If you’re not convinced, then I’m not convinced. I don’t know everything, but I know enough to listen to people who know about the subject that interests me.
@@Lung2691its a trauma anti bleeding medication, so it's also used for people with severe menstural bleeding. I dunno how it works as I'm not a chemist or pharmacist, but it basically stops you bleeding too much. I have endometriosis and always have an emergency supply for when something goes wrong (like I forget to take my birth control or I'm sick), because I bleed too heavily to the point I've needed iron transfusions.
Dr. Dray pointed out in one of her recent videos that tranexamic acid can be good to reduce redness and inflammation! For hyperpigmentation she’s pretty unsure as well and she pointed out the same reasons as you…
I tried tranexamic acid ages ago and couldn’t see a difference (not entirely unusual). Ogliopeptide 68 is one of the only uncommon brightening ingredients (not including vit c, Tret and acids) I’ve been confident about.
I have a feeling you right. I respond incredibly well to topical treating for hyperpigmentation and the only topical ingredient I have not seen any improvement with is tranexamic acid. I do very much recommend Thiamidol and Melasyl. Great ingredients!
Ooo interesting! I was using alpha arbutin for pih before switching to tranexamic acid because I heard it talked about more. In either case, I couldn't really tell if it was helping my spots clear faster than if I weren't using the ingredients, but i might switch back to alpha arbutin. I kiiiinda feel like that ingredient was more effective and this is enough to convince me
don't worry normally they are formulated alongside other ingredients that have been proved too be effective in lessening dark spots just check the ingredients list
Dr Wong, what do you think about Cetyl Tranaxamate Mesylate. Like the one from good molecules. Or using Tranexemic Acid after microneedling. Thank you for all your educative and entertaining videos! I'm excited about your book 😊
Hello PhD biochem. based on the structure I just saw of that molecule, that is a form of tranexamic acid that has a large nonpolar hydrocarbon chain (cetyl) and a balancing ion (mesylate). Basically, it should technically absorb into cells easier (micro-needling also helps this).
@@LegendInTheMaking11 Hi! Thank you so much for answering. I thought it would be plausible based on the structure, but wasn't certain if the difference would be very noticable for consumers. The Good Molecules serum has positive reviews. Altough some say you should just apply it on the darker areas, since it could also lighten the surrounding area and then you would see relatively little change. There have been small studies on using tranexamic acid after microneedling for melasma and rosacea and there was some improvement. So I think there might be some potential.
immunobiochemist here, i concur w the PhD comment, while the operative word being "theoretically". the science is sound, however it requires data to make an educated theoretical claim
i’m a pharmacy tech and was confused as hell when i saw this being advertised in cosmetics. nice to finally learn that the heavy period medication in cosmetics is probably as bullshit as i thought it was
I find it wild that TXA is in skincare. I've only ever known it as something given IV in emergencies to prevent clot breakdown when someone has a deadly bleed, or orally before surgery or for bleeding disorders. It's scary to think people might try and find TXA to consume as a "health" ingredient, potentially leading to them having a deadly clot
Maybe it's just in my head but I think this substance works for me. Over the course of around 4 years, for my brown and reddish spots I've tried vitamin c (only some products with stable forms of the vitamin worked but just a little, making my complexion brighter overall so the spots still sticked out), acids (were working when applied in high% for up to 10 minutes but my skin stopped tolerating that and lower % leave-on products itritate me even more), azelaic acid (made me paler overall so not exactly the goal), retinol and retinal (good for anti-aging but did nothing to my discoloration😂), bakuchiol (works beautifully for me but super slowly). Tranexamic acid seems to bring me results practically in weeks 😊
I have try it all to improve my hyper pigmentation: vitamin C for years, careful and mild exfoliation, niaciamide, tranexamic acid, in office microneedling, of course lots of sunscreen every day and reapply, everything. I cannot see a difference, maybe my skin could have more problems.
Hmm I've been enjoying the anti-inflammatory benefits on my redness prone, sensitive skin lately and just ordered more from the range 😏 .... of course, it could also be the liquorice root in it doing the job. Oh well, as long as something in the product is working in some way and not harming. I'm appreciating being more even toned and it helps me tolerate retinol better.
Only a few seconds in, but my initial reaction is to agree. Tranexamic acid (for bleeding) is directly impacted by the time the bleed started vs. when the administration of tranexamic is. The longer you bleed, the less helpful it is (not that it's harmful or not helpful), iirc. Edit: At the end, chem degree kicking in, still agree. Being charged makes sense for absorption through the digestive track, not so much for skin Edit edit: I'm probably wrong, education is rusty. But I hope I'm right
Tranexamic acid always irritated my skin and never performed. As opposed to vit c that would work instantly and super well, no irritation, followed by alpha arbutin
Super intereting as always Michelle! I tried a couple of skincare products with TXA but cycled it out of my routine because I didn't feel it made a difference for me personally. Interesting that this could be a reason why
Hi Michelle, would you be able to answer: what exactly is hypochlorous acid (Tower 28 SOS spray), what does it do, who is it good for, is it worth it, etc.
