Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment
Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment
Product Description
Product overview
By The INKEY List — A lightweight overnight gel serum powered by 2% Tranexamic Acid, 2% Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C derivative), and 2% Acai Berry Extract. Formulated to target stubborn hyperpigmentation, post-acne marks, sun spots, and uneven skin tone while you sleep. Budget-friendly, vegan, and gentle enough for daily use on all skin tones.
Fades Dark Spots
Blocks melanin pathways triggered by inflammation to reduce hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks.
Texture & feel
SENSORYFades Dark Spots
Blocks melanin pathways triggered by inflammation to reduce hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks.
Brightens Dull Skin
Triple-active formula with Vitamin C derivative delivers visibly more radiant, even-toned complexion.
Gentle on Barrier
Unlike harsh acids, Tranexamic Acid works without peeling, making it safe for daily long-term use.
Affordable Science
Clinical-grade active at a drugstore price — delivers dermatologist-favorite ingredient under $20.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEConfirmed safe by The INKEY List brand. No retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone.
Gentle enough to pair with other actives. Use with niacinamide, AHA/BHA, and peptides.
Contains Lecithin, Polysorbate 60, and Sorbitan Isostearate which may feed Malassezia.
No skin-lightening risks — works by blocking melanin overproduction, not bleaching.
Sun protection is essential to prevent new dark spots from forming and protect results.
Apply a small amount behind the ear for 24 hours before full-face use if skin is reactive.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSTranexamic Acid 2%Proven
A synthetic amino acid derived from lysine, originally used in medicine to control bleeding. Topically, it interrupts the melanin-triggering signals between skin cells and pigment-producing melanocytes, making it highly effective for melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sun spots.
- Mechanism: Blocks UV-induced inflammation and prevents melanocyte activation.
- Clinical efficacy: Studies show topical tranexamic acid at 2-5% reduces melasma comparable to hydroquinone without bleaching effects.
- Suitability: Safe for all skin tones including Fitzpatrick IV-VI, unlike many brightening acids.
Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C) 2%Proven
A stable, water-soluble Vitamin C derivative that converts to pure L-ascorbic acid upon contact with skin enzymes. Unlike pure Vitamin C, it resists oxidation, making it more shelf-stable and less irritating for sensitive skin.
- Function: Antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis.
- Benefits: Brightens overall skin tone, supports collagen production, and reduces oxidative stress from UV exposure.
- Stability: More stable than L-ascorbic acid, less prone to oxidation when exposed to air or light.
Acai Berry Extract 2%Promising
Derived from Euterpe Oleracea fruit, this superfruit extract is rich in polyphenols, anthocyanins, and ferulic acid — a natural Vitamin C stabilizer. It delivers antioxidant protection and boosts overall complexion clarity.
- Antioxidants: Contains one of the highest concentrations of anthocyanins in any berry, protecting skin from environmental damage.
- Nutrients: Natural source of Vitamins A, C, and E plus essential fatty acids.
- Synergy: Ferulic acid content enhances the efficacy of Vitamin C derivatives in the formula.
Squalane ~1%Proven
A stable, plant-derived emollient that mimics the skin's natural sebum. In this formula, it helps dissolve and deliver the water-soluble tranexamic acid more effectively while providing a thin occlusive layer to prevent moisture loss.
- Biocompatibility: Molecularly similar to skin's natural squalene, so it's extremely well-tolerated.
- Penetration aid: Enhances absorption of active ingredients into the skin barrier.
- Non-comedogenic: Rating of 0-1, safe for acne-prone skin.
Glycerin + Butylene Glycol 5-15%Proven
A powerful humectant duo that pulls water into the upper layers of skin, keeping it plump and hydrated throughout the night. These ingredients also act as solvents to help deliver the tranexamic acid more effectively.
- Hydration boost: Glycerin is clinically proven to be more effective than hyaluronic acid as a humectant.
- Barrier support: Helps maintain skin barrier integrity, reducing transepidermal water loss.
23 ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tranexamic Acid, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Cetearyl Olivate, Benzyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Lecithin, Squalane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Gluconate, Polysorbate 60, Dehydroacetic Acid, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sorbitan Isostearate.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after cleansing and hydrating serums, before moisturizer. Wait 30 seconds for absorption. Can be used AM and PM — daily SPF is essential in the morning.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Prep
Start with clean, damp skin. Apply your preferred toner or hydrator (like hyaluronic acid) first.
Dispense a Pea-Sized Amount
One or two pumps is enough for the entire face and neck. A little goes a long way — too much causes pilling.
Apply in Thin Layer
Massage onto face and neck gently. Focus on areas with dark spots or uneven tone. Can be spot-applied to body scars too.
Wait & Layer
Allow 30 seconds to absorb before applying moisturizer. In the morning, always follow with SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Be Consistent
Use daily for minimum 8-12 weeks. Tranexamic Acid works gradually but produces long-lasting results.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have post-acne marks, sun spots, or melasma
- You want a gentle alternative to hydroquinone
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe brightener
- You have deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI)
- You have sensitive skin that reacts to acids
- You want to layer with retinol or Vitamin C
- You're on a budget but want effective actives
Consider alternatives if:
- You struggle with fungal acne (Malassezia)
- You expect overnight results — takes 8-12+ weeks
- You dislike slightly tacky textures
- You have very dry skin needing richer hydration
- You want a higher tranexamic acid concentration (3-5%)
- You prefer pump-free dropper packaging
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight gel formula, oil-free. Won't add shine or clog pores. Silicone-free finish.
