Rishabh Mishra: Does the Evidence Support Tranexamic Acid Formulations in Skincare?
Rishabh Mishra, Founder of Globalonix Private Limited, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Tranexamic acid is appearing in serums, creams and skin-brightening products.
But here’s an important question: does the strongest clinical evidence support the same formulation route that a cosmetic brand is selling?
What the Research Shows
- A 2024 meta-analysis of randomised trials found that tranexamic acid reduced melasma severity. Among the routes compared, oral administration produced the largest reduction in MASI scores, followed by injections and topical application.
- A separate meta-analysis of 28 trials concluded that further evidence is needed for topical and intradermal tranexamic acid.
- A Japanese review reported that oral tranexamic acid products were more effective than quasi-drugs, Japan’s regulated category for certain products containing skin-lightening actives.
- Japan helped popularise tranexamic acid in skin-brightening products, including Daiichi Sankyo‘s Transino range. The research is not limited to Japan: four of the 11 studies in a 2017 meta-analysis were conducted in Korea.
The Business and Formulation Takeaway
My analysis: evidence for one delivery route does not automatically validate another.
A study of oral tranexamic acid does not prove that a topical serum will produce the same results. For beauty brands, claim substantiation must consider the formulation, concentration, delivery system, testing method and exact claim being made.
A strong ingredient story is valuable. A scientifically defensible product claim is even more valuable.
Important Note
Melasma is a medical condition, and this post is for industry education, not treatment advice. Oral tranexamic acid has important safety considerations and should only be used under appropriate medical supervision. Cosmetic regulations and permitted claims vary by country, so brands must verify the applicable local requirements.
The Question for the Industry
How should a skincare brand substantiate a brightening claim when the strongest published evidence concerns a different delivery route?”
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