Tranexamic Acid Serum

Helps, at many levels, to block the biochemical cascade that leads to pigmentation issues. This is achieved by blocking the production and activity of tyrosinase, the enzyme that leads to the production of melanin. It contains:

• • 1.8% Tranexamic Acid
  • 20% Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
  • 3% Alpha Arbutin
  • 1% Ferulic Acid
  • Panthenol
  • Glucono Delta-Lactone
  • Phosopholipids and biomimetic moisturising factors
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Xyloglucans
  • Lactic Acid

Tranexamic acid provides a powerful and specific anti-inflammatory action, inhibiting pigment production in melanocytes. At the same time it also blocks the transfer of pigment from melanocytes to cells in the upper layers of skin. While doing all this, tranexamic acid calms the skin and helps restore the skin barrier. 

The science of  Tranexamic acid is the biggest breakthrough in the management of melasma in the past decade. It is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine. Since it’s structurally similar to tyrosine, it could also potentially slow down the production of melanin by tyrosinase (as a competitive antagonist).

Alpha Arbutin is a well researched and much used active for lightening and illuminating the skin by inhibiting the formation of tyrosinase, an enzyme that is essential for melanin production.

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a naturally occurring water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. It is the most stable form of Vitamin C, meaning it won’t oxidise easily and is more stable and bioavailable than Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP), Ascorbyl Palmitate, and L-Ascorbic Acid (amongst other Vitamin C derivatives). Unlike L-Ascorbic Acid, it doesn’t like acidic environments and prefers a ‘skin friendly’ pH of around 7. It is an antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, effectively slowing down the aging process and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. It is more bioavailable than pure vitamin C since it has a salt molecule attached to it, allowing it to easily penetrate the skin’s lipid barrier. Because this form of Vitamin C is easily absorbed and utilised by the skin, it is not associated with the irritation often experienced with L-ascorbic acid. Our proprietary PenetrX technology facilitates even better and quicker penetration. Furthermore, a lower concentration is needed for the same results, which also leads to less irritation. Proline and Lysine are converted to hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine in the skin – a reaction facilitated by ascorbic acid. These are important molecules in the formation and stability of collagen and elastin respectively. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is cleaved by the enzymes in the skin and produces free vitamin C. It interacts with the copper (Cu) ions at the tyrosinase active site and inhibits action of the enzyme tyrosinase, thereby reducing melanin formation. It also acts on the perifollicular pigment.

Panthenol is used mainly as a moisturizing ingredient since it hydrates the skin. As a humectant, it attracts moisture to the skin and holds water in the skin, allowing the skin to produce moisture and hydrate from within.   It’s moisturizing nature also contributes to anti-inflammatory attributes. If your skin is dry, it becomes sensitive as it loses a moisture barrier that protects the skin from external stimuli. Medical research has shown that panthenol has been effective against UV-induced redness and irritation. It works as a skin protectant that reduces itchiness and irritation caused by external stimuli.

Did you know that panthenol can also help with wound healing? Those who are facing an endless battle with acne and acne scars will see the benefits of its use. If you pair panthenol with vitamin C (as in this serum), you reap all its benefits and boost your skin’s healing process.

Ferulic Acid is a potent anti-oxidant that helps fight damaging free radicals.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG), naturally distributed in human body. Hyaluronic acid is the major component of the extracellular matrix. It is found in high quantity in the skin, where it is produced by fibroblasts and keratinocytes. One of its main functions is to hold water in the intercellular matrix of the connective tissue. This water-binding capacity contributes significantly to the elasticity of the skin. Hyaluronic acid plays the role of water pump, maintaining elasticity by acting as a water reservoir. Hyaluronic acid is also involved in tissue repair. While it is abundant in extracellular matrices, it also contributes to tissue hydrodynamics, movement and proliferation of cells, and it participates in a number of cell surface receptor interactions, notably those including its primary receptor, CD44. EGF Serum contains a high molecular weight HA which is able to hold 1000 times its own weight in water, to deliver immediate intensive hydration to the surface layers of the skin, for an instant smoothing and firming effect.

The presence of skin-identical phospholipids  in Tranexamic Acid Serum helps repair and hydrate the skin’s natural barrier. Urea, Sodium Lactate and Lactic Acid are all components of the skins NMF (Natural Moisturising Factors) that help keep the skin hydrated.

Xyloglucans (or Tamarindus indica polysaccharides), endowed with remarkable filming and hydrating properties, enhances the serum’s hydration activity by stimulating the production of filligrin, a protein crucial in maintaining skin hydration.  Research shows that cutaneous hydration immediately improved by >59% at 30 minutes, and, over a longer period (30 days) improved skin hydration by >35%, providing a strong moisturizing effect, both short and long term. Xyloglucans also inhibit senescence-related β-galactosidase, which is typically overexpressed in aging keratinocytes, especially those exposed to UV radiation damage and oxidative stress. Research also shows that xyloglucans improved overall skin elasticity by >19%, and decreased skin roughness by >21%, providing a visible anti-wrinkle effect. Furthermore, the combination of xyloglucans and hyaluronic acid stimulates the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10.