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Welcome to Skincarma.

These are the musings of Carmine Montalto, NYC-based writer, skincare junkie and brand guru. The former copywriter at Kiehl’s, Carmine has more than 25 years of experience in beauty. Through the Skincarma Blog, he puts all of his product wisdom to work demystifying the ever-evolving world of skin care. 

You can change your skin’s destiny.™

PRODUCT REVIEW: THE INKEY LIST TRANEXAMIC ACID NIGHT TREATMENT - ONE OF THE BEST HYPERPIGMENTATION SERUMS

PRODUCT REVIEW: THE INKEY LIST TRANEXAMIC ACID NIGHT TREATMENT - ONE OF THE BEST HYPERPIGMENTATION SERUMS

THE INKEY LIST | TRANEXAMIC ACID NIGHT TREATMENT

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One of the more intriguing new brightening ingredients on the scene is also the hardest to spell, speak and remember: Tranexamic Acid.

To start, Tranexamic Acid, or TXA, comes from the world of medicine where it’s commonly used to help control bleeding after trauma. TXA is a synthetic amino acid derived from lysine that also happens to have a remarkable effect on hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration. Its efficacy is being compared to Hydroquinone, the controversial active that’s commonly misused and misunderstood as a skin bleaching agent.

Over the past year or so, several skincare brands have introduced brightening products powered by Tranexamic Acid. Notably, SkinCeuticals introduced Discoloration Defense — a $98 skin-brightening serum clinically proven to correct dark spots.

Cosmeceutical brand Murad launched their $65 Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel with a potent complex of AHAs, BHA and TXA. While “faux-cosmeceutical” brand Peter Thomas Roth came out with the $88 PRO Strength Niacinamide Discoloration Treatment, a trio of potent acids for brightening the skin, including Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid and Kojic Acid.

And then there’s democratically priced The Inkey List which recently introduced the Tranexamic Acid Hyperpigmentation Treatment. It’s $14.99.

Tranexamic Acid is so hot now, online beauty site Byrdie recently featured what they consider the best Tranexamic Acid serums for brightening the skin in a piece titled, Tranexamic Acid Is the Newest "It" Acid — Here's What You Should Know, available to read here.

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What is Tranexamic Acid?

“Tranexamic acid is a synthetic amino acid derived from lysine. Topically, tranexamic acid works by interrupting at least two pathways in skin that, left unchecked, can lead to discolorations, including larger patches known as melasma. Tranexamic acid also seems to work within skin’s surface layers to make skin color less susceptible to UV light exposure (but of course, you still need sunscreen) and may also reduce redness.

Recent, double-blind and comparative research has shown that topical tranexamic acid in amounts between 2-5% rivals results of over-the-counter amounts of hydroquinone, long considered the gold standard for fading skin discolorations. If you’re using a hydroquinone product for lightening, you can add a product with tranexamic acid and potentially see even better results.

Comparative studies have shown tranexamic acid has greater tolerability than hydroquinone, although the latter is generally well tolerated when used as directed.

Research has shown that tranexamic acid is safe when applied to skin every day for several months. Topical concentrations between 2-5% typically shows results after two to three months of once- or twice-daily usage.

Note: Because tranexamic acid is a water soluble ingredient, it needs to be used in skin care products with oil-soluble ingredients designed to improve its penetration into skin.”

- The Paula’s Choice Research Team

Inkey’s Tranexamic Acid Hyperpigmentation Treatment is the most affordable of the numerous recent TXA offerings. Positioned as an overnight treatment, the gel-like serum is formulated with 2% Tranexamic Acid, 2% Açai Berry Extract and 2% Ascorbyl Glucoside — a stable form of Vitamin C that is combined with glucose and converts to Ascorbic Acid in the skin.

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And at just about $15, it’s not only efficient on your skin, it’s efficient on your wallet. I love that about Inkey! 

Read more about it on the Skincarma Blog — “DOPE NEW FACIAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS FROM THE INKEY LIST THAT CAUGHT MY EYE!” available here.

Inkey’s Tranexamic Acid is a relatively simple, clean targeted treatment that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone when used regularly. The thicker texture allows you to isolate spots on the skin. It’s efficient, effective and affordable — a great place to start if Tranexamic Acid is appealing to you.

SHOP THE BLOG: Purchase The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Hyperpigmentation Treatment for $14.99.


PRODUCT REVIEW: THE ORDINARY AZELAIC ACID SUSPENSION 10% – ONE OF THE BEST BRIGHTENING LOTIONS

PRODUCT REVIEW: THE ORDINARY AZELAIC ACID SUSPENSION 10% – ONE OF THE BEST BRIGHTENING LOTIONS

PRODUCT REVIEW: BANISH BANISHER 2.0 MICRONEEDLING DEVICE - ONE OF THE BEST ACNE MARK TREATMENTS FOR ACNE SCARS

PRODUCT REVIEW: BANISH BANISHER 2.0 MICRONEEDLING DEVICE - ONE OF THE BEST ACNE MARK TREATMENTS FOR ACNE SCARS