If you’re looking to tackle hyperpigmentation, dark spots, or signs of ageing, you might have come across tranexamic acid (TXA) and retinol.
Important: Introduce new active skincare ingredients like retinoids or tranexamic acid gradually so you can avoid irritation and monitor any reactions.

Prescription retinoids are stronger than over-the-counter retinol so, if you can, speak to your prescriber for more advice (or reach out to our team if you’re a subscriber).

Here’s everything you need to know about using tranexamic acid and retinol together successfully.

What Do Tranexamic Acid and Retinol Do for Your Skin?

When used correctly, this duo can help even out skin tone, fade the appearance of pigmentation, give you a clearer, more even skin tone and even boost collagen production.
Combining tranexamic acid with retinol isn’t harmful to the skin for most people – but too much of any active ingredient, or too many actives at once, can cause inflammation and irritation, whether you have sensitive skin or not.
This is because stronger actives, especially prescription-strength versions of retinol like tretinoin or adapalene, need to be used with care. If used incorrectly, you could be increasing your risk of skin irritation, sensitivity, and a damaged skin barrier.

Tranexamic Acid (TXA)

– Treats pigmentation
– Anti-inflammatory
– Suits all skin types

Tranexamic acid is a powerful ingredient for effectively treating hyperpigmentation, dark spots, age spots, melasma, and signs of sun damage. [1,2] It was originally used in medical scenarios (as an oral or IV treatment) to control excessive bleeding, but has also recently become a popular skincare ingredient, as studies have shown it may help reduce excess melanin production. [2]
As a skincare ingredient, TXA is available without a prescription. You’ll find it in creams or serums, in dosages or concentrations of up to 5%.

Retinoids

– Treats dark spots, acne, and signs of ageing
– Boosts collagen production
– Suits most skin types, including blemish-prone skin

Retinoids is an umbrella term for retinol, retinal, and prescription retinoids like tretinoin. They’re all derived from Vitamin A, and are the gold-standard treatment for reducing dark spots (as well as slowing the signs of ageing and treating acne). Retinoids have decades of research to back up their effects and have been tried and tested by dermatologists. You’ll find it in creams or serums, with dosage varying between 0.025% – 0.1%.

Prescription retinoids are more powerful, which is why you need professional guidance to minimise irritation. Over-the-counter options like retinol are less powerful, but have fewer risks of side effects like inflammation or skin barrier damage.

Retinoids work mainly by increasing cell turnover. This keeps pores clear, which reduces breakouts and inflammation, which can trigger the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. The increased cell turnover also exfoliates the skin without the need to scrub at it, removing dead skin cells and bringing fresh, more even-toned cells to the surface. (For this reason, you should avoid using physical exfoliants, like face scrubs, with retinoids).

Over a longer period of time, retinoids also boost collagen production, leading to smoother, firmer, glowing skin. [3, 4]

Why Do Some People Develop Dark Spots (Hyperpigmentation)?

Melanin is a natural substance made by our bodies that gives our skin, hair and eyes their pigment (colour). It also helps prevent sun damage.

In some people, excess melanin in the skin can lead to dark spots, melasma, and post-acne marks that appear red or brown. These are all forms of hyperpigmentation. While they share similarities, each type is triggered by different factors. [1]
Treating dark spots isn’t straightforward, but expert advice will help you make sure the ingredients chosen suit your skin without damaging your skin barrier. Read how our experts diagnose and treat hyperpigmentation here.

Who Shouldn’t Use Tranexamic Acid and Retinoids Together?

Retinoids may not be suitable for people with extremely sensitive, rosacea prone or easily inflamed skin. Retinoids are also not suitable for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Unfortunately, tranexamic acid has not been researched in terms of its safety for use by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Because of this, our dermatologists don’t recommend using tranexamic acid if you’re trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding just to be safe.

How to Safely Use Tranexamic Acid and Retinoids Together

Tranexamic acid and retinol can be used in the same skincare routine, but it’s important to follow a few simple rules to avoid potential side effects. Especially if your retinoid product is prescription strength.

Do
– Use retinoids at night — retinoids are best applied at night, as sunlight can alter their effectiveness and increase skin sensitivity. Tranexamic acid can be used in the morning.
– Introduce retinoids first, and add TXA once your skin has adjusted to the retinoids without any irritation.
– Patch test the new tranexamic acid product on a small area first. Watch out for irritation, dryness, redness, or sensitivity.
– Introduce any new products gradually. Two or three times per week to begin with. Remember, overloading your skin with too many products can damage or irritate your skin barrier.

Don’t

– Continue if you notice irritation or sensitivity — stop all actives to allow your skin to recover and then re-introduce one active ingredient at a time gradually.
– Introduce a new strong active skincare ingredient to your routine at the same time of day as your retinoids
– Apply a new active ingredient to your entire face the first time you use it.
– Forget broad-spectrum sunscreen — active ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. An effective sunscreen with at least SP30 is essential to protect your skin. Our Photodamage Defence Sunscreen is ideal.

Protecting the Skin Barrier

A healthy skin barrier is essential for hydration, resilience, and overall skin health. The skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin. It acts as a shield to lock in moisture and protect against environmental damage, bacteria, and irritants. Retinoids can come with side effects for the skin barrier because they increase cell turnover, so it’s important to support it.

To protect your skin barrier while using retinoids:

– Moisturise generously with creams and lotions that include hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
– Consider using the Sandwich Method to help avoid or soothe irritation.
– Always wear sunscreen with SPF30+. Retinoids make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, so daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must.

When Can You Mix Tranexamic Acid and Retinoids?

Dermatologists will often recommend tranexamic acid alongside retinoids to treat skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, dark spots, acne marks and melasma. But both are powerful actives. For best results and minimal chance of irritation, ideally a dermatology expert would create a personalised formula and routine for you, including both ingredients. This ensures you receive the right balance of both at the correct concentrations for your skin.
If you don’t have access to a dermatology expert, these are the simple rules that you need to follow when mixing tranexamic acid and retinoids:

– Make sure your skin is completely free from irritation before introducing a new product
– Start off by using the new ingredient once or twice a week and build up the frequency as your skin adjusts
– Stop using all active ingredients at any sign of irritation until the symptoms have cleared up
– Avoid overwhelming your skin by using too many strong actives at the same time of day
– If irritation continues, speak with a professional
Want personalised advice? Find out what formulas are suitable for you by visiting our website.

References
Gaćina, K. (2023). The Use of Tranexamic Acid in Dermatology. Acta Clinica Croatica. doi: https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2023.62.02.16
Ebrahimi, B. and Naeini, F.F. (2014). Topical tranexamic acid as a promising treatment for melasma. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences: The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, [online] 19(8), pp.753–757. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4235096/
Zasada M, Budzisz E. Retinoids: active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology [Internet]. 2019;36(4):392–7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6791161/
Mukherjee S, Date A, Patravale V, Korting HC, Roeder A, Weindl G. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clinical interventions in aging [Internet]. 2006;1(4):327–48. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/
Draelos ZD, Ertel KD, Berge CA. Facilitating facial retinization through barrier improvement. Cutis [Internet]. 2006 Oct 1;78(4):275–81. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/