Year after year, another acid-based abbreviation is added to the skincare encyclopedia. We’ve become familiar with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), like glycolic and lactic acid, and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), such as salicylic acid, for exfoliating our skin and clearing our pores. Not to mention, PHA (polyhydroxy acids) and HA (hyaluronic acid) have become incredibly popular for brightening skin and delivering plumping hydration, respectively. Now, it’s time to get acquainted with TXA — tranexamic acid.
For those new to this abbreviation, tranexamic acid (TXA) is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine. Originally, it was used in medical and dental procedures to help stop bleeding. However, when used as a topical skincare treatment, such as a serum or cream, tranexamic acid has a bunch of skin-enhancing benefits, including brightening, soothing, and smoothing.
Ahead, we’ll explore the benefits of using tranexamic acid for skin, how to use tranexamic acid for hyperpigmentation, and which skin types can make the most of TXA. (Spoiler alert: Everyone can.)
What are the skincare benefits of using tranexamic acid?
TXA is known to have both anti-inflammatory and anti-melanin-producing properties. In other words, this gentle yet powerful ingredient helps reduce redness, soothe irritation, and decrease inflammation. These benefits are beneficial when dealing with acne, eczema, rosacea, and sun damage. For those with acne-prone skin, in particular, tranexamic acid can help heal painful breakouts and decrease your chance of developing acne scars.
Studies have also found that tranexamic acid can treat hyperpigmentation because it protects skin cells from becoming inflamed and trying to heal themselves by releasing pigment, which is how melasma, dark spots, sun spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation typically form. In the process, TXA also helps brighten skin and even skin tone.
What are the best tranexamic acid products for skin?
My personal favorite tranexamic acid serum is Haruharu wonder’s Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum. This vegan, fragrance-free formula packs a 4-percent concentration of tranexamic acid to effectively diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots by treating them on a cellular level with the mechanisms listed above.
This lightweight TXA serum is also infused with a 4-percent concentration of niacinamide (a form of vitamin B) to even out and refine your skin tone and texture for smoother, clearer skin. TXA is also joined by antioxidant-rich vitamin C, which is beloved for its skin-brightening and wrinkle-reducing benefits.
I love how Haruharu wonder added an extra-special ingredient to the Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum called Pearin 100 (Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract). Made from upcycled baby pears thrown away due to not tasting sweet enough, Haruharu wonder repurposed them as an ultra-versatile skincare ingredient. Pear extract is known to improve skin texture and even skin tone while preventing dark spots from forming. This TXA serum also features a Centella Complex to calm and heal sensitized skin.
All of these superstar skin-enhancing ingredients come together in Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum’s opaque white bottle with an airless pump, which provides hygienic application and prevents the product from degrading due to exposure to air and sunlight. (Vitamin C is infamously unstable, meaning it becomes less potent when exposed to the elements over an extended period of time.)
How to use tranexamic acid for hyperpigmentation
After cleansing your skin with a face wash, like the Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel, and patting on a toner, such as the beloved Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner, dispense a pump of Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum onto your fingers and evenly spread it all over your face.
This product should be a part of both your everyday morning and nighttime skincare routines for optimal results—it may take up to eight weeks to see visible improvements to your skin tone and texture. The bouncy, transparent gel is never sticky, greasy, or heavy, so you can layer it under makeup and sunscreen without worrying about pilling.
Frequently Asked Questions About TXA
Does tranexamic acid lighten skin?
TXA only lightens areas with hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Due to its targeted action, it will not cause overall lightening of your complexion regardless of your skin tone. In other words, tranexamic acid can effectively fade dark spots and even out skin tone, but it won't bleach or lighten your natural skin color.
Is tranexamic acid safe for sensitive skin?
Absolutely. Tranexamic acid is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, I recommend patch testing Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum before using it on your face just in case. You can also use TXA even if you’re pregnant or nursing.
What is the difference between tranexamic acid vs. hydroquinone?
Although both tranexamic acid and hydroquinone can be used to diminish dark spots, they have incredibly different safety measures and mechanisms. Unlike hydroquinone, tranexamic acid can be used in both the a.m. and p.m. for an unlimited amount of time because it is gentle and has little to no side effects.
Hydroquinone, on the other hand, should only be used for a short period (six weeks minimum; six months maximum). Plus, dermatologists advise stopping use as soon as you notice desired results. Hydroquinone is also not safe to use while pregnant or nursing.
