Tranexamic acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine and works by inhibiting melanin overproduction, helping to achieve a more even skin tone. It’s known for the ability to reduce hyperpigmentation like melasma, dark spots, and post-inflammatory issues. It also improves skin texture by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Here are the top 8 tranexamic acid serums:
The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment is designed to help you achieve a brighter, more even complexion while you sleep. It’s lightweight and hydrating, making it ideal for sleeping in. While advertised as a nighttime treatment, it’s still gentle enough to use with your daytime products. Be sure to wait 30 minutes before applying moisturizer with this product in order to get the full effects. This product is also vegan, cruelty free, and fragrance free!
This product costs $15.99.
Click here to buy the serum.
Here are two product reviews:
“Tried this out on a whim and boy am I glad I did! Brightness and improved texture.” - Alia, theinkeylist.com
“I only used it for a few weeks, so I'm not sure if I see a difference in my hyperpigmentation. But I like the feeling on my skin and my skin does not get irritated from it.” -Maria, theinkeylist.com
e.l.f is well known for their quality products and affordable prices, and their Blemish Breakthrough Triple Acid Resurfacing Serum. The serum contains a 8.5% triple acid complex of Salicylic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, and PHA to treat breakouts and exfoliate the skin. It also utilizes 10% Niacinimide, which helps smooth skin and even skintone. It’s made to be layered under moisturizer at night, as it can cause sun sensitivities. It’s also fragrance free!
This product costs $14.
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Here are two product reviews:
“I originally got this in mini size to see how I liked it. It did such a nice job, I’ve ordered it in the regular size. However, I kept the little bottle for traveling so I wouldn’t have gone without it. It feels dry and smooth so when putting serums on top, it doesn’t feel too goopy.” - Sue, cvs.com
“This gave me new skin. It is amazing. Got rid of pimples and dark spots as well as uneven texture.” - Sheiky, cvs.com
Paula's Choice CLINICAL Discoloration Repair Serum is a high-performance skincare product designed to effectively target and diminish skin discoloration. This serum is formulated with a potent blend of 4% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), 0.3% Tranexamic Acid, and 2% N-Acetyl Glucosamine that work together to fade and reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots. The serum has a lightweight, non-greasy texture, which allows it to absorb quickly into the skin without leaving a heavy or sticky residue. This makes it suitable for use both in the morning and evening.
This product costs $55.
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Here are two product reviews:
“I have tried so many products to lighten my melasma, and this product is helping! It also makes my skin feel so soft and smooth.” - Didi, Amazon
“Non irritating and safe on sensitive skin. I saw results by the end of 1st week of use. By the second week discolorations were reduced by 50%.” - Amazon Customer
Hero Cosmetics has been known for catering to acne-prone skin since their Mighty Patch launch in 2017. They’ve expanded into topical products since, such as the Lightning Wand. Using a combination of Vitamin C, Niacinimide, and Tranexamic Acid, the serum brighens and smooths skin. The product has no fragrance, hydroquinone, or phthalates, which can cause breakouts on sensitive skin.
This product costs $9.99 for the smaller size and $19.99 for the larger size.
Click here to buy the serum.
Here are two product reviews:
“I had bought the 5ml just to try out since I'm new to Hero Cosmetics' stuff, and it did a really good job at brightening up dark spots. It also worked pretty quickly too- I started seeing results within a few days.” - G, herocosmetics.com
“My son likes this for his acne scarring and we think it's been helping. Will buy again.” - Katie, herocosmetics.com
ACURE is a brand known for its commitment to natural and effective ingredients in its skincare products, and their Brightening Tranexamic Serum is no exception. This serum is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from harmful additives. It’s a promising choice for individuals looking to achieve a luminous skin tone and is suitable for various skin types due to its natural and skin-friendly ingredients.
This product costs $21.99.
Click here to buy the serum.
Here are two product reviews:
“I'm a person of color and suffer often from PIH. I've been using this serum for a couple months & wow my skin tone looks much more even and brighter. I've even gotten great compliments on my skin health.” - Cesar, acure.com
“I have very super-sensitive skin and rosecea and I've tried multiple products which always cause break-out, or allergic reaction, redness. This cream is a life-saver! It's soothing, smells like lemon, hypoallergenic, and makes my skin so smooth, hydrating without any reaction or stickiness! I'll definitely purchase more when it runs out.” - Thao, acure.com
Good Molecules focuses on providing effective skincare at an affordable price. It contains Niacinamide and Alpha Arbutin, both of which are known for their ability to reduce hyperpigmentation, fade dark spots, and even out skin tone. It also contains squalane, a moisturizing ingredient that helps to hydrate and balance the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Their products are formulated without common irritants, making this serum suitable for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive skin.
This product costs $12 for the smaller size and $25 for the larger size.
Click here to buy the serum.
Here are two product reviews:
“I regularly use this product every day and my acne scars and hyperpigmentation have cleared up! My skin tone is so much more even.” - Lyd, Ulta
“I’ve been using this product for around 3-4 years now. It has never given me acne, and over time I definitely see a difference in my dark spots from acne. I like how quickly it absorbs. It visibly brightens my skin” - Ray Ray, Ulta
Cos De BAHA is known for its commitment to effective, science-backed ingredients, and their tranexemic acid serum is no exception. Combined with Niacinimide, it’s effective at smoothing skin texture, reducing redness and discoloration, and increasing hydration. They also tout that they use raw ingredients to ensure the maximum potency. Be sure to use moisturizer and sunscreen in order to protect against UV damage.
This product costs $11.99.
Click here to buy the serum.
Here are two product reviews:
“I use this every night and it has made a noticeable difference in my dark spots.” - Jessie, Amazon
“I noticed a change in melasma and healing of the area within a few days. I combined this with azelaic and used in the evening and spot treated in the morning. I will purchase it again! This brand has great products at great prices!” - Shan, Amazon
Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid utilizes science-backed ingredients and is formulated with a 5% concentration of tranexamic acid. The high concentration effectively targets and reduces the appearance of discoloration and uneven skin tone. It’s vegan, as well as cruelty, paraben, and fragrance free. It also has a pH level of 5.00 to 6.20, which keeps your face’s pH balanced and supports the skin barrier. Be sure to wear sunscreen due to the concentration in this serum.
This product costs $20.
Click here to buy the serum.
Here are two product reviews:
“It has done wonders in lightening my skin from hyperpigmentation and I use it every single day. There’s no harsh smell and it doesn’t irritate my skin.” - Kelia, naturium.com
“I have used this product for about 1 month. Hyperpigmentation from acne has greatly diminished. I use lots of moisturizer because the acid does cause some peeling. Quite happy with the results.” - Minimalist, naturium.com
If you’re looking to get rid of redness and hyperpigmentation, tranexamic serum is a great option to even out your skin tone.