As someone with Haemophilia A mild, Tranexamic acid is used to clot blood and I have used it in the past and I was prescribed by it by doctors after surgery. I have also used the Glow Hub tranexamic acid serum (it smelled awful) and I noticed a difference but then again I do have Haemophilia and this works for ME. I think its one of those things that sit on the skin and not through the skin.
Dr. Dray says this stuff is great for helping improve the look of hyperpigmentation and there’s legit studies to back that claim up…and she’s a dermatologist who knows her stuff too. Who do I believe?! 😅
the chemist. always believe the one who interprets peer review papers for a living. MDs are not proficient in designing, executing and interpreting research. being a doctor of medicine doesn't afford much of research competency. i always akin it to learning an academic version of a language: a doctor speaks in the vernacular while a researcher speaks in the academic. a person who understands a language doesn't necessarily know how to use said language in an academic setting proficiently. sincerely, an immunobiochemist with too many MD family members to count
@@SJ-dl6uc Not necessarily. Physicians can have different opinions, and research can be misinterpreted or biased. I trust both Michelle and Dr. Dray's opinions. Individuals can make decisions based on their personal risk/benefit analysis. SIncelerly, a physician and researcher.
Personally, Tranexamic Acid has really helped me fade my dark spots that took forever to go away naturally 😅 I'm still gonna purchase my serum bc if it ain't broke, I ain't fixing it
This seems tricky bc I’m sure Michelle is a reliable source for this kind of information, but then again I’ve seen tranexamic acid featured very prominently (and usually as a brightening ingredient) in a lot of Japanese cosmetics. And in my mind J-beauty tends to be more conservative and old school, relying more on research-backed ingredients than novel trendy hyped ones. It’s good to keep in mind science and research is nuanced and not always black and white. Scientists can interpret data in different ways and there may not be a consensus on things until further research is done (and published)
Thank goodness the Shirojyun Premium lotion formula we're getting in ASEAN (and China) is different (alpha-arbutin + vitamin C + resveratrol), instead of the TXA-based formula in Japan (and the rest of the world) as I like how that toner gives me the kind of glow I can't get from other toners
Hi Michelle, could you do a review on Skintific products? So many people are raving about it and claiming that it works. Esp. the dark spot and whitening serums
Tried the aha bha toner and clay mask.. the toner doesnt work.. it is not even that cheap considering it is only 80ml and china made skincare.. clay mask is fine but you can't reach the end of product due the turning tube
True, but also if formulated with tranexamic acid cetyl ester salts then that takes care or the carboxylic acid portion of the problem and can be argued that this would provide better transdermal penetration. That said this would still pose the problem of hydrolysis of the ester back into the active igredient, but carboxylesterases tend to be promiscuous enzymes and wouldn't that be a fair assumption to just happen in the tissue itself? Would love to hear your input.
Agree that could potentially solve the problem! Would like to see some clinical studies on the derivatives though to confirm that they're effective as prodrugs though
I just woke up but the first thing that popped up in my head was, can't it form zwitterions in specific pH? Similar to amino acids? In that case if properly formulated it would work just fine and it would explain why it works for people
Yes the zwitterionic form at moderate pH is shown in the video. Small zwitterions don't penetrate skin well, hence why topical unmodified amino acids are only really useful as humectants in the SC.
My apostrophe derm added tranexamic acid (5%) to my tret prescription for dark spots. I’ve used it for half a year, and I haven’t noticed a single difference in dark spot reduction nor dark spot healing time. The tret itself though (been using for about 2 years) has made a huge difference in skin texture and wound healing! But I haven’t seen any additional benefits since adding tranexamic acid in
Thank you!! I did not see any results using TXA topically. I was later prescribed oral TXA for heavy menstrual periods and saw marked improvement in my Melasma
I used Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Serum and I felt I got a difference with that. BOJ Arbutin Serum I didn't notice a difference. Skin1004 Brightening Capsule Ampoule has the same Tranexamic Acid active but I didn't notice any difference. When I finish it I'm going to try the Numbuzin No.5 Serum.
There are many skincare actives that shouldn't work based on polarity or molecular size (peptides for example). As a scientist myself, I don't always write everything off based on theory alone.
@@LabMuffinBeautyScience Thanks. I will check it out. I formulate most of my skincare myself & am currently in the middle of a split face study on myself with a pure 5% tranexamic acid solution. I never change more than one variable at a time. So far, there is no improvement at all in my few melanin related spots, but I have found it does help calm rosacea affected areas more than my current routine. I actually hope it does nothing miraculous 🤣 b/c I had to source it from Poland. I am in Canada & none of the North American DIY suppliers (e.g. Lotioncrafter) sell it.
Hmm interesting. Me and my sisters have always had results with tranexamic acid. They use the Inkey List tranexamic acid serum which has faded their PIH and I’ve used the Good molecules one and the Naturium one (admittedly naturium has other ingredients meant to fade PIH). We’re all dark skin African so we get pretty dark spots if untreated. I wonder why it works well for us even prior to building a habit of putting sunscreen everyday.
