Why everyone’s talking about Tranexamic Acid

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has gained significant attention in skincare for its ability to treat hyperpigmentation by interrupting both pigment formation and pigment driven inflammation. Originally used medically to reduce bleeding, TXA inhibits plasma activity, a pathway recognised as relevant in pigment regulation. Its long clinical history means TXA enters cosmetic skincare with a stronger evidence base than many commonly used brightening ingredients. As its use grows, understanding how TXA performs within real formulations and on different skin types is essential for credible product development.

What We Know:

• TXA (oral, intradermal and topical) improves melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation, with significant reductions in MASI scores when compared to baseline or control (Calacattawi,et al, 2024).

• TXA decreases UV-induced melanocyte signalling, helping limit excess melanin production (Minasyan et al, 2024).

• TXA disrupts pigment transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes, improving post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (Chen et al, 2024).

• Topical TXA is well tolerated and can be paired with treatments such as microneedling, to enhance results, offering a safer alternative to stronger agents like hydroquinone (Konisky et al, 2023).

Industry Impact and Potential:

TXA’s multi-pathway action offers advantages for product development;

• Broad applicability -> Effective across varied pigmentation concerns including melasma, post inflammation hyperpigmentation and general uneven tone.

• Good tolerability -> Suitable for sensitive skin when formulated at low concentrations.

• Synergistic formulating -> Pairs well with niacinamide, vitamin C derivatives and retinoids for complementary pathways.

Our Position:

At Sequential, we help brands move from “TXA is trending” to “here is exactly what TXA is doing in this formula, on this skin.” We can help uncover what TXA is actually doing once it enters a full product system, how it interacts with other actives, whether it reaches relevant biological pathways, and how skin responds over time. Using our in-vivo testing frameworks, microbiome-aware models and multi-omic platforms, we can map changes in pigment biology, inflammation, and barrier behaviour . Our global database of 50,000+ samples allows us to benchmark TXA-containing formulations against diverse skin types, tones and real-world microbiome profiles, revealing who benefits most and why.

References:

Calacattawi, R. et al. (2024). Tranexamic acid for melasma: meta-analysis of RCTs. J Dermatol Treat, 35.

Chen, T. et al. (2024). Tranexamic acid for hyperpigmentation disorders: an update. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol, 17, 2151–2163.

Konisky, H. et al. (2023). Tranexamic acid in melasma: administration routes. J Cosmet Dermatol, 22, 1197–1206.

Minasyan, M. et al. (2024). Oral tranexamic acid for PIH prevention and treatment. Dermatol Surg, 50, S219–S224.