Ingredients

Tranexamic Acid

Written by Reviewed by the SYNC editorial team Published Last reviewed Editorial standards

Tranexamic Acid — a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine used topically to help fade discoloration and even skin tone. It is thought to interrupt the interaction between skin cells and pigment-producing melanocytes, making it a popular choice for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Key points

  • Tranexamic acid was originally developed as an oral medication to reduce bleeding and is now widely used topically in skincare.
  • It helps limit excess pigment production by interfering with signaling between keratinocytes and melanocytes.
  • It is frequently studied and used for melasma, sun-induced spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  • Topical tranexamic acid pairs well with ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and sunscreen for tone-evening routines.

Frequently asked

What does tranexamic acid do for the skin?

Topically it helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven tone by curbing the overproduction of melanin. It is especially associated with improving melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Can tranexamic acid be combined with vitamin C?

Yes, tranexamic acid is commonly layered with vitamin C and niacinamide to support a brighter, more even complexion. Combining brightening actives with daily sunscreen helps maintain and protect results.

Related topics

This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.

Encyclopedia

Further reading

This entry was written and checked against the sources below. They are published by clinical and scientific bodies, they are listed most readable first, and each one opens in a new tab. They are background for the whole entry rather than footnotes to individual sentences.

  1. Tranexamic acid DermNet NZ Clinical guidance dermnetnz.org
  2. Oral Tranexamic Acid for the Treatment of Melasma PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Efficacy of Oral, Topical, and Intradermal Tranexamic Acid in Patients with Melasma — A Meta-Analysis PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Tranexamic Acid for Hyperpigmentation Disorders PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Oral Tranexamic Acid for the Treatment of Melasma: A Review PubMed Peer-reviewed (abstract) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Topical tranexamic acid as a promising treatment for melasma PubMed Peer-reviewed (abstract) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SYNC does not publish medical advice. Nothing here replaces a consultation with a doctor or a pharmacist about your own skin.