused by excess sun exposure, which occurs as part of the natural aging process. Use it daily and your skin will become brighter and more even.

How to Incorporate Tranexamic Acid into Your Daily Routine

Tranexamic acid can be used for a variety of medical concerns, but when it comes to skincare the best way to work it into your routine is with topicals. One of the most convenient factors about tranexamic acid is it can be used alongside other active ingredients including anti-aging retinol and brightening vitamin C. It’s also important to be aware that it works most efficiently when paired with the daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF.

Start by using a tranexamic acid formula once a day, then increase it to twice a day if your skin is getting along with the ingredient. In the morning, use it after a vitamin C serum and before your SPF. Then, slot it into your nighttime routine, and follow the usage instructions depending on the formula. Another major benefit? It can be used by all skin types, however, if your skin is often sensitive or if you have eczema, conduct a small patch test to be safe or consult with your derm.

Our Go-To Tranexamic Acid Products:

The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Hyperpigmentation Treatment, $15

Source: The Inkey List

This potent formula boasts tranexamic to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation, brightening powerhouse vitamin C, and skin-evening acai berry extract. In short, it’ll work overtime to restore uneven tone, and fade discoloration. The lightweight gel is also suitable for all skin types.

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense, $98

Source: SkinCeuticals

This is the serum that put tranexamic acid on the map, so as you’d expect, it’s the bomb.com. Infused with 3% tranexamic acid, radiance-boosting kojic acid, restorative niacinamide, as well as exfoliating 5% HEPES, it’ll leave your skin brighter and more even-toned. Whether you’re looking to address melasma, hyperpigmentation or dull skin, this potent formula guarantees a visible improvement in just two weeks. To use, apply three to five drops every morning for the first five days, and then add it into your nighttime routine as well.

Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum, $12

Source: Good Molecules

Packed with an advanced form of tranexamic acid, as well as 4% niacinamide, this water-based serum will help improve the appearance of age spots, acne scars, and sun damage to leave your skin with a healthy glow. We also love the lightweight texture, which absorbs quickly so you can get on with the rest of your skincare routine asap!

Topicals Faded , $36

Source: Topicals

If you’re looking for a solution for dull, textured, uneven skin, the Topicals Faded gel is a no brainer. Not only is it packed with tranexamic acid but it combines the powers of azelaic acid, niacinamide, and kojic acid, which work together to prevent the overproduction of melanin that causes dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and dullness. It also contains K-Beauty favorite, Centella Asiatica, a powerful anti-inflammatory that accelerates healing and boosts collagen production.

Another major selling point? Topicals donate 1% of all profits to mental health movements to raise awareness around the connection between skin health and mental health.

Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel, $65

Source: Murad

If you’re looking to improve your glow game, you need this formula! Enriched with AHAs and BHAs, it’ll gently slough away dead skin, nix oil production, and minimize the appearance of pores. Tranexamic acid works to soothe inflammation and brighten dark spots and discoloration while adaptogenic holy basil antioxidants and omega-rich oils help hydrate and rejuvenate the skin’s barrier. When we said it packs a punch, we weren’t kidding!

Have you ever used tranexamic acid? Let us know in the comments below.

Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. We never take payment to review products, however, some brands allow affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.