Tranexamic Acid Is The New Product You Should Be Using For Dark Spots

If you struggle at all with hyperpigmentation, chances are you’ve tried products with vitamin C or hydroquinone to reduce discoloration. Not knocking the efficacy of those ingredients here but there’s another player in the skincare game that might also hold the key to a more even complexion: tranexamic acid (or TXA for short). The ingredient is great at targeting hyperigmentation whether it be post-inflammatory or from melasma. The best part: It's very gentle and plays nicely with other ingredients—including actives that can be temperamental to mix with.

What is tranexamic acid?

“Tranexamic acid is an acid derived from a synthetic form of lysine,” says Dr. Farhaad Riyaz, a board-certified dermatologist and medical advisor for Docent, a prescription skincare brand. “In the skincare arena, it is used topically to treat hyperpigmentation, PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), and melasma (hormonally-induced hyperpigmentation).”

What does tranexamic acid do?

According to Dr. Riyaz, tranexamic acid attacks melanin production by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme that’s responsible for pigmentation. “It does not exfoliate or stimulate collagen, so it is typically combined with other medications,” he adds. Specifically, tranexamic acid's mild enough to be used in conjunction with other brighteners like niacinamide and kojic acid as well as typically well-tolerated when combined with tretinoin and other active ingredients you may be using to target the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.

How do you use tranexamic acid?

If you’re ready to give this new gentle but efficacious ingredient a try, Dr. Riyaz recommends looking for a serum, moisturizer, or peel with tranexamic acid in it. “The ideal concentration of tranexamic acid ranges from 3 to 5 percent, which is the amount proven to be effective in clinical studies,” he says. Typically, you can apply, say, a serum with tranexamic acid in it daily, morning or night, and even up to twice a day, but you should always start slow and patch test new products on your skin in an inconspicuous area first. According to Dr. Riyaz, tranexamic acid is suitable for all skin types and tones, and based on clinical trials, the only real side effects are dryness, irritation, and potentially a little flaking with use.

Can you use tranexamic acid if you're pregnant or breastfeeding?

For best results, keep these other tranexamic acid pointers in mind. “As with other ingredients and treatments for hyperpigmentation, daily use of a sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ is a must to help control hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Riyaz. Also, because topical tranexamic acid hasn’t been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, you should always consult your dermatologist and obstetrician before beginning use in those cases. tranexamic acid can also be a great alternative for those sensitive to hydroquinone or anyone who wants to take a break from it for whatever reason. Just don’t expect an overnight change with tranexamic acid, and consistency is key. “Most people will notice results with consistent use in eight to 12 weeks,” says Riyaz.

Looking to add a few tranexamic acid-forward products to your beauty toolkit? Consider these five options, depending on your skincare needs and product preferences.