Tranexamic acid is an ingredient listed on labels as “Tranexamic Acid” and often found in formulas aimed at the look of dark spots. Because of the word “acid” in its name, it is often mistaken for an exfoliant; and because it is also used as a medicine, its place in cosmetics raises questions of its own.
In short: Tranexamic acid is a lysine derivative. In skincare it appears in formulas aimed at the look of dark spots and uneven tone; despite its name, it is not an exfoliant. At s'hevec, Hit The Spot is the only product with a declared tranexamic acid concentration: 2% tranexamic acid and 2% alpha arbutin, preferably used in the evening. In Rice You Up and Rice Rice Baby it is a supporting ingredient with no declared percentage.
| INCI name | Tranexamic Acid |
|---|---|
| Type | Lysine derivative; not an exfoliating acid |
| Used with | Alpha arbutin and niacinamide in the same formula; vitamin C at a different time of day |
| At s'hevec | Hit The Spot (declared percentage); Rice You Up and Rice Rice Baby (no declared percentage) |
What is tranexamic acid?
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic molecule derived from the amino acid lysine. According to a 2023 review, it is used in medicine as an antifibrinolytic agent to reduce bleeding in surgery, trauma and dental procedures; this use is a doctor's decision. The same review notes that the molecule's ability to suppress melanin formation (melanogenesis) has also made it a subject of interest in dermatology.
What does tranexamic acid do in skincare, and how does it work?
In skincare, tranexamic acid is used to help reduce the look of dark spots and uneven tone. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its colour. Tranexamic acid does not remove dead cells from the surface; its focus is the look of colour-related dark spots.
- It works on colour, not texture: pitted or raised marks are changes in texture, and tranexamic acid does not correct them.
- It does not replace sunscreen: for how spots form and the role of the sun, see what causes dark spots.
Is tranexamic acid applied to the skin the same as the one used as a medicine?
The molecule is the same; what differs is the route of use, the purpose and who makes the decision. The review reports that in dermatology tranexamic acid can be taken by mouth, applied to the skin (topically) or injected into the skin, and it assesses these routes together.
| Topic | Cosmetic product | Medicinal use |
|---|---|---|
| Route of use | Applied to the skin only | By mouth, applied to the skin or by injection |
| Purpose | Care aimed at the look of dark spots | A medical purpose set by a doctor |
| Decided by | The user, following the product directions | A doctor |
This is why the findings in the review do not map one-to-one onto a cosmetic serum, and a dark spot serum does not replace a medicine either. If you take any medicines regularly, including oral tranexamic acid, consult your doctor before starting a cosmetic product.
Which s'hevec products contain tranexamic acid?
A percentage is declared only for Hit The Spot; in Rice You Up and Rice Rice Baby, tranexamic acid is a supporting ingredient and the key actives are niacinamide and rice extract. You can find all three, alongside other options, in our collection of products for the look of dark spots.
| Product | Tranexamic acid | Key ingredient | When, which skin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hit The Spot (serum) | 2% tranexamic acid | 2% alpha arbutin; supporting niacinamide | Evening preferred; combination, normal, oily |
| Rice You Up (serum) | Supporting, no declared percentage | 5% niacinamide + 5% rice extract | Morning or evening; combination, normal |
| Rice Rice Baby (toner) | Supporting, no declared percentage | 5% rice extract + 3% niacinamide; pH 5.5–6.5 | Morning and evening; sensitive, dry, normal |
If the look of dark spots is your priority, Hit The Spot Dark Spot Serum is aimed directly at it. If dullness and overall uneven tone come first, Rice You Up Brightening Serum with Niacinamide and Rice Extract can be chosen; if your skin is dry, Rice Rice Baby Brightening Rice Toner. Sensitive skin is also among the skin types recommended on the label of Rice Rice Baby; begin by trying it on a small area. Our guide how to use a tranexamic acid and alpha arbutin serum takes you through Hit The Spot step by step, and our article what is alpha arbutin explains how the two actives differ.
Can tranexamic acid and vitamin C be used together?
Yes, they can be part of the same routine; a practical arrangement is to keep the vitamin C serum for the morning and the tranexamic acid serum for the evening. One review states that vitamin C also reduces melanin formation; however, none of our sources includes a study assessing the two used together, so we make no claim of a combined effect. At s'hevec, this arrangement is Glow Me Like You Do in the morning (7% ethyl ascorbic acid, a vitamin C derivative) and Hit The Spot in the evening.
Does tranexamic acid have side effects, and who should take care?
Like any cosmetic, a product containing tranexamic acid can irritate the skin; our source list contains no tolerance data on tranexamic acid applied to the skin, so we make no claim on this point. The AAD notes that a reaction is sometimes triggered by another ingredient, such as a preservative; so before applying a dark spot serum to your face, it is sensible to try it on a small area first – the steps are in our guide to patch testing at home. If redness or itching appears on the test area or on your face, wash the serum off and do not apply it again.
- Do not apply a dark spot serum to irritated skin or around the eyes.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a skin condition, consult your doctor before use.
- A mole or lesion that is new, changes shape or colour, itches or bleeds is not a matter for cosmetic care. Rather than trying to reduce the look of such a mole or lesion with a serum, show it to a dermatologist; only an examination can tell what is causing these changes.
Frequently asked questions
Why is tranexamic acid called an “acid”?
The “acid” in its name describes the molecule's chemical structure, not what it does on the skin. Tranexamic acid is an amino acid derivative; unlike AHAs and BHA, it does not help clear dead cells from the surface. If the look of rough texture is your priority, you need a separate exfoliating product.
How do you find tranexamic acid in an ingredient list?
On the label it is written under its INCI name, Tranexamic Acid. In all three s'hevec products it is in fourth place; the first two places are taken by Aqua and Niacinamide. A percentage cannot be worked out from the position in the list, which is why no percentage is given for Rice You Up and Rice Rice Baby, whose tranexamic acid concentrations are not declared.
Can tranexamic acid and niacinamide be used together?
Yes; all three s'hevec products with tranexamic acid also contain niacinamide. One review reports that niacinamide helps reduce the look of uneven tone, depending on concentration, and is a well-tolerated substance.
Are tranexamic acid and alpha arbutin the same ingredient?
No; they are different molecules. Tranexamic acid is a lysine derivative, while alpha arbutin is the glucose-bound (glycoside) form of hydroquinone. EU cosmetics legislation sets a separate limit for alpha arbutin: up to 2% in face creams and up to 0.5% in body lotions. The 2% alpha arbutin in Hit The Spot is at this limit set for face products; tranexamic acid is added to the formula separately.
Sources
- Gaćina K et al. The use of tranexamic acid in dermatology. Acta Clin Croat. 2023.
- Al-Niaimi F et al. Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017.
- Wohlrab J et al. Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014.
- American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). How to test skin care products.
- European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/996 amending the annexes to the Cosmetics Regulation (limits for alpha-arbutin and arbutin).
This content is for information only and does not replace medical advice. s'hevec products are cosmetic products and are not intended for medical treatment. It was prepared by the s'hevec Team on the basis of the s'hevec product data library and the sources listed above.
