Antifibrinolytic
Tranexamic Acid
Bright white, smooth cream
Typical Strength
topical 2%–10% | oral 250–500 mg/unit
Formulations
2 compounds
Formula
C₈H₁₅NO₂
Mol. Weight
157.21 g/mol
How It Works
Mechanism of action
Serine protease inhibitor that blocks plasminogen–keratinocyte interaction, reducing UV-induced melanogenesis. Inhibits mast cell activation and neovascularization in melasma.
Did you know?
Originally developed to control surgical bleeding, tranexamic acid's depigmenting properties were discovered accidentally by dermatologists in the 1970s.
What compounding can change
When Tranexamic Acid is compounded for one patient, your prescriber can choose the concentration, combine it with other ingredients, and pick the base. Commercial products come in fixed strengths and bases.
Safety Considerations
Available In
Formulations with Tranexamic Acid
Azelaic Acid / Tranexamic Acid / Niacinamide Cream
High-strength azelaic acid with tranexamic acid for melasma and dark spots when hydroquinone is not wanted.
Tranexamic Acid Capsule
Oral adjunct for stubborn melasma—reduces pigment signaling systemically.
Commonly paired with
These ingredients frequently appear alongside Tranexamic Acid in our formulations.
Please note: Compounded medications require a prescription from a licensed prescriber for an individual patient. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. The FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality. A compounded medication is not the same as, or a generic version of, any FDA-approved drug. This page is general information, not medical advice. Your prescriber decides whether a treatment is right for you and sets the final ingredients, strength and dosage form.