If you’re dealing with stubborn dark spots, uneven skin tone, or even redness, there’s a powerhouse ingredient you need to know about - tranexamic acid. While it may not be as “famous” as vitamin C or retinol, this expert-approved, skin brightener is quickly gaining a cult following for its ability to fade hyperpigmentation, calm inflammation, and even out the complexion, all without irritation!

Whether you struggle with melasma, acne scars, or sun damage, tranexamic acid could be what your skincare routine has been lacking. But what exactly is it? and how does it work? Keep reading as we reveal all there is to know about this must-try skincare ingredient!

What Is Tranexamic Acid?

Despite its name, tranexamic acid isn’t your typical exfoliating acid like glycolic or salicylic acid. Originally used in medicine to help with blood clotting and wound healing, this synthetic derivative of the amino acid, lysine (one of the essential amino acids) has been found to have incredible skin benefits and anti-spot properties, especially when it comes to hyperpigmentation, melasma, and post-inflammatory dark spots!

Unlike stronger skin-lightening ingredients like retinol and vitamin C, tranexamic acid works gently yet effectively to inhibit melanin production and prevent the formation of darker areas, while calming inflammation, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin struggling with dark spots and redness or simply looking to brighten their complexion without irritation.

How tranexamic acid can benefit your skin

Tranexamic acid is hands down the most effective ingredient of the moment when it comes to stubborn hyperpigmentation. In fact, it can benefit your skin in a number of ways;

It fades hyperpigmentation and dark spots

Tranexamic acid works by inhibiting melanogenesis, the process that leads to excessive production of melanin, the pigment that gives colour to your skin! This helps to prevent and fade dark spots caused by sun damage, melasma, hormonal changes or acne scars. Unlike some brightening ingredients that can be irritating, tranexamic acid is gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types.

It helps to even out skin tone

if you are struggling with an uneven complexion or dullness, tranexamic acid helps to create a brighter, more uniform skin tone by reducing discolouration and dullness.

It effectively reduces redness and inflammation

Not only does tranexamic acid target pigmentation, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and irritation, making it ideal for those with rosacea, sensitive skin, or post-acne marks.

How tranexamic acid works

Tranexamic acid has an anti-plasmin effect. Applied to the skin, it can reduce excessive melanin production (inhibiting melanogenesis), which is generally the cause of dark spots.

Currently, tranexamic acid is the only tested active ingredient that acts on three different pathways involved in the formation of dark spots;

Melanin, the pigment responsible for giving colour to our skin, is produced within melanocytes. Tranexamic acid inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin formation, thereby reducing the production of the pigment.

Treatment of Keratinocytes Tranexamic acid inhibits the inflammatory process that accompanies the formation of spots, reducing areas with an inflammatory component (such as acne marks).

Acts on blood vessels Tranexamic acid decreases vascularization in the affected area, which is crucial for treating melasma, as it has both melanin-based and vascular origins.

Unlike common aesthetic treatments, tranexamic acid treats dark spots at the source. Laser treatments and peels, in fact, only remove the spot superficially but do not help prevent the appearance of new discolouration!

Some spots, such as melasma, have a genetic component and can reappear over time. Regular use of tranexamic acid will not only reduce the appearance of these spots but also make the skin smoother and more even-toned.

Who Should Try Tranexamic Acid?

If you’re dealing with stubborn pigmentation, dark spots, redness, or an uneven skin tone, tranexamic acid is definitely worth trying believe us! Unlike some harsher brightening ingredients, it’s a gentle, non-irritating, well-tolerated active ingredient and is safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin.

How to Use Tranexamic Acid in your daily skincare routine

You’ll often find this superstar ingredient in serums, creams and spot treatments designed to target pigmentation and redness. For the best results you’ll want to use it daily morning and night, and in the morning be sure to follow with sunscreen. Since tranexamic acid works by preventing melanin overproduction, using SPF after is a must to maintain results and prevent further damage.

One of the best things about tranexamic acid is that it pairs perfectly with other skincare ingredients. In fact, using tranexamic acid with vitamin C enhances the benefits of both active ingredients. While tranexamic acid works to slow down melanin production, vitamin C helps to lighten the skin and boost the brightness of the complexion. Together, they provide an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation and dark spots!

And finally make sure you combine or layer it with hydrating ingredients for extra skin-soothing benefits like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide to support your skin barrier and lock in moisture.

The products

Naturys Face B-Clear Serum

Rich in tranexamic acid and other natural brightening botanical extracts including arbutin, betaine and shiitake mushroom, this light yet powerful organic and vegan friendly serum acts simultaneously on all mechanisms involved in hyperpigmentation, through multiple actions: it soothes, regenerates, protects and inhibits melanin precursors.

It radically reduces dark spots and pigmentation while improving overall skin radiance!

Hubislab Derma Max Brilliance Cream

This instant brightening and whitening cream for day and night is formulated with tranexamic acid, titanium dioxide, patented whitening agent MADEWHITE and vitamin B compounds to suppress melanin formation and maintain a brightened skin tone.

Rich in hydrating ingredients including Shea Butter and Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, it also deeply nourishes and protects the skin with strong antibacterial action, while regulating the skin's oil-water balance for a rejuvenated, brighter complexion.

Hubislab Derma Max Brightening Clinic

This deeply moisturising night cream formulated with tranexamic acid, antioxidants and vitamins, nourishes the skin whilst soothing irritation, improving elasticity, correcting pigmentation and brightening the complexion all whilst you sleep!