I bought a serum with it and didn’t find it life changing. My favorite is still Alpha Arbutin for dark spots and Niacinamide. Though I just bought Qure’s at home kit and the serum I chose has Transexamic Acid in its ingredients (amongst other things). Maybe it’ll have a better absorption rate with the 0.25mm nano channels?
Can it be encapsulated to make it penetrate more? Also, in terms of molecular weight and being hydrophilic, how do you feel about derivative cetyl tranexamate mesylate? Thanks!
The company that makes it (Actera) released an article on LinkedIn about TXA (I won't link it here because the comment will probably get deleted but it's about 3 things brands get wrong about TXA). Would love to hear your thoughts!
What about the Cetyl Tranexamate Mesylate that Good Molecules uses in their discoloration serum? The studies I’ve seen on that derivative seems pretty promising.
On PubMed: Results: No questionable adverse reactions were observed. Melanin and erythema indexes improved significantly and continuously from the baseline to the end of the study (-16.9% and -34.3%, respectively). Photographs further support instrumental data. On average, after 2 weeks, the subjects already noticed an improvement in skin tone (79.3%), a reduction in dark spots (78.6%), and an improvement in facial redness (77.1%).
@@Jess-737 I’ve been using it after applying The Inkey List PHA Toner. I’m having really good results. I am actually surprised. It’s been about 6 weeks.
That’s really hard so answer - been using Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense serum for about a year now and my hyperpigmentation has pretty much disappeared. But then again am also using sunscreen daily, retinol, the serum does contain niacinamid, had Microneedling done twice … what part of it all the tranexamic acid had in all that is hard to tell.
There's actually a very scientific answer in the article "An important adjuvant in the treatment of melasma". The tldr is someone was prescribed tranexamic acid for an unrelated condition and it also worked on their hyperpigmentation. So the people seeing results were the researchers who looked into it.
Not really related to the video, already watched and very helpful btw, but just had a random moment of looking forward to your book and wanted to say so! 😁
The number 1 ingredient in my dark spot serum from Agency (which is not cheap, might I add!) is 4% Tranexamic acid (I know I probably misspelled that). What a freaking rip off! Hopefully the other ingredients in this outrageously expensive product make up for it 😒
Oh wow but I think my skin begs to differ. I’ve seen a huge improvement in my PIH in the past month since using Good Molecules Discoloration Serum. However, I’ve also been using it directly after applying The Inky List PHA Toner. So I’m wondering is it a combination of both products that is giving me such good results. Edit I see that the GM serum contains Cetyl Tranexamate Mesylate, which is supposed to be a tranexamic derivative 🤷🏾♀️. All I know is the combo I’ve been using has been working really well for me.
Couldn’t the formulation for the skincare product assist with getting the charged molecule across? I know it’s only anecdotal, so not scientific evidence, but I originally started with products that explicitly had traxenemic acid cause I’m prone to PIH and was prone to irritation from masks leading to darkening around my mouth. I started seeing improvement once I adopted the two products with that ingredient. (For reference, the lotion and cream from hada labo shirojyun premium line)
I am using a 10% tranexamic acid. Since it is higher than the usual percentage, would it make it more effective? The product I am using only has hyaluronic acid and preservatives as the other ingredients.
My son’s hematologist told us we could put (dissolved) oral tranexamic acid meds on huge hematomas to help with bleeding and coagulation issues. But in a serum? I’ve kind of doubted it all along…
The way I was looking for alternates for the discontinued serum I was using with tranexamic acid from when my skin was better. Maybe theres some other factors at play for me
Was about to purchase the 10% TXA from cos de baha, purely for telangiectasia from rosacea, as have seen some early evidence that it reduces them when used with microneedling or twice per day. Do you have any opinion on using it for this purpose? And if effectiveness is enhanced by Microneedling?
ok BUT WHY does it work on my skin?? ESPECIALLY in reducing post inflammatory erythema (dont know about pih but i also have arbutin and azelaic acid in my routine) what i have noticed is that compared to other days, on nights that i use TXA i wake up to a less red and less inflamed and angry face. i dont layer products, i separate them depending on days
@LabMuffinBeautyScience omg you replied!! Its the Minimalist Tranexamic 3% face serum (also contains mandelic acid, acetyl glucosamine, and hpa) maybe its the other ingredients that does it well? I find it interesting that this product does exactly what it says on the packaging; helps provide even-looking skin tone. Works overnight on my erythema!!
@@LabMuffinBeautyScience dr dray did say that topical application of TXA did give the benefits of even skin tone but mechanism is still not yet understood. Idk if thats based on biased results or not. Maybe theres something else in play (i reallly want to see it ring true though)
I disagree, I don't think she's analysed the data properly. At a surface level the data is promising, but it falls apart if you consider the wider context: labmuffin.com/does-tranexamic-acid-work-response-to-the-beauty-brains/
I have to disagree, baclofen is used as a topical and it's a zwitterion with very similar structure, and it's benefits are well researched and peer reviewed. Same with methotrexate.
This is a simplified explanation - baclofen has a benzene ring which makes it more lipophilic, methotrexate is very lipophilic. So the charge has less of an impact on those than it does on tranexamic acid. You can check their logP values.