The Ultimate Guide to Tranexamic Acid for Skin
Year after year, another acid-based abbreviation is added to the skincare encyclopedia. We’ve become familiar with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), like glycolic and lactic acid, and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), such as salicylic acid, for exfoliating our skin and clearing our pores. Not to mention, PHA (polyhydroxy acids) and HA (hyaluronic acid) have become incredibly popular for brightening skin and delivering plumping hydration, respectively. Now, it’s time to get acquainted with TXA — tranexamic acid.
For those new to this abbreviation, tranexamic acid (TXA) is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine. Originally, it was used in medical and dental procedures to help stop bleeding. However, when used as a topical skincare treatment, such as a serum or cream, tranexamic acid has a bunch of skin-enhancing benefits, including brightening, soothing, and smoothing.
Ahead, we’ll explore the benefits of using tranexamic acid for skin, how to use tranexamic acid for hyperpigmentation, and which skin types can make the most of TXA. (Spoiler alert: Everyone can.)
What are the skincare benefits of using tranexamic acid?
TXA is known to have both anti-inflammatory and anti-melanin-producing properties. In other words, this gentle yet powerful ingredient helps reduce redness, soothe irritation, and decrease inflammation. These benefits are beneficial when dealing with acne, eczema, rosacea, and sun damage. For those with acne-prone skin, in particular, tranexamic acid can help heal painful breakouts and decrease your chance of developing acne scars.
Studies have also found that tranexamic acid can treat hyperpigmentation because it protects skin cells from becoming inflamed and trying to heal themselves by releasing pigment, which is how melasma, dark spots, sun spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation typically form. In the process, TXA also helps brighten skin and even skin tone.
What are the best tranexamic acid products for skin?
My personal favorite tranexamic acid serum is Haruharu wonder’s Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum. This vegan, fragrance-free formula packs a 4-percent concentration of tranexamic acid to effectively diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots by treating them on a cellular level with the mechanisms listed above.
This lightweight TXA serum is also infused with a 4-percent concentration of niacinamide (a form of vitamin B) to even out and refine your skin tone and texture for smoother, clearer skin. TXA is also joined by antioxidant-rich vitamin C, which is beloved for its skin-brightening and wrinkle-reducing benefits.
I love how Haruharu wonder added an extra-special ingredient to the Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum called Pearin 100 (Pyrus Communis Fruit Extract). Made from upcycled baby pears thrown away due to not tasting sweet enough, Haruharu wonder repurposed them as an ultra-versatile skincare ingredient. Pear extract is known to improve skin texture and even skin tone while preventing dark spots from forming. This TXA serum also features a Centella Complex to calm and heal sensitized skin.
All of these superstar skin-enhancing ingredients come together in Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum’s opaque white bottle with an airless pump, which provides hygienic application and prevents the product from degrading due to exposure to air and sunlight. (Vitamin C is infamously unstable, meaning it becomes less potent when exposed to the elements over an extended period of time.)
How to use tranexamic acid for hyperpigmentation
After cleansing your skin with a face wash, like the Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel, and patting on a toner, such as the beloved Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner, dispense a pump of Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum onto your fingers and evenly spread it all over your face.
This product should be a part of both your everyday morning and nighttime skincare routines for optimal results—it may take up to eight weeks to see visible improvements to your skin tone and texture. The bouncy, transparent gel is never sticky, greasy, or heavy, so you can layer it under makeup and sunscreen without worrying about pilling.
Frequently Asked Questions About TXA
Does tranexamic acid lighten skin?
TXA only lightens areas with hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Due to its targeted action, it will not cause overall lightening of your complexion regardless of your skin tone. In other words, tranexamic acid can effectively fade dark spots and even out skin tone, but it won't bleach or lighten your natural skin color.
Is tranexamic acid safe for sensitive skin?
Absolutely. Tranexamic acid is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. However, I recommend patch testing Centella 4% TXA Dark Spot Go Away Serum before using it on your face just in case. You can also use TXA even if you’re pregnant or nursing.
What is the difference between tranexamic acid vs. hydroquinone?
Although both tranexamic acid and hydroquinone can be used to diminish dark spots, they have incredibly different safety measures and mechanisms. Unlike hydroquinone, tranexamic acid can be used in both the a.m. and p.m. for an unlimited amount of time because it is gentle and has little to no side effects.
Hydroquinone, on the other hand, should only be used for a short period (six weeks minimum; six months maximum). Plus, dermatologists advise stopping use as soon as you notice desired results. Hydroquinone is also not safe to use while pregnant or nursing.