Should I use tranexamic acid or vitamin C?

Author: Mr. Rolando Friesen  |  Last update: Monday, September 1, 2025

One isn't better than the other for fading dark spots. Tranexamic acid is more targeted toward reducing hyperpigmentation, while Vitamin C is better suited for general skin health and reducing all visible signs of ageing. Most people will benefit from using both, because each one targets different aspects of skin care.

Can I use tranexamic and vitamin C together?

The good news is that topical tranexamic plays nice with vitamin C, so in most cases it's totally safe to use the two together. In fact, doubling up on brighteners may help fade your dark spots and hyperpigmentation even fast.

Which is better for hyperpigmentation, vitamin C or alpha arbutin?

Arbutin gives quicker results than vitamin C. Arbutin acts as hydroquinone, which means it has depigmenting factors. Vitamin C is not easily absorbed into the skin, whereas arbutin absorbs quickly into the skin. That's why arbutin is the best ingredient to include in your skincare routine.

What not to pair with tranexamic acid?

Tranexamic Acid Serum can be used with all products in our range however we'd recommend not to use alongside a moisturizer / oil as it is unlikely to layer well.

What percentage of tranexamic acid is effective for hyperpigmentation?

Results from a 12-week single-center clinical study in 55 Brazilian females revealed that a novel topical facial serum containing 3% tranexamic acid, 1% kojic acid, and 5% niacinamide was effective in treating mild-to-moderate PIH, with a significant decrease in MI at week 12 compared to baseline and control group.

Tranexamic Acid for Hyperpigmentation | How to Layer and Combine for Dark Spots

Which is better for hyperpigmentation, tranexamic acid or vitamin C?

Results: At the end of 8 weeks, MASI, PGA and PtGA showed improvement with both tranexamic acid and vitamin C. However the improvement was more with tranexamic acid than with vitamin C, although not statistically significant.

How long does it take for tranexamic acid to fade hyperpigmentation?

It can take 8-12 weeks of regular use of tranexamic acid skin care products before you see a noticeable difference in skin tone and brightness.

What Cannot be combined with tranexamic acid?

Cautions with other medicines

Tranexamic acid can be taken with most other medicines. However, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking the combined contraceptive pill. There could be a very small increased risk of getting a blood clot if you take tranexamic acid as well.

What should you not mix with vitamin C serum?

Beta Hydroxy Acids

So that salicylic acid of yours should not be mixed with your vitamin C serum. It won't be able to help you with discoloration, collagen production, or protect you from UV rays. Additionally, combining the two can cause irritation and dryness.

What are the disadvantages of tranexamic acid on skin?

The most common potential side effects are listed below. Though reported instances are rare, tranexamic acid can cause allergic reactions, such as itching, swelling, hives, or a rash.

Do dermatologists recommend vitamin C or alpha arbutin first?

What should I apply first: alpha arbutin or vitamin C? One should apply a water-based vitamin C serum before alpha arbutin, as vitamin C needs direct contact with the skin to be most effective. Alpha arbutin can then build on its brightening effects.

What is better than vitamin C for hyperpigmentation?

While both alpha arbutin and vitamin C are superstars for brightening skin and reducing hyperpigmentation, they target the issue in slightly different ways. Alpha arbutin excels at inhibiting melanin production, while vitamin C boasts additional antioxidant and collagen-boosting benefits.

Which is better for hyperpigmentation tranexamic acid or alpha arbutin?

Arbutin works best in those who need to fade mild or moderate hyperpigmentation and with lighter skin tones. Tranexamic acid is also gentle and is a great alternative for those who have not respond well to or wish to avoid tyrosinase inhibitors like hydroquinone or arbutin.

What to avoid while using tranexamic acid?

You should not use this medication if you are also using combination hormonal contraception because it may increase your chance of having a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke. Your risk is even higher if you are overweight, if you smoke cigarettes, or if you are over 35 years of age.

Which serum should not be used together?

1)Retinol and Vitamin C

If anything, your face will be left feeling extremely uncomfortable. “Both of these actives have the potential to irritate your skin,” Chan says. Minimise redness and flaking by keeping your favourite retinol and vitamin C serums separate.

Can I mix vitamin C with tranexamic acid?

Combining it with retinol or kojic acid or vitamin c, or niacinamide is a great idea as the skin brightening effect of tranexamic acid only gets further enhanced. It can be used at any hour of the day but only at night when used with retinoids.

What cancels out vitamin C serum?

In other cases, mixing can destabilize or cancel out the benefits of the antioxidant. Here are some ingredients to never mix with vitamin C: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid.

What doesn t pair well with vitamin C?

Mixing the types of hydroxy acids known as BHA and AHA and vitamin C tends to be too much for the skin, resulting in discomfort or unwanted side effects.

What should you not use with vitamin C serum?

Vitamin C is effectively an acid (it's sometimes known as ascorbic acid), so layering it with AHAs and BHAs like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids is a big no-no.

How quickly does tranexamic acid work?

It can take up to 24 hours for the medicine to take full effect.

Does tranexamic acid cause weight gain?

It's effects are reversible. Possible unwanted side effects: Many women stop having periods when taking this drug. Common unwanted effects include stomach pain, feeling sick, headaches, dizziness, tiredness, weight gain, hot flushes and breast tenderness. What is it?

Is tranexamic acid or Vitamin C better for hyperpigmentation?

Tranexamic acid and Vitamin C are both effective ingredients for treating hyperpigmentation. They work in different ways, and are both beneficial. One isn't better than the other for fading dark spots.

Can I use tranexamic acid in the sun?

While tranexamic acid isn't known to make your skin more sensitive to the sun, we always recommend wearing sunscreen in any AM routine to protect your skin from UV damage and the environment.

Which serum is good for hyperpigmentation?

Alpha arbutin helps reduce melanin production, fade existing dark spots and prevent new ones from forming, making it a highly effective ingredient for addressing pigmentation issues. You can also use other face serums like azelaic acid, and vitamin C for pigmentation.

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