| hydroquinone | Tranexamic Acid | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Key active | Key active |
| What it is | Skin-lightening agent | Brightening / pigment-correcting active |
| Flags | Pregnancy caution | — |
Hydroquinone is a topical depigmenting agent that inhibits tyrosinase, reducing melanin production. It is used to treat hyperpigmentation conditions such as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and dark spots.
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic lysine derivative used topically to reduce hyperpigmentation, melasma, and post-inflammatory dark spots by inhibiting the plasminogen-plasmin pathway and reducing melanin transfer to keratinocytes. It is also valued for helping calm redness and improve uneven skin tone.
General educational information for Indian skin, compiled from published dermatology literature and structured ingredient data. Not medical advice or a diagnosis.