Provides hydration but needs a richer moisturizer layered on top to seal in moisture.
Balances well across the T-zone and cheeks. Absorbs evenly without over-drying or greasiness.
Fragrance-free and gentle. Low irritation potential, but contains Phenoxyethanol — patch test first.
Non-comedogenic (1/5). Excellent for fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from breakouts.
Ideal for age spots and sun damage. Antioxidants support anti-aging without irritation.
Results timeline
WEEK 10-12+Improved Hydration & Smoother Texture
Skin feels more hydrated and looks slightly plumper thanks to glycerin and butylene glycol. Minimal visible brightening yet.
68% noticedSubtle Brightening Begins
Overall complexion appears slightly more radiant. Some users see minor fading of lighter post-acne marks.
54% noticedVisible Dark Spot Fading
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and sun spots visibly lighter. Skin tone appears more even overall.
71% noticedSignificant Tone Evening
Stubborn melasma and deep hyperpigmentation show substantial improvement. Results continue with consistent use and SPF.
79% noticedRatings by platform
3K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Affordable price point under $20 for a clinical active
- Excellent for fading post-acne marks on all skin tones
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe alternative to retinol
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin and daily use
- Hygienic airless pump prevents oxidation
- Vegan Society and Cruelty-Free certified
- Layers easily with other actives like niacinamide
- Works as both face and body spot treatment
Criticized
- Slightly tacky finish that can feel sticky
- May pill if too much is applied or layered quickly
- Requires 8-12 weeks for visible results
- Not fungal acne (Malassezia) safe
- Only 30ml size — finishes fast with twice-daily use
- Mild chemical scent noticeable to some
- Lower 2% concentration vs 3-5% competitors
- Packaging feels budget compared to premium brands
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESContains 3% cetyl tranexamate mesylate (a TXA derivative) + 4% niacinamide. Lighter watery texture, no tacky finish. Higher rated on Amazon (4.4★ from 13,900+ reviews).
Stronger 5% tranexamic acid + niacinamide, kojic acid, and licorice root. Better for stubborn melasma, but may be too strong for sensitive skin.
3% tranexamic acid with mandelic acid for gentle exfoliation. Thinner liquid texture, fragrance-free, great for acne-prone skin with PIH.
5% tranexamic acid + 5% niacinamide + aloe. K-beauty formulation with more hydrating feel. No pilling or stickiness reported.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEPaula's Choice Discoloration Repair Serum
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Room temperature optimal.
Opaque white airless pump (30ml) — prevents oxidation of Vitamin C derivative.
Yes, under 100ml TSA limit. Compact design ideal for carry-on travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. The INKEY List officially confirms this product is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Tranexamic Acid is considered a safe alternative for addressing pregnancy-related melasma (chloasma). As always, consult your healthcare provider before adding new products to your routine during pregnancy.
No. This formula contains Lecithin, Polysorbate 60, and Sorbitan Isostearate, which can feed Malassezia yeast and potentially trigger fungal acne breakouts. If you suffer from pityrosporum folliculitis, look for fully fungal-acne-safe alternatives like Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid or certain K-beauty formulations.
Yes, Tranexamic Acid plays well with other actives. It can be layered with Vitamin C in the AM, retinol at night, and niacinamide anytime. Be cautious combining with strong AHAs or BHAs in the same routine — alternate nights to avoid over-exfoliation. Always wait 30 seconds between layers to prevent pilling.
This serum works exceptionally well for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types dealing with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It's also suitable for normal, mature, and sensitive skin. Dry skin types may need to layer a richer moisturizer on top. It's particularly effective for all skin tones including deeper complexions (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) where harsh brighteners can cause rebound pigmentation.
Tranexamic Acid works gradually. Most users report visible hydration and texture improvements within 2 weeks, subtle brightening around week 3-4, and noticeable dark spot fading at 6-8 weeks. Stubborn melasma and deep hyperpigmentation typically require 10-12+ weeks of consistent daily use combined with daily SPF 30+ sunscreen to see significant results.
Apply after cleansing, toning, and any hydrating serums (like hyaluronic acid), but before your moisturizer. The brand originally positioned it as a moisturizer replacement, but layering a light moisturizer on top is now standard practice. In the morning, always finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to protect your progress.
No. With a comedogenic rating of 1/5, this formula is considered non-comedogenic and safe for acne-prone skin. It contains no heavy oils or pore-clogging ingredients. Squalane, the only oil-like ingredient, is rated 0-1 and actually mimics skin's natural sebum. Many users with acne-prone skin report it helps fade their post-breakout marks without triggering new pimples.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. The airless pump packaging helps prevent oxidation of the Vitamin C derivative and contamination. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat. If the formula changes color significantly or develops an off smell, discontinue use. With twice-daily application, a 30ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months.
Verdict: The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment is a budget-friendly winner for anyone tackling stubborn post-acne marks, sun spots, or melasma. Its trio of 2% Tranexamic Acid, 2% Vitamin C derivative, and 2% Acai Berry Extract delivers gentle, gradual brightening that's safe for all skin tones, pregnancy, and sensitive skin. The slightly tacky finish and need for 8-12 weeks of patience are the main drawbacks — but at under $20 for a dermatologist-favorite ingredient, it's one of the best entry-level brightening serums on the market. Best paired with consistent SPF use and layered moisturizer for optimal results.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
|
Redness
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 0 |
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent, Skin Conditioning
|
Irritation
Dark Spots
|







