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Tranexamic acid

Commonly known as: Tranexamic acid, TXA, 4-(methylamino)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid.

I.N.C.I. list name: Tranexamic Acid.

Extraction process: Structural modification of lysine.

Source: Synthetic.

Botanical name: /

Family: /

Part of the plant extracted: /

Provenance, origin: /

Chemical characteristics: Synthetic analogue of amino lysine; molecular weight: 157.21 g/mol; soluble in water and glacial acetic acid; practically insoluble in acetone and ethanol; pH between 3 and 8.

Characteristics: Colloidal solution, emulsion, true hydrophilic solution.

Dosage required in cosmetic products: Recommended concentration: 2% to 5%.

Function: Astringent, skin-maintenance agent.

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, soothing, depigmenting/brightening, regenerating, unifying.

Benefits: Suitable for all skin types with pigment irregularities (melasma, sunspots, post-acne brown marks) and redness. Use for brown under-eye circles.

Details

Properties

Anti-inflammatory: Prevents and reduces redness by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. Useful for skin prone to rosacea or irritation.
Brightening: Reduce the appearance of pigment spots for an even complexion by targeting multiple stages of melanogenesis to limit melanin production.
Regenerative: Restore the skin barrier by strengthening cell cohesion and supporting epidermal lipid production.

Uses

Facial care (toning lotions, anti-spot serums, eye-contour treatments, moisturizing creams, gel creams, masks, sun-care products);
Body care (body milks).

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Storage conditions

Store in a cool, dry place (at room temperature below 25 °C), protected from moisture, heat, and light.

Contraindications, precautions for use

The risk of side effects is higher when tranexamic acid is administered orally or by injection than with topical application. When applied locally to the skin, it shows a favorable tolerance profile without major adverse effects reported and is suitable for all skin types.

However, in rare cases, a skin reaction may occur. According to a 2014 study, the most common side effects include skin dryness, peeling, and mild irritation.

It is recommended toperform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying to the entire face. To date, no data indicate that topically applied tranexamic acid poses a risk for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.

Find out more

Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of lysine, developed in the 1960s by Japanese researchers. It was designed as a hemostatic agent to reduce bleeding by inhibiting fibrinolysis, the process of blood clot breakdown. It found applications in dermatology and cosmetics. In 1979, an unexpected side effect drew a doctor's attention: skin depigmentation in a patient treated orally for chronic urticaria. This observation spurred research into its lightening potential. Today, although its efficacy in topical use remains under study, tranexamic acid is included in several cosmetic formulations aimed at reducing pigment disorders.