Hmm, is there a best way to use tranexamic acid in skincare? Like an emulsion? I’ve been using Topicals Faded Serum and it also has other acids in it (azelaic, Phytic) and tranexamic acid is pretty high up… Just wondering.
You said most? So could you elaborate. I get Agency skincare and its 4 acids Rx'd to me. Niacinamide, tretinoin, azeliac acid, & transxemic acid. Is Agency ripping me off I'm curious now?
@@LabMuffinBeautyScience oh I have watched that whole video already.. it's just hard to know what works best.. I'm sick of seeing the dark patches on my face :(
I told my derm I was using The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin and she was like no no you need medical grade, and sold me a 200$ Tranexhamic Acid formulated in Singapore 😢 I cant tell for certain if it was the thing that helped, but she also put me on Tretinoin and a Salicylic-Glycolic chemical exfoliant anyway so how would I know if that overpriced Tranexhamic even did anything
Some of them are citing studies that they haven't properly analysed - I suspect some of them don't have the training to critically evaluate studies, or perhaps don't realise studies can't just be cited at face value...
If you’re not convinced, then I’m not convinced. I don’t know everything, but I know enough to listen to people who know about the subject that interests me.
An excellent mindset, i agree
I'm so glad I procrastinated on getting a product with tranexamic acid.
Same lol
Same😂
The inkey list one is lightening my dark spots I had since 2021 so…. It does work just slowly
paid 88$ in my sillier days for the peter thomas roth serum it was crap
So it works if I eat the skincare. Right?
How did you jump to that 💀
Bruh💀💀
Only if you eat it directly off your skin. Like, you gotta slather it on then lick it off
@@producerparksohyun she talked about oral tranexamic acid in her hyperpigmentation video
Hahaha 😂😂😂
I take it in pill form for my periods, I have for years. I was genuinely surprised seeing its popularity in skincare, thank you for the explanation!
Just curious- how does it help with your periods? Thanks :)
@@Lung2691its a trauma anti bleeding medication, so it's also used for people with severe menstural bleeding. I dunno how it works as I'm not a chemist or pharmacist, but it basically stops you bleeding too much. I have endometriosis and always have an emergency supply for when something goes wrong (like I forget to take my birth control or I'm sick), because I bleed too heavily to the point I've needed iron transfusions.
I have also used tranexamic acid for heavy periods! It definitely works for the bleeding.
@@MagicalGirlUsagime too! Thank you for explaining it btw, I never get notified for replies
@@gracenagelI’m so grateful my GP prescribed it, bloody life saver (pun not intended 😂)
Dr. Dray pointed out in one of her recent videos that tranexamic acid can be good to reduce redness and inflammation! For hyperpigmentation she’s pretty unsure as well and she pointed out the same reasons as you…
Wish I saw this $100 ago!
Don't jump on trends without adequate research or evidence to suggest it works. Will save you a lot of money in the future.
I love it when science swoops in with the details
I tried tranexamic acid ages ago and couldn’t see a difference (not entirely unusual). Ogliopeptide 68 is one of the only uncommon brightening ingredients (not including vit c, Tret and acids) I’ve been confident about.
I have a feeling you right. I respond incredibly well to topical treating for hyperpigmentation and the only topical ingredient I have not seen any improvement with is tranexamic acid. I do very much recommend Thiamidol and Melasyl. Great ingredients!
Can you please give the names of products that worked for you? Thanks
@@user-mf7ks9ci8g following! would also love to know which products!
Michelle saved my wallet once more!!🗣️🗣️
So which one u choose?
It’s in so many Japanese skincare products. I used so many products with it and was confused because I didn’t see any results. This explains it!
I used a product with tranexamic acid and I NEVER got results. This is why. Thank you!!
I womder if topical glutathione is on the same table
It is actually. Glutathione wotks best when injected.
Ooo interesting! I was using alpha arbutin for pih before switching to tranexamic acid because I heard it talked about more. In either case, I couldn't really tell if it was helping my spots clear faster than if I weren't using the ingredients, but i might switch back to alpha arbutin. I kiiiinda feel like that ingredient was more effective and this is enough to convince me
Please keep shedding the light Michelle. Gutted that I bought a TA serum to target melasma 😞
Now I know it won't do a thing 😢
Hopefully what you bought contains other ingredients that could help?
@@dime.overmatterwhat's ur recommendation product
Lmao just bought a few different types of tranexamic acid skincare products just to see this 😬
come back and let us know if they did anything for your skin 😂
Yikes
don't worry normally they are formulated alongside other ingredients that have been proved too be effective in lessening dark spots just check the ingredients list
Ive been using it and its improved my dark spots
Get a refund 😅
As a dermatologist. I have always not believed it worked topically. But orally it works wonders for Melasma
THIS!
Do you think orally it would help with type 1 rosacea flushing and broken capillaries?
@ not really.
Dr Wong, what do you think about Cetyl Tranaxamate Mesylate. Like the one from good molecules. Or using Tranexemic Acid after microneedling.
