Fade dark spots and brighten your complexion with this lesser-known skin care ingredient that’s safe for all skin types
Tranexamic acid serum is good for melasma and dark spots. Dermatologists recommend tranexamic acid serum from brands like SkinMedica, Glow Recipe and Paula’s Choice.
Dark spots, whether caused by acne, scars or another skin concern, are not only annoying, but also hard to get rid of. Fortunately, a lesser-known ingredient called tranexamic acid, known for brightening skin and fading dark spots and melasma (a type of pigmentation), may come in handy.
Tranexamic acid is available to take orally via a prescription or as a topical in over-the-counter serums. Experts I spoke to say the oral version is much more potent, but also comes with more side effects. Serums, on the other hand, are a great way to safely test this ingredient to see if it works for your dark spots, experts say.
I asked three board-certified dermatologists to explain exactly what tranexamic acid is and share their favorite tranexamic acid serums.
Selected.Our top picks
Best overallGlow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum$undefined$45.00SephoraLearn more
Best budget pickThe Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Serum$undefined$19.00SephoraLearn more
Best splurgeSkinMedica Even and Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment$undefined$178.00DermstoreLearn more
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What is tranexamic acid?
Tranexamic acid is a skin care ingredient derived from the amino acid lysine that can reduce the appearance of dark spots, says Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. “It is considered a skin brightening agent,” she says.
As mentioned, you can get oral tranexamic acid prescribed, but it’s also available in over-the-counter serums that address dark spots and melasma. Serums with a high concentration of tranexamic acid (usually between 2% and 5%) in a serum may improve its delivery to skin cells and efficacy, says Camp.
The best tranexamic acid serums of 2026
Best for brightening
Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
$45.00Sephora$45.00Glow RecipeWhat we like- Absorbs quickly
- Soothing formula
- Strong scent
This Glow Recipe serum combines vitamin C and guava extract to brighten your complexion and tranexamic and ferulic acids to soothe redness and irritation, according to Glow Recipe. “I like that it’s a fast-absorbing gel, [which] means it doesn’t feel sticky on skin,” says Camp. You can apply the serum daily, though the brand suggests using it three to four times a week if you have sensitive skin.
Best for dark spots
Paula’s Choice Discoloration Repair Serum
$59.00Amazon$59.00Paula's ChoiceWhat we like- For all skin types
- Plant-based retinol alt.
- Nothing to note at this time
Made specifically to address dark spots, this serum from Paula's Choice has 3% tranexamic acid. It also has bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative that can also help with discoloration, says Camp. The serum works for all skin types and can also address dullness and an uneven skin tone, according to the brand.
Best for dullness
The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Serum
$19.00Sephora$19.00The Inkey ListWhat we like- A little goes a long way
- Brightens
- Budget-friendly
- Slight chemical-like scent
This Inkey List serum combines vitamin C and 2% tranexamic acid to address dark spots and brighten your overall complexion. The gel formula is super concentrated, so a little goes a long way, according to the brand. You can use it morning or night and should apply it after washing your face but before moisturizer and sunscreen. It has a 4.4-star average rating from 439 reviews on Amazon.
Best budget pick
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum
$12.00Ulta$12.00Good Molecules$14.69TargetWhat we like- Budget-friendly
- Soothing ingredients
- Softens skin
- Nothing to note at this time
This budget-friendly serum from Good Molecules combines 3% tranexamic acid with 4% niacinamide, a form of vitamin B known to fade dark spots and brighten your overall complexion, according to the brand. It has a dropper applicator, so you can easily apply a few drops to your fingertips and pat it on your skin after cleansing your face.
Best lightweight formula
SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense
$115.00Dermstore$115.00SkinCeuticalsWhat we like- Lightweight
- Soothing ingredients
- Nothing to note at this time
This SkinCeuticals serum comes recommended by Dr. Anne Truitt, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, who says this is one of her favorite serums to address discoloration and prevent dark spots. In addition to 3% tranexamic acid, it has kojic acid and niacinamide, both of which also help even out dark spots, according to SkinCeuticals. The formula is very thin, so it spreads easily, and a little goes a long way, according to the brand.
