Tranexamic Acid

Functions
Skin whitening agent
Hemostatic agent
Astringent
Skin conditioning
CAS Number(s)
1197-18-8
EINECS number(s)
214-818-2
FDA UNII
6T84R30KC1

Tranexamic acid is an amino acid that is considered an analog of lysine. It is widely used in medicine as a hemostatic agent (stops or prevents bleeding) that inhibits the activation of the active site of plasmin. Plasmin is a protein, an enzyme in the blood that breaks down many plasma proteins, including fibrin, exhibiting anticoagulant action.

Besides the anticoagulant effect, plasmin stimulates the growth of melanocytes, melanin-producing cells. In addition, it promotes the synthesis of arachidonic acid, a precursor of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which stimulate melanin production. So, plasmin has a considerable dual effect on melanin production.

As a plasmin antagonist, Tranexamic acid lessens melanin production and fights against hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and other discolorations. It is a well-studied, safe, and effective ingredient for topical applications. Combined with other skin whitening agents, especially Tranexamic acid and Niacin (vitamin B3) derivatives Tranexamoyl- and Nicotinyl-peptides, it potentiates their effect and improves skin whitening effectivity of the entire formulation.

Synonyms
TXA
Cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, 4-(aminomethyl)-, trans-
Transamin

Related ingredients

1,2-Hexanediol
1,2-Hexanediol
1,2-Hexanediol is glycol alcohol (with two hydroxy groups on 1 and 2 positions and six carbon atoms), a multifunctional ingredient used as a solvent, emollient, moisturizing agent, and preservative in skin and hair care applications.
Abyssinian Oil
Abyssinian Oil
Abyssinian oil (Crambe oil) achieves a significant improvement on the surface structure as well as the evenness of the skin tone.
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl ester
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl ester
This lipopeptide exhibits good stimulating results on elastin production. As a result, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl ester fights against cutaneous sagging and decreases the visible effects of gravity on the skin.
Acetyl Heptapeptide-9
Acetyl Heptapeptide-9 mimics the TGFβ. Acetyl Heptapeptide-9 effects on fibroblasts, stimulating collagen, elastin, and other components of ECM production.
Adenosine 5 Triphosphate (ATP)
Adenosine 5 Triphosphate (ATP)
Naturally existing in our bodies as part of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), responsible for transporting energy for numerous cellular and muscular functions in our body
Alanine
Alanine
Alanine is an amino acid permanently produced in the human body. It is included in beauty formulations as an effective skin humectant.
Algae Extract
Algae Extract
Contains micro-nutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, copper.
Alistin®
Alistin®
Alistin® (Decarboxy Carnosine) is a synthetic antiaging pseudodipeptide with high stability and resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis, that cell membranes oxidative stress and dermal fiber from cross-linking.
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Thanks to the specificity of its inter-glycosidic bonds, Alpha-Glucan is a selective substrate for the nutrition and development of the skin's saprophytic (beneficial) flora to the detriment of undesirable opportunists flora (pathogenic or not) ready to invade the skin at the slightest sign of imbalance.
Alpha-isomethyl Ionone
Alpha-isomethyl Ionone
Alpha-isomethylionone is a colorless to pale oily liquid, an isomer of Methyl Ionone, but its sweet orris-like scent is felt more attractive.
Ammonium Lactate
Ammonium Lactate
This food-grade ingredient is valued for its humectant and skin conditioning effects and is used as an anionic surfactant.
Apple extract
Apple extract
The Apple awakens energies and is said to have an exceptionally activating effect on the body. The scent contributes to an extremely refreshing and stimulating sensation.