Tranexamic acid

Amino acid derivative2–3%

A gentle tone-evening ingredient that helps stubborn dark marks and patchiness look less noticeable.

What it is

Tranexamic acid is a lab-made relative of the amino acid lysine, now widely used in skincare. It helps the appearance of dark spots, patchy tone and post-blemish marks. It feels gentle on skin and pairs easily with other brightening ingredients.

Good for

Dark spotsUneven tonePost-blemish marksSensitive skin

How it works

Tranexamic acid is thought to quieten a UV-triggered signal, involving the enzyme plasmin, that prompts skin to make more pigment. This may help limit new patches and let existing marks fade as skin renews. In studies, results usually took 8–12 weeks.

Ratings

Evidence

3/5

Small topical trials look encouraging but are less consistent.

Gentleness

4/5

Low irritation in topical studies and suits sensitive skin.

Formulation difficulty

2/5

Water-soluble and stable across a broad pH, so simple to add.

Cost

2/5

Moderate raw-material cost at 2–3%.

Popularity

4/5

Among the most-searched brightening ingredients of 2024–25.

Pairs and cautions

Pairs well with

In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.

Take care with

None noted.

Formulations it suits

Serum Cream Toner, essence and face mist Sheet mask

Packaging

Regional considerations

Australia	Schedule 4 except in skin cosmetics at 3% or less, so 5% overseas formulas cannot be sold here as cosmetics. It is not on the public AIIC, so the importer must categorise it.
ASEAN	Permitted in skin products at up to 3.0%, but not in products intended to contact mucous membranes.
Japan	Approved only as a quasi-drug brightening active (since 2002), so it cannot go in an ordinary cosmetic; the product must be approved as a quasi-drug.
Canada	On the Prescription Drug List, and a toothpaste labelled to contain it was recalled in 2019 as an unauthorised product, so get a classification decision before selling a cosmetic there.

In the lab

Specifications

Typical use level

2–3%0525%

pH window

pH 4–72 acid7 neutral10 alkaline

Solubility

Water-soluble

2–3% in serums and moisturisers for uneven tone; it is water-soluble and heat-stable, so it suits most bases.

INCI	Tranexamic Acid
Also known as	TXA, Cetyl tranexamate (derivative)
Origin	synthetic

Lab notes

Solubility and phase

Water phase. Dissolves readily.

Stability

Add at any stage of the water phase, as it is heat- and light-stable with few known incompatibilities.

Regulatory, Australia

Poisons Standard Schedule 4 applies except in dermal cosmetics at 3% or less, and there is no EU limit. It was not on the public AIIC download in June 2026, so the importer must categorise its introduction under AICIS.

Claims to take care with

'Helps the appearance of dark spots' is cosmetic. Melasma claims are therapeutic, and marketing should not refer to its medical uses.