Thank you for all your educative and entertaining videos! I'm excited about your book 😊
Hello PhD biochem. based on the structure I just saw of that molecule, that is a form of tranexamic acid that has a large nonpolar hydrocarbon chain (cetyl) and a balancing ion (mesylate). Basically, it should technically absorb into cells easier (micro-needling also helps this).
@@LegendInTheMaking11 Hi! Thank you so much for answering. I thought it would be plausible based on the structure, but wasn't certain if the difference would be very noticable for consumers. The Good Molecules serum has positive reviews. Altough some say you should just apply it on the darker areas, since it could also lighten the surrounding area and then you would see relatively little change.
There have been small studies on using tranexamic acid after microneedling for melasma and rosacea and there was some improvement. So I think there might be some potential.
immunobiochemist here, i concur w the PhD comment, while the operative word being "theoretically".
the science is sound, however it requires data to make an educated theoretical claim
i’m a pharmacy tech and was confused as hell when i saw this being advertised in cosmetics. nice to finally learn that the heavy period medication in cosmetics is probably as bullshit as i thought it was
Thank you for saying it!!!! I thought I was losing my mind
I find it wild that TXA is in skincare. I've only ever known it as something given IV in emergencies to prevent clot breakdown when someone has a deadly bleed, or orally before surgery or for bleeding disorders. It's scary to think people might try and find TXA to consume as a "health" ingredient, potentially leading to them having a deadly clot
Maybe it's just in my head but I think this substance works for me. Over the course of around 4 years, for my brown and reddish spots I've tried vitamin c (only some products with stable forms of the vitamin worked but just a little, making my complexion brighter overall so the spots still sticked out), acids (were working when applied in high% for up to 10 minutes but my skin stopped tolerating that and lower % leave-on products itritate me even more), azelaic acid (made me paler overall so not exactly the goal), retinol and retinal (good for anti-aging but did nothing to my discoloration😂), bakuchiol (works beautifully for me but super slowly). Tranexamic acid seems to bring me results practically in weeks 😊
Which product are you using?
@@LabMuffinBeautyScience I'm using Hada Labo Glow Lotion (the purple bottle one)😁
What form did you use tranexamic acid serum or tablets?
@@halaleunoia hada labo glow lotion (the purple one). It's called a lotion but It's a clear liquid gel(?) so I'd call it an essence:)
I have try it all to improve my hyper pigmentation: vitamin C for years, careful and mild exfoliation, niaciamide, tranexamic acid, in office microneedling, of course lots of sunscreen every day and reapply, everything. I cannot see a difference, maybe my skin could have more problems.
Try thiamidol but applied it every day when you are not microneedling especially in the day time. It will takes months for improvements to be seen.
any examples of products with this ingredient? thank you!@@ListerTube
Will you please do a long video about treating scars?
You just answered something that's been bugging me for a while, why are so many skincare ingredients acids? And now I know, thank you so much :)
Hmm I've been enjoying the anti-inflammatory benefits on my redness prone, sensitive skin lately and just ordered more from the range 😏 .... of course, it could also be the liquorice root in it doing the job. Oh well, as long as something in the product is working in some way and not harming. I'm appreciating being more even toned and it helps me tolerate retinol better.
I have rosacea and tranexamic acid reduced my red flashing like crazy, I'm no longer beetroot-coloured after washing my face with warm water😂
@@wyclefohara4169 I have rosacea and have never used tranexamic acid. I may give it a try
You're referring to PIE and she is likely only referring to PIH
Only a few seconds in, but my initial reaction is to agree. Tranexamic acid (for bleeding) is directly impacted by the time the bleed started vs. when the administration of tranexamic is. The longer you bleed, the less helpful it is (not that it's harmful or not helpful), iirc.
Edit: At the end, chem degree kicking in, still agree. Being charged makes sense for absorption through the digestive track, not so much for skin
Edit edit: I'm probably wrong, education is rusty. But I hope I'm right
Tranexamic acid always irritated my skin and never performed. As opposed to vit c that would work instantly and super well, no irritation, followed by alpha arbutin
Can i layer vit c with alpha arbutin
Super intereting as always Michelle! I tried a couple of skincare products with TXA but cycled it out of my routine because I didn't feel it made a difference for me personally. Interesting that this could be a reason why
Hi Michelle, would you be able to answer: what exactly is hypochlorous acid (Tower 28 SOS spray), what does it do, who is it good for, is it worth it, etc.
As someone with Haemophilia A mild, Tranexamic acid is used to clot blood and I have used it in the past and I was prescribed by it by doctors after surgery. I have also used the Glow Hub tranexamic acid serum (it smelled awful) and I noticed a difference but then again I do have Haemophilia and this works for ME. I think its one of those things that sit on the skin and not through the skin.
It also has vitamin C in it, so the TXA doesn't have to work for the product to work
Interesting! I've never heard this before so I'm so glad for the explanation! Thanks 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Omg I take tranexamic acid for heavy periods and this scared me for a minute before I realized you meant skincare!
