Brightening & tone
Tranexamic acid
A targeted fader for stubborn pigmentation, melasma, and post-acne marks that won't budge.
What it actually does
Tranexamic acid interrupts the inflammatory pathway that triggers melanocytes to overproduce pigment. Originally a prescription oral medication for excessive bleeding, the topical version has become a quietly significant tool in K-Beauty for hyperpigmentation that didn't respond to vitamin C and niacinamide alone — melasma in particular.
Who it's for
Persistent dark spots, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Often the missing ingredient when 'brightening' routines aren't moving the needle.
How to use it
Evening serum, layered before moisturizer. Stacks well with niacinamide and vitamin C; the three together usually outperform any one alone. Patience required — results take 8–12 weeks.
Products with tranexamic acid
6 productsAPLB
Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Body Lotion
APLB
Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Body Wash
APLB
Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Facial Cream
APLB
Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Sheet Mask X Collagen EGF Peptide Sheet Mask
APLB
Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Sheet Mask X Glutathione Niacinamide Sheet Mask
APLB
Tranexamic Acid Niacinamide Sheet Mask X Retinol Vitamin C Vitamin E Sheet Mask
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Related ingredients
Niacinamide
Brighteningaka Vitamin B3
The all-rounder — evens tone, calms redness, and tightens the look of pores without irritation.
Vitamin C
Brighteningaka L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside
The morning antioxidant — brightens, evens tone, and buffers daily UV and pollution damage.
Arbutin
Brighteningaka Alpha-arbutin
A gentler cousin of hydroquinone — fades pigmentation slowly and steadily, without irritation.