Randomized control trial outcomes of tranexamic acid combination serum as a depigmenting agent for the use in healthy individuals

Abstract

To compare the effectiveness of tranexamic acid (TA) combination serum with hydroquinone, the gold standard in whitening agents for healthy populations. This was a three‐arm randomized controlled trial. The subjects were divided into three groups: the first group received 3% TA combination serum (3% TA, 4% galactomyces ferment filtrate, 2% niacinamide, and 4% alpha arbutin), the second group received 2% TA combination serum, and the third group received 4% hydroquinone. One milliliter of each serum was applied on three holes: Hole A, which was located 4 cm from the left cubital fossa, Hole B, which was located 4 cm from the first hole, and Hole C, which was located 4 cm from the right cubital fossa. The skin brightness and pigmentation intensity were evaluated each week for 4 weeks using a chromameter. A total of 44 subjects were recruited for this study. All groups showed a significant improvement in skin brightness and pigmentation intensity after 4 weeks (p < .001). There were no differences between the treatment groups and hydroquinone (p > .05). TA serum (2 and 3%) combined with 4% galactomyces ferment filtrate, niacinamide, and alpha arbutin is an effective depigmenting agent.

The influence of topical5%tranexamic acid at pH2.38with and without corundum microdermabrasion on pigmentation and skin surface lipids

“…Alternatively, it is possible to increase effectiveness by increasing the time of application and duration of the course of treatment. 1,9,20,24 Studies indicate that beneficial therapeutic effects can be obtained from TA preparations by administration once or twice daily, with the mean time of application being 8 to 12 weeks. 3,7,9,14,22, [25][26][27] In addition to its whitening effect, TA also reduces redness by influencing the superficial blood vessels in the area.…”

“…The most preferred concentration is in the range of 2% to 5% as preparations containing only tranexamic acid at low concentrations ≤5% offer effective decreases of hyperpigmentation; higher concentrations of 5% to ‐10% may cause irritation and do not demonstrate an increased effect. Alternatively, it is possible to increase effectiveness by increasing the time of application and duration of the course of treatment 1,9,20,24 . Studies indicate that beneficial therapeutic effects can be obtained from TA preparations by administration once or twice daily, with the mean time of application being 8 to 12 weeks 3,7,9,14,22,25‐27 …”

Tranexamic acid inhibits melanogenesis partially via stimulation of TGF‐β1 expression in human epidermal keratinocytes

“…We found that the decreased melanogenesis caused by TA‐treated keratinocyte‐conditioned medium was partially (not fully) inhibited in the case of TGF‐β1 siRNA keratinocytes, which means TGF‐β1 plays a role in the regulation system. In addition, dermatologists have observed an overall improvement in the skin condition in TA‐treated melasma patients, including overall skin brightness, 27 relieved erythema 28 and reduced vessel numbers 29 in the dermis. Moreover, recent studies revealed that TA could prevent collagen degradation 30 and skin photoageing 10 .…”

Skin Depigmenting Agents: Where Do We Stand?

“…Many in vitro studies can be found in the literature showing arbutin's inhibitory effects on melanin synthesis [24-26]; however, the efficacy observed could hardly reach that of HQ. Several clinical studies have been performed in which arbutin was combined with other agents in formulations, e.g., niacinamide, bisabolol, retinyl aldehyde [27], or with tranexamic acid [28], showing to be as effective as 4% HQ in reducing pigmentation. According to some authors, arbutin is thought to work following its decomposition to HQ.…”