Dark spots, whether caused by acne, scars or another skin concern, are not only annoying, but also hard to get rid of. Fortunately, a lesser-known ingredient called tranexamic acid, known for brightening skin and fading dark spots and melasma (a type of pigmentation), may come in handy.
Tranexamic acid is available to take orally via a prescription or as a topical in over-the-counter serums. Experts I spoke to say the oral version is much more potent, but also comes with more side effects. Serums, on the other hand, are a great way to safely test this ingredient to see if it works for your dark spots, experts say.
I asked three board-certified dermatologists to explain exactly what tranexamic acid is and share their favorite tranexamic acid serums.
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What is tranexamic acid?
Tranexamic acid is a skin care ingredient derived from the amino acid lysine that can reduce the appearance of dark spots, says Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. “It is considered a skin brightening agent,” she says.
As mentioned, you can get oral tranexamic acid prescribed, but it’s also available in over-the-counter serums that address dark spots and melasma. Serums with a high concentration of tranexamic acid (usually between 2% and 5%) in a serum may improve its delivery to skin cells and efficacy, says Camp.
How I picked the best tranexamic acid serums
When shopping for a tranexamic acid serum, dermatologists recommend keeping a few key factors in mind:
- Concentration: Serums have varying concentrations of tranexamic acid in them. It likely won’t be effective if you pick something with a super low concentration. “Look for something that contains between 2% and 5% of this ingredient,” says Camp.
- Formulation: Most serums with tranexamic acid have other ingredients, too. Choose a serum that has other beneficial ingredients, including antioxidants (like vitamin E and niacinamide), hydrators (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin) or skin-soothing agents (like aloe), says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida.
- Rating: Recommendations can help you sift through the many serums available. I included tranexamic acid serums recommended by dermatologists or with at least a 4.2-star average rating from at least 300 reviews.
The best tranexamic acid serums of 2025
Here are dermatologist-recommended tranexamic acid serums to try, as well as some highly rated options.
Best for brightening
This serum combines vitamin C and guava extract to brighten your complexion and tranexamic and ferulic acids to soothe redness and irritation, according to Glow Recipe. “I like that it’s a fast-absorbing gel, [which] means it doesn’t feel sticky on skin,” says Camp. You can apply the serum daily, though the brand suggests using it three to four times a week if you have sensitive skin.
Best for dark spots
Made specifically to address dark spots, this serum has 3% tranexamic acid. It also has bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative that can also help with discoloration, says Camp. The serum works for all skin types and can also address dullness and an uneven skin tone, according to the brand.
Best for dullness
This serum combines vitamin C and 2% tranexamic acid to address dark spots and brighten your overall complexion. The gel formula is super concentrated, so a little goes a long way, according to the brand. You can use it morning or night and should apply it after washing your face but before moisturizer and sunscreen. It has a 4.2-star average rating from 324 reviews on Amazon.
Best budget pick
This budget-friendly serum, which has a 4.4-star average rating from over 12,100 reviews on Amazon, combines 3% tranexamic acid with 4% niacinamide, a form of vitamin B known to fade dark spots and brighten your overall complexion, according to the brand. The serum has a dropper, so you can easily apply a few drops to your fingertips and pat it on your skin after washing your face.
Best lightweight formula
This serum comes recommended by Dr. Anne Truitt, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, who says this is one of her favorite serums to address discoloration and prevent dark spots. In addition to 3% tranexamic acid, it has kojic acid and niacinamide, both of which also help even out dark spots, according to SkinCeuticals. The formula is very thin, so it spreads easily, and a little goes a long way, according to the brand.
Best splurge pick
This Skinmedica serum is a favorite of Camp. “This powerful brightening treatment contains a proprietary combination of lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid and niacinamide to correct the appearance of dark spots and melasma,” says Camp. You can also use it as a preventative treatment to mitigate future discoloration, according to the brand. The brand recommends using the serum both in the morning and at night. If you use it in the morning, just apply sunscreen afterward as it can make your skin more sun sensitive, according to Skinmedica.
Best spot treatment
This serum has glycolic acid, which gently exfoliates to address dullness. You can use this serum as a spot treatment and apply it directly to dark spots, or use it all over your face to help even out your skin tone. If you use it in the morning, just apply SPF afterward.
Highest concentration of tranexamic acid
A little goes a long way with this serum — it has one of the highest concentrations of tranexamic acid on this list. Use just a pea-sized amount on your entire face to address dark spots and even out tone and texture, according to the brand. For maximum results, you can use it morning and night until you see a difference. This serum from Naturium has a 4.2-star average rating from 3,089 reviews on Amazon.
Best for sensitive skin
This serum not only helps address acne scars and dark spots, but it also has mandelic acid to gently exfoliate skin, according to the brand. It’s free of fragrance, silicone and sulfates, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin. This serum has a 4.2-star average rating from 3,647 reviews on Amazon.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
- Dr. Anne Truitt is a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego.
- Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida.
Why trust NBC Select?
I'm a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. I have covered a number of stories about skin care, including whether it is safe to try microneedling at home, back acne and wrinkle patches. For this story, I interviewed three board-certified dermatologists about tranexamic acid.
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