Best splurge pick
SkinMedica Even and Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment
$178.00Dermstore$178.00SkinMedicaWhat we like- Prevents discoloration
- May help with melasma
- Expensive
This Skinmedica serum is another favorite of Camp. “This powerful brightening treatment contains a proprietary combination of lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid and niacinamide to correct the appearance of dark spots and melasma,” she says. You can also use it as a preventative treatment to mitigate future discoloration, according to the brand. The brand recommends using the serum both in the morning and at night. If you use it in the morning, just apply sunscreen afterward as it can make your skin more sun sensitive, according to Skinmedica.
Best spot treatment
Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum
$88.00Amazon$88.00MuradWhat we like- Exfoliates
- Prevents new dark spots
- Expensive
This Murad serum has glycolic acid, which gently exfoliates to address dullness. You can use this serum as a spot treatment and apply it directly to dark spots, or use it all over your face to help even out your skin tone. If you use it in the morning, just apply SPF afterward.
Highest concentration of tranexamic acid
Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid 5%
$36.00$39.99AmazonNow 10% off$19.99Ulta$20.00NaturiumWhat we like- Can help with texture
- Affordable price point
- Not for sensitive skin
A little goes a long way with this serum — it has one of the highest concentrations of tranexamic acid on this list. Use just a pea-sized amount on your entire face to address dark spots and even out tone and texture, according to the brand. For maximum results, you can use it morning and night until you see a difference.
Best for sensitive skin
Minimalist 3% Tranexamic Acid Face Serum
$9.98$11.99AmazonNow 17% offWhat we like- Can help with acne scars
- Affordable price point
- Nothing to note at this time
This Minimalist serum not only helps address acne scars and dark spots, but it also has mandelic acid to gently exfoliate skin, according to the brand. It’s free of fragrance, silicone and sulfates, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin.
How I picked the best tranexamic acid serums
When shopping for a tranexamic acid serum, dermatologists recommend thinking about these factors, all of which I kept in mind to compile our list:
- Concentration: Serums have varying concentrations of tranexamic acid in them. It likely won’t be effective if you pick something with a super low concentration. “Look for something that contains between 2% and 5% of this ingredient,” says Camp.
- Formulation: Most serums with tranexamic acid have other ingredients, too. Choose a serum that has other beneficial ingredients, including antioxidants (like vitamin E and niacinamide), hydrators (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin) or skin-soothing agents (like aloe), says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida.
- Rating: Recommendations can help you sift through the many serums available. I included tranexamic acid serums recommended by dermatologists or with at least a 4-star average rating from at least 300 reviews.
What are the benefits of tranexamic acid?
“Topical tranexamic acid is considered a first-line treatment for mild melasma,” says Truitt. Melasma is characterized by brown splotches on the face caused by the sun or hormonal changes. But tranexamic acid serum can help with more than just melasma.
If you have uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation, the brightening capabilities of tranexamic acid serum may help, says Chacon. “It also has anti-inflammatory benefits and can help calm and soothe skin, which makes it beneficial for individuals with sensitive or reactive skin.”
Frequently asked questions
Topical tranexamic acid is safe for all skin tones and most skin types. “Some patients have skin irritation, but it is usually mild and will resolve after moisturizing,” says Truitt. However, people with eczema, sensitive skin or a damaged skin barrier may find this topical agent irritating to the skin, says Truitt.
Are you interested in adding a tranexamic serum to your routine but not sure how? “Serums should be applied to skin after it has been cleansed and toned, and prior to the application of other skincare products, like moisturizers and sunscreen,” says Camp.
Like any ingredient, tranexamic acid has potential side effects, though they are rare, experts say. If you’re unsure how your skin will react, Chacon recommends a patch test by applying the serum. Use the serum on the inside of your wrist (the skin is similar to your face, she says). Wait a day, and if you’ve noticed no reaction, you should be okay.
Beyond allergic reactions, your skin may become more sensitive to the sun while using tranexamic acid serum. “Because of this, it is crucial to use sunscreen daily to protect the skin from UV damage,” says Chacon.
Meet our dermatology experts
At NBC Selected, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
- Dr. Anne Truittis a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego.
- Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida.
Why trust NBC Selected?
I'm a commerce editor at NBC Selected and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. I have covered a number of stories about skin care, including whether it is safe to try microneedling at home, back acne and wrinkle patches. For this story, I interviewed three board-certified dermatologists about tranexamic acid.
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