Category: Tranexamic Acid

Discoloration Serum from Good Molecules

In recent months, a discoloration serum from Good Molecules has garnered significant online discussion. There are numerous internet testimonials and reviews about this product that treats hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.

Discoloration Serum Corrector from Good Molecules

Discoloration Serum from Good Molecules.
Discoloration Serum from Good Molecules.

Discoloration serums can treat dark spots and skin discoloration related issues. A company named Good Molecules has developed a solid reputation in making skin products that are cruelty-free and contain no harmful ingredients. Moreover, their products are all very reasonably priced.

The Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum currently has almost 2,080 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. The product is fragrance free, vegan and contains tranexamic acid and niacinamide. It is advertised as being helpful in treating dark spots, acne scars, sunspots, hyperpigmentation and age spots. The current discounted price is only $12 for a 30 ml (1 oz) bottle. Quite reasonable for such a popular product.

Key Ingredients in Good Molecules Discoloration Serum

The key ingredients in Good Molecules Discoloration Serum are as follows:

  1. 3% tranexamic acid (cetyl tranexamate mesylate). This targets skin discoloration and helps promote a clear skin tone. Make sure to read my post on tranexamic acid for skin lightening.
  2. 4% niacinamide to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, dullness and enlarged pores. Niacinamide is a key ingredient in numerous products that help reduce hyperpigmentation in people with dark skin.

Cetyl Tranexamate Mesylate

Note that one of the two ingredients in this product is an interesting new derivative of tranexamic acid (TXA). It is called cetyl tranexamate mesylate. On Good Molecules website, it is classified as a melanin inhibitor, skin conditioning agent and astringent. They call it a “first of its kind anti-aging depigmentation active” that results in a naturally even skin tone.

A 2021 US study analyzed the safety and skin-lightening performance of this new topical TXA derivative cetyl tranexamate mesylate. It found that when using the facial serum twice a day for 8 weeks (35 female subjects):

Melanin and erythema indexes improved significantly and continuously from the baseline to the end of the study (-16.9% and -34.3%, respectively).

The topical serum containing cetyl tranexamate mesylate caused no adverse reacions or side effects. Moreover, it significantly improved overall facial skin tone and the appearance of dark spots and redness.

Do note that according to Paula’s Choice, despite showing promise, more research is needed before this tranexamic acid derivative can be assessed as thoroughly as TXA itself.

Other Pigment Corrector Products

Among other related pigment corrector product, “Topicals” has a faded discoloration serum that is also quite popular. It also contains tranexamic acid and niacinamide and can treat dark spots, blemishes and skin discoloration.

Its skin brightening effect is enhanced by the use of azelaic acid. You can also purchase it on Sephora, where it currently has 1,500 reviews. This faded discoloration serum from Topicals is safe to use daily on all ethnicities and skin shades.

Paula’s Choice makes a discoloration repair serum that contains tranexamic acid and botanical ingredient bakuchiol. The latter is a gentler alternative to retinoids. The skin repair product claims to visibly reduce patches of discoloration that can appear on the cheeks, forehead, nose and chin.

Tranexamic Acid for Skin Lightening and Melasma

Tranexamic Acid Face Serum Minimalist.
Minimalist 3% tranexamic acid face serum for pigmentation and acne scars.

In recent years, Tranexamic Acid (TXA) has become increasingly popular for skin lightening and treating conditions such as melasma and dark spots. Tranexamic acid is a tyrosinase inhibitor and has anti-inflammatory properties that can even out skin tone. Note that TXA has not been officially licensed for use in dermatological conditions, so it is used off-label for skin applications.

Historically, tranexamic acid has been used to treat excessive blood loss (from surgery, postpartum bleeding, heavy menstruation and more) due to its blood clotting properties.

How does Tranexamic Acid Work?

According to DermNet NZ, the mechanism of action of tranexamic acid involves the shrinkage of dermal vasculature and reduced melanin synthesis. The latter is achieved via altering the interaction of keratinocytes and melanocytes, and via reduced tyrosinase activity. There are a number other products that reduce hyperpigmentation via tyrosinase inhibition.

Most topical products that contain tranexamic acid use 2% to 5% formulations. The oral dose used to treat melasma is 250 mg twice per day. A 2021 study found that a new topical tranexamic acid derivative improved overall facial skin tone and reduced the appearance of dark spots and redness.

Topical Skin Serums and Lotions

Tranexamic Acid Serum
Tranexamic acid 5% serum from Dearskin.

There a number of popular commercial lotions and serums that contain tranexamic acid. Among the most popular ones on Amazon is a 5% Tranex serum from Dearskin. It has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on almost 1,000 reviews as of today. It is currently on sale for just $15 after a coupon discount.

Besides containing TXA, this product also includes other proven skin lightening and brightening ingredients such as kojic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid. Tranex has been tested by dermatologists and is cruelty free and vegan (not tested on animals). It is also formaldehyde- and paraben-free, and is made in the USA.

Another recommended product is The INKEY List’s tranexamic acid 2% hyperpigmentation treatment gel. The low concentration makes this a good option to start experimenting with TXA. It also contains acai berry extract and Vitamin C.

Using Tranexamic Acid in Skin of Color

Dr. Rattan has a great video titled: “Is Tranexamic Acid Suitable For Skin Of Color”. She is a fan of this ingredient since it is skin neutral. It works best on pH 5-7, which is approximately the same pH level as our skin. Dr. Rattan prefer to use tranexamic acid in combination cocktail products rather than via monotherapy, especially for stubborn melasma conditions.

Potential Side Effects

In general, Tranexamic acid is safe and well-tolerated by all skin types (assuming you use a reputable product and low dosage). Mild side effects include skin irritation, scaling or flaking, dryness and erythema. Most of these can be reduced with the use of moisturizer creams. Moreover, note that TXA can also reduce post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) due to its anti-inflammatory effect.