Table of Contents
- What Is Tranexamic Acid?
- 1. The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment – Best Overall.
- 2. Paula’s Choice Discoloration Repair Serum – Runner-Up.
- 3. Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense – Best For Stubborn Hyperpigmentation.
- 4. Good Molecules Discoloration Correction Serum – Best Budget.
- 5. Dearskin Tranex Dear Serum – Best For Mature Skin.
- 6. SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum – Best For Sensitive Skin.
- 7. Naruko AMPM Total Brightening Renewal Treatment – Best For Dry Skin.
- 8. Naturuim Tranexamic Topical Acid 5% – Best With Niacinamide.
- 9. FaceTheory Exaglow Serum S10 – Best With Vitamin C and Liquorice.
- 10. Superdrug Me+ Tranexamic Acid Booster – Best With A Single-Hero Ingredient.
Questing for the best tranexamic acid serums on the market?, then take a break, you’ve found them.
Hyperpigmentation is almost inevitable, as almost everyone has or will experience it, whether in a minimal or severe level. Many factors can contribute to hyperpigmentation, factors suchlike certain medications, sun exposure, injuries and left over acne scars also knows as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Prominent skincare ingredients such as alpha arbutin, kojic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and azelaic acid has been used to tackle skin dullness and discoloration, until tranexamic acid came into the picture, and ever since then gained dermatologists and skincare lover’s interest. Now, you can find tranexamic acid in serums and creams all thanks to rigorous research studies by scientists.
What Is Tranexamic Acid?
Tranexamic acid is synthetically derived from the amino acid lysine. Lysine is an amino acid (a building block of protein). Unlike some other amino acids, the human body cannot make lysine; therefore it must be eaten in the diet. Sources of lysine include meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and some plants such as soy and other legumes.
Tranexamic acid tackles hyperpigmentation by providing a powerful and specific anti-inflammatory action, inhibiting the tyrosinase synthesis in melanocytes. At the same time it blocks the transfer of pigment from melanocytes to keratinocytes in the epidermis. Tranexamic acid also calms the skin and helps restore the skin barrier.
Apart from topical usage for its skin benefits, tranexamic acid is also a drug used to treat heavy bleeding during your menstrual period. Tranexamic acid works by slowing the breakdown of blood clots, which helps to prevent prolonged bleeding. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antifibrinolytics.
Research has it that taking tranexamic acid orally also helps treat melasma and other skin discoloration with few side effects such as stomach discomfort, potentially increase the risk of blood clots and interfer with your menstrual cycle by causing reduced menstrual flow. Therefore we strongly advice if you must use oral tranexamic acid endeavor to discuss with your doctor regarding your intended approach.
Concentrating on topical usage of tranexamic acid, we’ve outsourced the best tranexamic acid serums to address melasma (and other types of hyperpigmentations), which includes enhancing skin radiance.
1. The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment – Best Overall.
The Inkey List took a baby step into the beauty industry and have since then gained massive recognition and trust from dedicated skincare lovers due to their product transparency and quality. Their tranexamic acid formula is no different. It’s a blend of 2% tranexamic acid, 2% acai berry extract and 2% ascorbyl glucoside — a vitamin C derivative to target and tackle melasma and hyperpigmentation. Formula feels super hydrating on the skin and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no residue behind. And oh, it’s very wallet-friendly. Read the full review here.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly.
- Comes well packaged.
- Contains no skin irritant.
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
- Pairs 3 skin brightening ingredient.
- Light-weight formula ( non-greasy).
Cons
- Has a thick-texture, which everyone may not like.
2. Paula’s Choice Discoloration Repair Serum – Runner-Up.
One of the best and prominent skincare brand, The Paula’s Choice also has its own tranexamic acid formula which cocktails both 3% tranexamic acid, 5% niacinamide and 0.5% bakuchiol to potentially address hyperpigmentation and discoloration that must have contributed to uneven skin.
Pros
- Light-weight, non-greasy formula.
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
- Light-weight non-greasy formula.
- Combines tranexamic acid, with niacinamide and bakuchiol.
Cons
- May not be suitable for everyone’s budget.
3. Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense – Best For Stubborn Hyperpigmentation.
Struggling with stubborn hyperpigmentation? Reoccurring melasma? Then Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense have you covered. With the combination of 3% tranexamic acid, 5% niacinamide, 1% kojic acid and 5% HEPES (which exfoliates and break the bonds that bind dead skin cells to the surface) gives no room for hyperpigmentation, as it tackles and fades even the most stubborn and reoccurring melasma. Just stay consistent with usage and have patience.
Pros
- Contains no skin irritant.
- Package comes well sealed.
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
- Contains 4 skin pigment-addressing actives.
- Light-weight formula ( non-greasy).
Cons
- Price may not suit everyone’s budget.
4. Good Molecules Discoloration Correction Serum – Best Budget.
The Good molecules contains TeraCeutic TXVector™ (cetyl tranexamate mesylate), a highly advanced form of tranexamic acid which has been proved to deliver the potentials of this wonderful ingredient deeply into the skin for optimal result to tackle existing hyperpigmentation and prevent future occurrences. It also contains 4% niacinamide to address dull skin, minimize large pores and regulates excess oil (sebum) production, all these at a super pocket friendly price. Read the full review here.
