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Back to Ingredient Glossary

Antioxidant

Tranexamic Acid

Found in formulas that target dark spots and discoloration, tranexamic acid for skin is a powerful brightening ingredient that promotes a more even complexion

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TRANEXAMIC ACID >

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What is Tranexamic Acid?

A synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine, tranexamic acid for skin has been used by physicians to address skin discoloration via topical application. This ingredient has been shown to diminish the appearance of discoloration and improve stubborn brown patches.

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Benefits of Tranexamic Acid for Skin

Tranexamic acid is a powerful ingredient increasingly used in skincare to target discoloration, including dark spots, post-blemish spots and sunspots. Unlike some brightening ingredients that can be irritating or harsh, tranexamic acid is generally well tolerated and suitable for daily use, even on sensitive skin. It’s often found in serums like SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense or spot treatments and can be used alongside other ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C for enhanced results. With consistent use, products containing tranexamic acid can support a more even, radiant complexion without compromising skin barrier health, making it a valuable option for those looking to treat dark spots or discoloration concerns gently and effectively.

Products with Tranexamic Acid

Discoloration Defense Serum

Discoloration Defense Serum

Skin discoloration + dark spot correcting serum

Answers to your frequently asked tranexamic acid questions.

Listed in the World Health Organization’s list of Essential Medicines¹, tranexamic acid was originally used to reduce blood loss in patients experiencing menorrhagia and during open-heart surgery. However, in 1979, physicians accidentally began noticing that patients who had been treated with tranexamic acid were seeing visible improvement in skin discoloration.

More recently, tranexamic acid has been introduced as a topical skincare ingredient aimed at reducing the appearance of stubborn forms of discoloration. It is also used as an adjunct therapy to in-office procedures such as laser or intense pulsed light (IPL).

Visit your skincare professional to learn more >

¹ "WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (19th List)" (PDF). World Health Organization. April 2015. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 December 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2016

When shopping for products that target skin discoloration, it is important to look for well-studied ingredients backed by clinical results. Tranexamic acid is one such ingredient. Used and recommended by dermatologists, it works by addressing the appearance of discoloration at its onset. Studies have also demonstrated its ability to address hard-to-treat forms of discoloration, including post-acne marks and stubborn brown patches. Tranexamic acid can be combined with other discoloration-fighting ingredients that work synergistically to create a multi-action approach targeting discoloration.

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense is a layerable, daily-use serum formulated with 3% tranexamic acid, 5% niacinamide, 1% kojic acid, and 5% HEPES. This clinically-proven formula improves the look of discoloration, brightens skin, and evens skin tone in as early as two weeks. For the most comprehensive regimen, it is always recommended to pair with a vitamin C serum and broad spectrum sunscreen to protect and prevent UV-induced skin damage that can contribute to an uneven skin tone.

To understand how tranexamic acid helps brighten skin, it is important to understand why skin discoloration occurs in the first place. Everyday elements—including UV exposure, prescription drugs, and some professional treatments—can trigger the skin discoloration process by activating inflammatory mediators within the skin. This results in a chain reaction that causes the skin to produce melanin, the naturally-occurring pigment that gives skin its color. While the purpose of melanin is protective, when produced in excess, it can form deposits in the skin that manifest as dark patches, isolated spots, or an overall darker facial appearance.

Tranexamic acid is a potent ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of discoloration and improves the look of stubborn brown spots, resulting in an overall brighter appearance.

Tranexamic acid offers a gentle, non-invasive way to treat discoloration over time, making it ideal for at-home use. While effective for reducing dark spots, it typically delivers slower, more gradual results compared to in-office treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or microneedling, which often provide more immediate and dramatic improvement. However, tranexamic acid can complement professional treatments by helping maintain results and prevent recurrence of discoloration as part of an integrated skincare routine.

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