Is tranexamic acid the miracle cure for hyperpigmentation? More about this in the following Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum review.
What is it
I think it’s clear at this point that I love to buy products that’re geared towards fighting hyperpigmentation. During the last years, I’ve tried a lot of ingredients that’re supposed to banish those dark spots: vitamin c, retinol, alpha arbutin, azelaic acid, niacinamide and of course thiamidol. Enter tranexamic acid.
Brand Description
I’ve written about Good Molecules, retailer Beautylish’s answer to The Ordinary, many times. It’s – like TO – a product line that mostly concentrates on single active ingredient formulas.
Here’s what they say about the Discoloration Correcting Serum:
Target hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone with Discoloration Correcting Serum from Good Molecules. Version 1.1 is formulated with an advanced form of tranexamic acid to visibly improve the appearance of dark spots, acne scars, melasma, and sun damage.
Good Molecules
Hyperpigmentation
I’ve written about hyperpigmentation before. Still the best thing to combat it? A sunscreen with high UVA protection. That being said, different ingredients combat different steps in the rather complicated procedure when your skin cells produce too much melanin. Arguably the best (and most-researched) actives are Vitamin C and retinol. Both, though, can aggravate sensitive skin. Hydroquinone isn’t available in the European Union as an OTC option, but is the (former) gold standard for treating hyperpigmentation, while Baiersdorf’s patented Thiamidol is the newest and maybe most promising ingredient.
Ingredients
First, there’re some humectants. Then, we have 4% of Niacinamide, a nice addition in a formula that’s supposed to be brightening. Also, Niacinamide really works well in combination with transexamic acid, but should be used in a percentage above 5%.
Then, we have TeraCeutic TXVectorTM – the trade name of cetyl tranexamate mesylate: GM says that it’s a “… depigmentation active to help achieve naturally even skin tone by delivering tranexamic acid into deeper layers of the skin.”
The most studies done with tranexamic acid show results when taking it orally. For topical application, Michelle Labmuffin says:
“Since tranexamic acid acts on blood vessels as well as pigment to fade melasma (this could partly explain its greater effectiveness compared to ingredients that solely act on pigment), it could potentially help fade redness.”
What is tranexamic acid?
For people like me who suffer from red marks (fading acne spots) as well as sun damage, that could be a great option.
The TeraCeutic TXVectorTM data sheet claims that the ingredient both “Inhibits the activity of plasmin and subsequent inflammation cascade. (and) Prevents the UV-induced activation of melanocytes.”
It’s supposed to “(…) reduce(s) redness in 2 weeks and lightens dark spots in 4 weeks.”
Application
The Discoloration Correcting Serum comes in a dropper bottle. GM says that you’re supposed to use it in the morning and evening before moisturiser/face oil.
I use it in the evening only, alternating with retinol/azelaic acid, after cleansing and toning. I apply one full dropper.
The product itself has a weird pearlescent shimmer which I can’t detect on my skin, though. (Thankfully. I’m not Edward Cullen.) I find it strangely oily upon application, although it sinks in quickly and can be layered with other skincare products without any problems.
Effect
So, here’s the thing. There’re skincare ingredients out there that take QUITE some time to be properly effective and giving you visible results. That’s the reason why I believe that for those, you HAVE to enjoy the formula and applying the product, because – if you’re in for the long haul, no need to torture yourself with a formula that you don’t like.
That’s the reason I did a turnaround on the GM Brightening Serum: I didn’t see results per se, BUT liked the texture and the hydration it gave me. Here, I don’t.
It also didn’t give me any visible results, although I admit that I didn’t use it as often as GM suggests. I’ll be looking to incorporate tranexamic acid into my routine in the future, but in a different product.
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum review: Worth it?
Let me say that: if you might enjoy a serum with 4% Niacinamide that’s both gentle and moisturising, why not. I get my Nia fix from Paula’s Choice’s 10% Niacinamide Booster and am pretty happy with that one – so, not for me. I take the tranexamic acid derivative included for an ‘angel dust’ effect: might help, but also may not.
Where/price/size
30ml/ 1 oz. for $12 at Beautylish
Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
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