Pros
- Very affordable.
- Super light-weight.
- Product well packaged.
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
- Unites tranexamic acid & niacinamide.
- Contains an advanced form of tranexamic acid.
- Does not contain harmful substances.
Cons
- Has a slim dropper, makes it difficult to pick up enough liquid from the bottle.
5. Dearskin Tranex Dear Serum – Best For Mature Skin.
Although matured skin isn’t a skin type, it’s a skin condition that can be genetic (like rosacea or acne) or develop (like sunspots) through lifestyle factors, such as: living life outdoors or not being diligent with sunscreen. Due to so many factors, a matured skin can run into different skin issues which age spots and skin discoloration are mostly among.
This formula is a powerful serum with the powerhouse of actives, with the blend of 5% tranexamic acid, 5% kojic acid, 5% glycolic acid, 5% niacinamide and L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), to address the problems of hyperpigmentation for good, address enlarged-pores and uneven complexion.
Pros
- light-weight formula.
- Contains no skin irritant.
- Product is well packaged.
- Best suitable for matured skin.
- Contains no skin clogging ingredients.
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
- Combines 5 pigment-targeting ingredients.
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin (due to multiple acids combination).
6. SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum – Best For Sensitive Skin.
Aside tranexamic acid’s skin lightening potentials, one of its other skin benefit is, — it doesn’t increase the skin’s sensitivity or causes redness which makes it very suitable for all skin types — including sensitive skin. However as in combination with other skin brighteners may make formulation not suitable for sensitive skin, but this formula isn’t one of them. Individuals with sensitive skin, this formula is for you. Combines tranexamic acid + niacinamide + marine extract and phenylethyl resorcinol to correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation and maintain even-looking skin.
Pros
- Best for sensitive skin.
- Light-weight, non-greasy formula
- Contains no skin irritant.
- Comes well sealed to avoid leakage.
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
- Unites 4 skin brightening actives.
Cons
- Expensive (but worths your money).
7. Naruko AMPM Total Brightening Renewal Treatment – Best For Dry Skin.
The Naruko AM+PM Total Brightening Renewal Treatment combines 5% mandelic acid, 3% tranexamic acid, and 5% gluconolactone to exfoliate and renew the skin for a brighter complexion and smoother texture. It also contains 10% hyaluronic acid to boost surface hydration and licorice root extract to calm inflammatory irritation.
If you have dry skin, this pick is for you.
Pros
- Well packaged.
- Light-weight, non-greasy formula.
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
- Light-weight non-greasy formula.
- A blend of AHA (mandelic acid) & tranexamic acid.
Cons
- Contains fragrance (may likely cause irritation).
8. Naturuim Tranexamic Topical Acid 5% – Best With Niacinamide.
A potent tranexamic acid formula at 5%, paired with three hyperpigmentation-hitting ingredients, kojic acid, licorice and niacinamide – which not only helps fade hyperpigmentation, but also helps calm the skin of irritation and enhance skin barrier function all thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
All four (4) pigment-targeting ingredients contained in this formula work synergistically to help fade the looks of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, revitalizing your skin’s luminosity for a healthy and glowing looking skin.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly.
- Easily absorbs into the skin (without leaving residue behind)
Contains no skin irritant. - Amalgamates tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide and licorice extract
- Package comes well sealed.
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
Cons
- None.
9. FaceTheory Exaglow Serum S10 – Best With Vitamin C and Liquorice.
Imagine a combination of 5% tranexamic acid alongside with two (2) skin brightening ingredients – vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) and liquorice extract, potentially great for the diminishing of hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration for a uniform, bright and glowy skin. That’s not all, this hyperpigmentation-zapping serum also contains niacinamide, to soothe skin, improve skin barrier and also block the transfer of melanin and lactic acid (an AHA), which helps with skin exfoliation for better product efficacy.
This serum is a gem to treat hyperpigmentation.
Pros
- Wallet-friendly.
- Light-weight and absorbs easily into the skin.
- Contains no skin irritant.
- Houses tranexamic acid, vitamin C, licorice extract, niacinamide and lactic acid.
- Package comes well sealed.
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
Cons
- None.
10. Superdrug Me+ Tranexamic Acid Booster – Best With A Single-Hero Ingredient.
If you’re a lover of skincare products with single-hero active ingredients (just like me), then this should be your go-to tranexamic acid serum. It contains only tranexamic acid at 2.5% (with no other added active ingredients), to tackle hyperpigmentation and brighten overall skin tone.
I love skincare products with single-hero active ingredient because of two reasons:
- To easily detect the culprit-ingredient should in case the product breaks me out (or irritates my skin).
- To easily navigate around my skincare routine on what my skin needs at every moment.
When I got to know that this serum contains only tranexamic acid, I purchased it without hesitation, used it for four (4) weeks, and believe me when I say, it really worth the money spent. You can read my full review here.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly.
- Light-weight and absorbs easily into the skin (without leaving any greasy residue behind).
- Contains no skin irritant.
- Package comes well sealed.
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
Cons
- None.
UP NEXT: After Diligently Using Any Of These Serums, Your Dark Spots Will Bow!!
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