Ingredient Encyclopedia

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Discover what’s inside your skincare — from retinol to aloe vera — with clear guides on benefits, uses, and safety.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Tranexamic Acid – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Tranexamic Acid ($C_{8}H_{15}NO_{2}$) is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine. In dermatology, it is classified as a powerful plasminogen inhibitor. Unlike AHAs which peel away existing pigment, TXA works "upstream" by inhibiting the activation of plasminogen into plasmin. This process effectively interrupts the chemical conversation between keratinocytes (surface skin cells) and melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). By blocking the inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and arachidonic acid—which are triggered by UV light and acne—TXA prevents the "pigment alarm" from going off in the first place, making it uniquely effective for chronic, recurring discoloration.