Dr. Dray says this stuff is great for helping improve the look of hyperpigmentation and there’s legit studies to back that claim up…and she’s a dermatologist who knows her stuff too. Who do I believe?! 😅
the chemist. always believe the one who interprets peer review papers for a living. MDs are not proficient in designing, executing and interpreting research. being a doctor of medicine doesn't afford much of research competency.
i always akin it to learning an academic version of a language: a doctor speaks in the vernacular while a researcher speaks in the academic. a person who understands a language doesn't necessarily know how to use said language in an academic setting proficiently.
sincerely, an immunobiochemist with too many MD family members to count
@@SJ-dl6uc Not necessarily. Physicians can have different opinions, and research can be misinterpreted or biased. I trust both Michelle and Dr. Dray's opinions. Individuals can make decisions based on their personal risk/benefit analysis. SIncelerly, a physician and researcher.
Personally, Tranexamic Acid has really helped me fade my dark spots that took forever to go away naturally 😅 I'm still gonna purchase my serum bc if it ain't broke, I ain't fixing it
This seems tricky bc I’m sure Michelle is a reliable source for this kind of information, but then again I’ve seen tranexamic acid featured very prominently (and usually as a brightening ingredient) in a lot of Japanese cosmetics. And in my mind J-beauty tends to be more conservative and old school, relying more on research-backed ingredients than novel trendy hyped ones.
It’s good to keep in mind science and research is nuanced and not always black and white. Scientists can interpret data in different ways and there may not be a consensus on things until further research is done (and published)
Thank goodness the Shirojyun Premium lotion formula we're getting in ASEAN (and China) is different (alpha-arbutin + vitamin C + resveratrol), instead of the TXA-based formula in Japan (and the rest of the world) as I like how that toner gives me the kind of glow I can't get from other toners
Hi Michelle, could you do a review on Skintific products? So many people are raving about it and claiming that it works. Esp. the dark spot and whitening serums
Tried the aha bha toner and clay mask.. the toner doesnt work.. it is not even that cheap considering it is only 80ml and china made skincare.. clay mask is fine but you can't reach the end of product due the turning tube
True, but also if formulated with tranexamic acid cetyl ester salts then that takes care or the carboxylic acid portion of the problem and can be argued that this would provide better transdermal penetration. That said this would still pose the problem of hydrolysis of the ester back into the active igredient, but carboxylesterases tend to be promiscuous enzymes and wouldn't that be a fair assumption to just happen in the tissue itself? Would love to hear your input.
Agree that could potentially solve the problem! Would like to see some clinical studies on the derivatives though to confirm that they're effective as prodrugs though
Very clear explanation.
I just woke up but the first thing that popped up in my head was, can't it form zwitterions in specific pH? Similar to amino acids? In that case if properly formulated it would work just fine and it would explain why it works for people
Yes the zwitterionic form at moderate pH is shown in the video. Small zwitterions don't penetrate skin well, hence why topical unmodified amino acids are only really useful as humectants in the SC.
I know all words are made up but zwitterion especially sounds like a made up word
Fun fact: zwitter is German for hermaphrodite
My apostrophe derm added tranexamic acid (5%) to my tret prescription for dark spots. I’ve used it for half a year, and I haven’t noticed a single difference in dark spot reduction nor dark spot healing time. The tret itself though (been using for about 2 years) has made a huge difference in skin texture and wound healing! But I haven’t seen any additional benefits since adding tranexamic acid in
Use it with niacinamide and alpha arbutin serum
Thank you!! I did not see any results using TXA topically. I was later prescribed oral TXA for heavy menstrual periods and saw marked improvement in my Melasma
I used Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Serum and I felt I got a difference with that. BOJ Arbutin Serum I didn't notice a difference. Skin1004 Brightening Capsule Ampoule has the same Tranexamic Acid active but I didn't notice any difference. When I finish it I'm going to try the Numbuzin No.5 Serum.
There are many skincare actives that shouldn't work based on polarity or molecular size (peptides for example). As a scientist myself, I don't always write everything off based on theory alone.
This isn't the only argument against topical tranexamic acid, it's discussed in the longer video linked.
@@LabMuffinBeautyScience Thanks. I will check it out. I formulate most of my skincare myself & am currently in the middle of a split face study on myself with a pure 5% tranexamic acid solution. I never change more than one variable at a time. So far, there is no improvement at all in my few melanin related spots, but I have found it does help calm rosacea affected areas more than my current routine. I actually hope it does nothing miraculous 🤣 b/c I had to source it from Poland. I am in Canada & none of the North American DIY suppliers (e.g. Lotioncrafter) sell it.
Can confirm as someone who’s used tranexamic acid for dark spots for quite a few months: it does not work
I've used a serum that has tranexamic acid and i agree with u, the best thing i did for my hyperpigmentation was hydroquinone and Kojic acid
It's true I used it for 3 months with NO results for hyperpigmentation... got much better results with azelaic acid
And removing from cart, thanks!
Hmm interesting. Me and my sisters have always had results with tranexamic acid. They use the Inkey List tranexamic acid serum which has faded their PIH and I’ve used the Good molecules one and the Naturium one (admittedly naturium has other ingredients meant to fade PIH). We’re all dark skin African so we get pretty dark spots if untreated. I wonder why it works well
for us even prior to building a habit of putting sunscreen everyday.
