Products are independently selected by our editors.

We may earn an affiliate commission from links.

With that, consider these formulas that highlight the ingredient to attain brighter, more radiant skin.

Image may contain Adult Person Skin Head and Face

Skincare

In skin care, its used for its brightening effects to improve discoloration and melasma, says Dr. Castilla.

Its skin benefits were discovered by accident when tranexamic acid was used for another medical purpose.

The termacidrefers only to its chemical structure, she says.

Image may contain: Bottle, Lotion, Cosmetics, and Perfume

What are the benefits of tranexamic acid?

Tranexamic acids primary benefit is brightening skin, even for conditions that are notoriously tough to treatlike melasma.

For that reason, its especially powerful for reducing the appearance of dark spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation.

Image may contain: Bottle, and Cosmetics

What form of tranexamic acid is best?

In skin-care products, its also safe for long-term use.

What is the best percentage of tranexamic acid for skin?

Image may contain: Bottle, Lotion, Cosmetics, and Perfume

It depends on the skin condition youre trying to treat.

She recommends pairing it with multiple active ingredients that can target different pathways that cause hyperpigmentation, she says.

The different ingredients work synergistically to enhance the other’s results.

Image may contain: Bottle, Cosmetics, and Perfume

These include vitamin C and niacinamide.

And finally, sunscreenis key, because exposure to UV can worsen hyperpigmentation and melasma, says Dr. Amin.

It is important to protect the skin from the suns rays to see the full benefits of tranexamic acid.

Image may contain: Bottle, Shaker, and Cosmetics

Meet the Experts

Image may contain: Toothpaste, Bottle, Lotion, Business Card, Paper, and Text

Image may contain: Cosmetics, Bottle, and Shaker

Image may contain: Bottle, Cosmetics, Perfume, Tin, Can, and Spray Can

Image may contain: Bottle, Cosmetics, Perfume, and Lotion

Image may contain: Bottle, and Shaker

Image may contain: Cylinder, Bottle, and Shaker