Tranexamic Acid

Also known as: Tranexamic Acid (TXA)

INCI: Tranexamic Acid | Function: Brightening, Anti-inflammatory | Type: Synthetic amino acid derivative

What Is Tranexamic Acid?

Tranexamic Acid is a synthetic lysine derivative originally used as an oral hemostatic agent. In skincare, it has emerged as a powerful brightening ingredient that interrupts the UV-induced plasmin/plasminogen pathway, reducing melanin production and treating melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Clinically proven for melasma treatment
+ Blocks UV-induced pigmentation pathway
+ Reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
+ Anti-inflammatory — calms redness
+ Gentle and well-tolerated

Pros

+ Strong clinical evidence for melasma (multiple RCTs)
+ Non-irritating unlike hydroquinone
+ Can be combined with other brighteners (synergy)
+ Water-soluble, easy to formulate
+ Suitable for all skin tones

Cons

− Slower results than hydroquinone (weeks to months)
− Higher cost than traditional brighteners
− Results are reversible if sun exposure continues
− Fewer long-term cosmetic studies than oral TXA

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Eye, Body
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Synthetic
Natural Level	Synthetic

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	0/5 (none)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	1/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	Max 3% (recommended)	Max 3%	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No specific limit	No specific limit	Allowed — no CIR review yet
Japan (MHLW)	Max 2-3%	Max 2-3%	Allowed
ASEAN	No specific limit	No specific limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	Max 3%	Max 3%	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Brightening serum	1 - 3%
Melasma treatment cream	2 - 5%
Toner / Essence	1 - 2%

References

Kim SJ et al. (2016) — TXA for melasma meta-analysis. PMID: 26408344
Lee JH et al. (2006) — Topical TXA for melasma. PMID: 16628110
EWG Skin Deep — Score 1/10

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