I KNEW IT!!!!!!!! I KNEW IT WASNT DOING ANYTHING!!!!
Same girl same at least mine was cheap
I bought a serum with it and didn’t find it life changing. My favorite is still Alpha Arbutin for dark spots and Niacinamide.
Though I just bought Qure’s at home kit and the serum I chose has Transexamic Acid in its ingredients (amongst other things). Maybe it’ll have a better absorption rate with the 0.25mm nano channels?
I love your videos taking on controversial topics
Can it be encapsulated to make it penetrate more? Also, in terms of molecular weight and being hydrophilic, how do you feel about derivative cetyl tranexamate mesylate?
Thanks!
The company that makes it (Actera) released an article on LinkedIn about TXA (I won't link it here because the comment will probably get deleted but it's about 3 things brands get wrong about TXA).
Would love to hear your thoughts!
In theory those could both work! I find Actera's marketing pretty sketchy in general though.
What about the Cetyl Tranexamate Mesylate that Good Molecules uses in their discoloration serum? The studies I’ve seen on that derivative seems pretty promising.
On PubMed: Results: No questionable adverse reactions were observed. Melanin and erythema indexes improved significantly and continuously from the baseline to the end of the study (-16.9% and -34.3%, respectively). Photographs further support instrumental data. On average, after 2 weeks, the subjects already noticed an improvement in skin tone (79.3%), a reduction in dark spots (78.6%), and an improvement in facial redness (77.1%).
i'm curious about this, too.
I just commented how the GM serum worked really well for me and my PIH.
@@SCFLEUR That’s the exact product I was talking wondering about. I’ve been using it for a few months and it’s slowly working.
@@Jess-737 I’ve been using it after applying The Inkey List PHA Toner. I’m having really good results. I am actually surprised. It’s been about 6 weeks.
A very unscientific question
But what people seeing results with tranexamic acid serum?
That’s really hard so answer - been using Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense serum for about a year now and my hyperpigmentation has pretty much disappeared. But then again am also using sunscreen daily, retinol, the serum does contain niacinamid, had Microneedling done twice … what part of it all the tranexamic acid had in all that is hard to tell.
There's actually a very scientific answer in the article "An important adjuvant in the treatment of melasma".
The tldr is someone was prescribed tranexamic acid for an unrelated condition and it also worked on their hyperpigmentation. So the people seeing results were the researchers who looked into it.
@@cupguin Was it used as oral or topical?
There's a bit of a pattern where companies known to do solid clinical testing don't include tranexamic acid alone in their products...
they always include other ingredients that could be the origin of such benefits and not the tranexamic acid itself
I was waiting for this
Are there any papers about the efficacy?
There are, but they're not very convincing...
you are so wrong for saying this now after i ordered 2 chemist at play
tranxemic acid 2% + niacinamide 4% serum
The niacinamide should hopefully do something!
To be fair, niacinamide can also help with pigmentation so hopefully it wouldnt be too useless 😅
compare it with 15% vitamin c
Oh no! Guess I won’t be looking for it in my products anymore. Thanks!
you're right💔
What about nano sized particles and liposomal encapsulation ?
You can't nano it because it is already the smallest it can be (meaning it is not a polymer) and liposome is actually a good idea
Not really related to the video, already watched and very helpful btw, but just had a random moment of looking forward to your book and wanted to say so! 😁
Have it in an eye serum. Shouldn't have the eye serum in the first place since my dark circles are genetic
Please make a video on glutathione
Liposomal encapsulation of TA may enhance skin penetration
Agree! Very few brands are doing that though...
The number 1 ingredient in my dark spot serum from Agency (which is not cheap, might I add!) is 4% Tranexamic acid (I know I probably misspelled that). What a freaking rip off! Hopefully the other ingredients in this outrageously expensive product make up for it 😒
Oh wow but I think my skin begs to differ. I’ve seen a huge improvement in my PIH in the past month since using Good Molecules Discoloration Serum. However, I’ve also been using it directly after applying The Inky List PHA Toner. So I’m wondering is it a combination of both products that is giving me such good results.
Edit
I see that the GM serum contains Cetyl Tranexamate Mesylate, which is supposed to be a tranexamic derivative 🤷🏾♀️. All I know is the combo I’ve been using has been working really well for me.
Couldn’t the formulation for the skincare product assist with getting the charged molecule across?
I know it’s only anecdotal, so not scientific evidence, but I originally started with products that explicitly had traxenemic acid cause I’m prone to PIH and was prone to irritation from masks leading to darkening around my mouth.
I started seeing improvement once I adopted the two products with that ingredient. (For reference, the lotion and cream from hada labo shirojyun premium line)
It worked for me. **shrug** When I stopped using it, my skin became dull. Started again, brightened up.
Were there other actives in the product?
I am using a 10% tranexamic acid. Since it is higher than the usual percentage, would it make it more effective? The product I am using only has hyaluronic acid and preservatives as the other ingredients.
