The Complete Guide to Skincare Products for Glowing Skin
October 6, 2025
What if I told you, you don’t have to choose between tranexamic acid vs vitamin C. Tranexamic acid and vitamin C are common brightening ingredients mentioned in the skincare world, but there are often questions around which one works better?
What if you didn’t have to choose? Here’s the truth: both ingredients are superstars in their own right. Vitamin C stands out as the gold-standard antioxidant, and tranexamic acid is quickly becoming the go-to for treating stubborn hyperpigmentation, especially in melanin-rich skin.
So, it all depends on your skincare goals. By the end of this guide, you’ll know which one best fits your skincare needs and how to safely combine them for maximum benefits.
At Danglifestyle, we create the best skincare products that are specifically designed for melanin-rich skin. We also curate the best skincare routine and fragrance guides to help you maximise the benefits of your products.
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Tranexamic acid and vitamin C both help fade dark spots and brighten skin, but they work differently. Tranexamic acid targets stubborn pigmentation like melasma and post-acne marks, especially on melanin-rich skin, by slowing excess melanin production. Vitamin C, on the other hand, is a powerful antioxidant that protects against UV damage, supports collagen, and boosts radiance.
In summary, they’re not rivals; using both together delivers faster, more even-toned results: vitamin C in the morning for protection and glow, tranexamic acid at night for repair and fading dark spots.
Originally used in medicine to control bleeding, tranexamic acid (TXA) is now a dermatology favorite for fading hyperpigmentation. It slows down the overproduction of melanin that causes dark marks.
Dermatologists especially recommend it for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and melasma in darker skin tones, where pigmentation tends to linger longer.
There are several things tranexamic acid does for the skin. Here are some of them.
Vitamin C (especially L-ascorbic acid) is often called the gold standard in brightening skincare. It’s a powerful antioxidant that:
But here’s the catch: Vitamin C can be tricky. Pure L-ascorbic acid is unstable and may cause stinging or irritation on sensitive skin. Luckily, gentler derivatives (like ethyl ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate) exist for those who can’t tolerate the pure form.
Vitamin C doesn’t bleach skin. It reduces oxidative stress, allowing your skin to return to its natural, healthy tone.
Here’s what you need to know to decide which is right for you.
| Factor | Tranexamic Acid | Vitamin C |
| Best For | Dark spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation | Antioxidant protection and glowing skin |
| Skin Type Suitability | Melanin Skin, sensitive and acne-prone skin | Normal to oily skin; may irritate sensitive skin |
| Irritation risk | Very low | High risk of irritation for sensitive skin |
Yes, you can use tranexamic acid and vitamin C together, and they actually work better as a team.
Here’s a simple routine you can follow to get the best results from using tranexamic acid and vitamin C together.
Morning Routine:
Night Routine
Note:
Tips to reduce irritation:
Overall, both ingredients are safe for long-term use when introduced gradually.
If your goal is daily glow and protection, go with Vitamin C. If you’re targeting dark spots and hyperpigmentation, tranexamic acid is your best bet. And if you want lasting results, use both strategically.
Ultimately, there are several ways to use other ingredients in combination with vitamin C for hyperpigmentation and overall glowing skin. Find what works best for you and follow up consistently for lasting results.
If you’re completely new to skincare, here’s a beginner-friendly skincare guide.
Tranexamic acid is usually more effective for lingering acne scars in melanin-rich skin.
Yes, you can layer tranexamic acid with retinol or AHAs, but it’s better to use them on alternate days to avoid irritation.
No. Vitamin C doesn’t make your skin photosensitive. It actually helps protect against UV damage, but always pair it with SPF.
Yes, it can. Tranexamic acid and vitamin C complement each other beautifully. Tranexamic acid targets pigmentation, while vitamin C brightens and boosts antioxidant protection. When used together, they can enhance skin tone and help fade dark spots faster.
Not exactly, it depends on what you’re treating. Vitamin C is great for overall brightness and protecting against sun damage, while tranexamic acid is more targeted toward reducing hyperpigmentation and melasma. They work best as partners rather than competitors.
It depends on the consistency of each product. It’s best to apply lighter products first and thicker products afterwards. If both are serum-based, you can apply vitamin C first and tranexamic acid afterwards.
If you have sensitive skin, consider applying them at separate times in your routine (one in the morning and one at night). Always follow with moisturizer and sunscreen.
You can apply either, but nighttime is ideal. That’s when your skin focuses on repair and regeneration. However, if you use it during the day, always follow with sunscreen to prevent further pigmentation.
Start with 3-4 times a week, then gradually move to daily use if your skin tolerates it well. Always listen to your skin; if you notice irritation, cut back to every other day.
