Active ingredient

Tranexamic Acid

INCITranexamic Acid

Last reviewed by BIOSAR Scientific Team, PharmD, Cosmetic Chemistry, Pharmacy practice on April 28, 2026.

What it is

Tranexamic acid is a synthetic lysine analogue used in skincare to reduce melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and uneven tone. It inhibits plasmin-mediated melanogenesis and dampens melanocyte response to UV-induced inflammation. Pairs well with vitamin C, niacinamide, and alpha-arbutin in stacked pigment-correction routines. No major conflicts.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Safe

Considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Topical tranexamic acid at cosmetic concentrations is considered acceptable during pregnancy and lactation per Mother to Baby. Oral or systemic use is a separate clinical decision and falls outside cosmetic scope.

Mechanism in detail

What Tranexamic Acid does

Amino acid derivative that targets stubborn pigmentation pathways. Works alongside Alpha-Arbutin or Niacinamide for multi-pathway tone correction.

Evidence

What the research says

4.80 → 2.335% topical vs 2% hydroquinone in women with melasmaA double-blind trial in 60 women with melasma: 5% topical tranexamic acid twice daily for 12 weeks lowered the severity score from 4.80 to 2.33, with no difference from 2% hydroquinone (4.37 to 2.30). Both groups used sunscreen.A clinical study in patients, in a medical setting. It is shown for the science of the ingredient, not as an example of cosmetic use.Read the study →Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2017 (Atefi)

Where it helps