My son’s hematologist told us we could put (dissolved) oral tranexamic acid meds on huge hematomas to help with bleeding and coagulation issues. But in a serum? I’ve kind of doubted it all along…
The way I was looking for alternates for the discontinued serum I was using with tranexamic acid from when my skin was better. Maybe theres some other factors at play for me
Was about to purchase the 10% TXA from cos de baha, purely for telangiectasia from rosacea, as have seen some early evidence that it reduces them when used with microneedling or twice per day. Do you have any opinion on using it for this purpose? And if effectiveness is enhanced by Microneedling?
Microneedling didn't change the charge of the molecule, so it should make no difference at all
ok BUT WHY does it work on my skin?? ESPECIALLY in reducing post inflammatory erythema (dont know about pih but i also have arbutin and azelaic acid in my routine) what i have noticed is that compared to other days, on nights that i use TXA i wake up to a less red and less inflamed and angry face. i dont layer products, i separate them depending on days
Which TXA product are you using?
@LabMuffinBeautyScience omg you replied!! Its the Minimalist Tranexamic 3% face serum (also contains mandelic acid, acetyl glucosamine, and hpa) maybe its the other ingredients that does it well? I find it interesting that this product does exactly what it says on the packaging; helps provide even-looking skin tone. Works overnight on my erythema!!
Guessing it's the other ingredients!
@@LabMuffinBeautyScience dr dray did say that topical application of TXA did give the benefits of even skin tone but mechanism is still not yet understood. Idk if thats based on biased results or not. Maybe theres something else in play (i reallly want to see it ring true though)
I disagree, I don't think she's analysed the data properly. At a surface level the data is promising, but it falls apart if you consider the wider context: labmuffin.com/does-tranexamic-acid-work-response-to-the-beauty-brains/
never knew transexamic acid was used in skincare… i take it orally for my periods
girl it doesn't work at all, i bought this expensive serum which claimed to have 3% ta and it didn't do anything after using it for 4 months.
I have to disagree, baclofen is used as a topical and it's a zwitterion with very similar structure, and it's benefits are well researched and peer reviewed. Same with methotrexate.
This is a simplified explanation - baclofen has a benzene ring which makes it more lipophilic, methotrexate is very lipophilic. So the charge has less of an impact on those than it does on tranexamic acid. You can check their logP values.
Hmm, is there a best way to use tranexamic acid in skincare? Like an emulsion? I’ve been using Topicals Faded Serum and it also has other acids in it (azelaic, Phytic) and tranexamic acid is pretty high up… Just wondering.
I don't think the TXA works in that, but it has a lot of other good actives!
Well, i don't understand it, but it seems to bring me better result when i use it befor my Vit. C or retinol serum
So, vit C is better than tranexamic acid for PIE and PIH?
What about if it’s injectable? A lot of aestheticians and derms compound it into formulas to use with dermapen and the like
You said most? So could you elaborate. I get Agency skincare and its 4 acids Rx'd to me. Niacinamide, tretinoin, azeliac acid, & transxemic acid. Is Agency ripping me off I'm curious now?
Can i ask about elagic acid?
Isn’t this the same chemical that’s used to stop major bleeding in surgery and trauma patients???
Are there any clinical human studies on tranexamic acid containing products?
Does this apply to the encapsulated tranexamic acid from the product Skin 1004 Tone Brightening Capsule?
What should I use then 😭 I can't access Hydroquinone or Tretinoin, and I don't know if a vit C derivative alone will do anything?
There are tons more actives, see this video th-cam.com/video/z2T20iZBEUc/w-d-xo.html
@@LabMuffinBeautyScience oh I have watched that whole video already.. it's just hard to know what works best.. I'm sick of seeing the dark patches on my face :(
is undecylenoyl phenylalanine [more] effective?
TXA?? I thought it was only used to reduce bleeding 😅
I was so confused for a moment as I take this in a pill to stop heavy period bleeding (I have severe endometriosis), y'all use this in skin care?
Damn. Explains why I saw no difference after getting though two bottles of it
Can you recommend a proven working product? How about the Discolouration Defense from Skinceuticals?
I think it works, but it also has niacinamide and HEPES which have more evidence to support them. There are cheaper options with those though!
@@LabMuffinBeautyScience which one could you recommend?
what about the eucerin pigment line?
I told my derm I was using The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin and she was like no no you need medical grade, and sold me a 200$ Tranexhamic Acid formulated in Singapore 😢 I cant tell for certain if it was the thing that helped, but she also put me on Tretinoin and a Salicylic-Glycolic chemical exfoliant anyway so how would I know if that overpriced Tranexhamic even did anything
I use it for periods i didn't know you could have it in skincare
I feel like this video is way too short. We need solutions. Products that work
See the longer video linked!
And what about alpha abrutin? 😢
I returned a product after watching this. 😊
Yeah, that makes sense.
What do other chemists say?
Some of them are citing studies that they haven't properly analysed - I suspect some of them don't have the training to critically evaluate studies, or perhaps don't realise studies can't just be cited at face value...
I’ve only given this for serious medical purposes. Did not know people put this in their faces😱
Well then dayumn…I wish I had seen this short sooner 😢