PoreWise Ingredient
Tranexamic acid
Public databaseTRANEXAMIC ACID
Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent increasingly used topically for hyperpigmentation such as melasma; in skincare it is a leave-on or peel active, distinct from its oral use. The strongest evidence comes from a 2025 human trial: In a randomized trial of 50 female melasma patients, a topical 5% tranexamic acid cream applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced the Melasma Area and Severity Index by 50.88% (p=0.001). 2025 · 50 people · female melasma patients · PMID 40923777 · Small sample (50) and a single-centre study; the trial compared topical against oral tranexamic acid. 3 products contain Tranexamic acid; the highest it appears is number 3 of 22.
- Also written as:
- TXA, Transamin
- INCI name:
- TRANEXAMIC ACID
- CAS number:
- 1197-18-8
- Source:
- PubChem
Functions
Products with this ingredient
Tranexamic acid appears on 3 product ingredient lists, most often around number 4; its highest position is number 3 of 22.
| Product | Brand | Where it sits on the list |
|---|---|---|
| Tranexamic Topical Acid 5% | Naturium | 3 of 22 |
| Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum | Anua | 4 of 51 |
| Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment | The Inkey List | 5 of 23 |
Studies and results
- 1 Skin effectRandomized Clinical Trial on the Efficacy of Oral Tranexamic Acid Versus Topical Tranexamic Acid in Treatment of Melasma
In a randomized trial of 50 female melasma patients, a topical 5% tranexamic acid cream applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced the Melasma Area and Severity Index by 50.88% (p=0.001).
Human trial · 2025 · 50 people · female melasma patients · Female melasma patients applying a 5% topical tranexamic acid cream twice daily for 12 weeks (compared with an oral tranexamic acid arm). · Small sample (50) and a single-centre study; the trial compared topical against oral tranexamic acid.
- 2 Skin effectTranexamic acid protects human dermal fibroblasts from D-galactose-induced senescence via the GPR30/MAPK pathway
In a randomized study of 50 women with melasma, topical 3% tranexamic acid serum plus moisturizer reduced periorbital wrinkle grading significantly more than moisturizer alone at weeks 4, 8 and 12, with the benefit persisting after treatment stopped.
Human trial · 2026 · 50 people · women with melasma · Women with melasma applying 3% topical tranexamic acid serum plus moisturizer (vs moisturizer alone) for 8 weeks, follow-up to week 12. · The population is melasma patients.
- 3 Skin effectEfficacy and Tolerability of a Topical Pigment-Correcting Serum in Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation
In 30 women with melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a serum combining lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid and niacinamide reduced skin tone unevenness by 38% and 33% respectively over 16 weeks (P < 0.008).
Human trial · 2026 · 30 people · women (15 melasma, 15 PIH), 70% Fitzpatrick IV-VI · Women with melasma or PIH, 70% with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, applying the serum twice daily for 16 weeks. · 30 participants; "skin tone unevenness" is a sponsor-defined endpoint.
Skin concerns this ingredient has been studied for
The people in each study had that concern.
Common questions
- What does Tranexamic acid do in skincare?
- Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent increasingly used topically for hyperpigmentation such as melasma; in skincare it is a leave-on or peel active, distinct from its oral use.
- Where does Tranexamic acid sit in these formulas?
- Tranexamic acid appears in 3 products; highest on the list is number 3 of 22, in Tranexamic Topical Acid 5%.
- Which products contain Tranexamic acid?
- Products that contain Tranexamic acid: Tranexamic Topical Acid 5%, Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum, Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment.
- How strong is the evidence behind Tranexamic acid?
- 3 findings on Tranexamic acid; the strongest is a 2025 human trial of 50 female melasma patients.
- What did the study on Tranexamic acid measure?
- 2025 · 50 people · female melasma patients · PMID 40923777 · Small sample (50) and a single-centre study; the trial compared topical against oral tranexamic acid.