# The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Low Risk.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Italy.

Brand: [The INKEY List](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/brands/the-inkey-list)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- This serum offers moderate brightening for your oily skin, as tranexamic acid and ascorbyl glucoside work to even skin tone and provide antioxidant activity. While beneficial for overall skin health, these ingredients do not directly target your primary concerns of acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- The formula is highly suitable for oily skin due to the properties of ascorbyl glucoside and tranexamic acid, which help regulate melanogenesis and offer antioxidant benefits.
- The product is generally safe for your skin, with a low risk of irritation from ascorbyl glucoside.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)

## Key ingredients

Tranexamic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Squalane, Lactobacillus Ferment

## What the research says

- Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation. ([Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- Treatment with ascorbyl glucoside-arginine complex lotion significantly decreased pigmentation scores and melanin index while increasing lightness in solar lentigos of Japanese females compared to placebo over 24 weeks. ([International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/))
- Topical application of ascorbic acid 2-glucoside combined with laser gingival depigmentation reduced pigmentation recurrence and increased patient satisfaction at nine months in 20 participants with physiologic gingival hyperpigmentation compared to laser depigmentation alone. ([Cureus, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42147661/))
- Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))
- Topical treatment with 5% vitamin C and 0.1% madecassoside significantly improved clinical scores for wrinkles, suppleness, firmness, roughness, and skin hydration, along with functional and structural remodeling of the elastic fiber network in 20 female volunteers with photoaged skin after 6 months compared to baseline. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503551/))
- An acai oil-based organogel containing hyaluronic acid showed no cytotoxicity and provided a high level of hydration, thermal protection, and hyaluronic acid release after 6 hours of application in in vitro and ex vivo tests. ([Pharmaceutics, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39339231/))
- Phenolic compounds from açai fruit, specifically malvidin and cyanidin derivatives, strongly protect immortalized fibroblasts against UV-A-induced oxidative stress by preventing ROS production, GSH depletion, lipid peroxidation, and stress-pathway protein phosphorylation compared to unprotected irradiated cells. ([Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. B, Biology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28527426/))
- Nanotechnological hydrogels containing desonide nanocapsules and açai oil increased epidermal drug retention and reduced ear edema and inflammatory cell infiltration comparably to a commercial formulation with twice the drug concentration in an animal model of acute skin inflammation. ([Pharmaceutical Development and Technology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35850635/))
- Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts. ([Molecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/))
- Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway. ([Antioxidants, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40722956/))
- Probiotic-derived lotion successfully reduced inflammatory acne lesion counts and erythema index comparably to 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, while causing fewer side effects. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35384257/))
- Topical application of Lactobacillus plantarum-GMNL6 enhanced collagen synthesis and SPTSSA gene expression while reducing melanin synthesis, Staphylococcus aureus biofilm, and Cutibacterium acnes proliferation, leading to clinical improvements in skin moisture, color, spots, wrinkles, UV spots, and porphyrins in human volunteers. ([International Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33526970/))
- Lactobacillus plantarum extracellular vesicles modulated extracellular matrix related gene expression in vitro and suppressed wrinkle formation and pigmentation in clinical trials. ([Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35723322/))

## Why other serums fit oily acne-prone skin better

- A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo. ([Clinical Pharmacology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))
- Niacinamide and ferulic acid incorporated in a stable multiple emulsion successfully reduced melanin, sebum, and skin erythema while improving skin elasticity and hydration in human skin compared to a placebo. ([BioMed Research International, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35342760/))

## What reviewers say

Users frequently praise this serum for its ability to fade post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation, noting its lightweight, non-irritating gel texture that layers well. Many report brighter, more even skin tone after consistent use. However, a significant number of users dislike its distinct "meaty" scent and find the pump dispenser frustrating.

- Liked: Lightweight texture (mostly mentioned)
- Disliked: Unpleasant smell (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Affordable price (often mentioned)
- Liked: Fades dark spots (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Faulty packaging (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle formula (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Slow results (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Prevents breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Drying or sticky (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your PM routine. Start 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply your serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2 to 3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on clean, dry skin to help manage your blemishes safely.
- Do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid work for oily acne-prone skin?

This serum is an average fit for your skin because it provides moderate brightening but does not directly target acne and breakouts. To work best for oily acne-prone skin, a treatment needs ingredients like niacinamide and propolis that control excess oil and target blemishes without causing irritation.

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Tranexamic acid and ascorbyl glucoside make this serum a good fit by helping to even your skin tone and providing antioxidant benefits with a low risk of irritation. However, because this product does not directly target breakouts, oily acne-prone skin needs a treatment that includes ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, and vitamin C to manage blemishes and excess oil.

### What does Tranexamic Acid do for oily acne-prone skin?

Tranexamic acid helps reduce redness and inflamed spots like pimples and pustules on oily, acne-prone skin. It may also fade lingering dark marks left behind by breakouts with a very low chance of irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37213446/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35388589/)

### What does Ascorbyl Glucoside do for oily acne-prone skin?

Ascorbyl Glucoside helps brighten dark spots and keeps skin looking clear by fighting breakouts and reducing oil buildup. This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation and is well-suited for keeping an even, smooth complexion.
Sources: [International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/), [Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine, after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing, for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure. Because this product does not directly target acne and breakouts, an oily acne-prone skin routine needs ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide to help clear blemishes and control oil.

### Can I use this serum with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this serum with retinol, applying this treatment after your hydrating toner and before your moisturizer in your evening routine. This helps brighten your skin while keeping the formula safe and gentle.

### How often should I use this serum?

This treatment is used in the evening routine. Oily acne-prone skin needs products with ingredients that directly target breakouts and blemishes.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause purging, but because it lacks ingredients that directly target blemishes and breakouts, oily acne-prone skin needs a treatment containing acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

### Is this serum fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (benzyl alcohol).

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €35.10 at Amazon
- [NEOGEN DERMALOGY REAL VITA C SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vita-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €34.95 at Amazon
- [Skin1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skin1004/probio-cica-intensive-ampoule/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €24.75 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/paula-s-choice/clear-pore-normalizing-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €29.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dear-klairs/supple-preparation-unscented-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €18.16 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €18.47 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Lookfantastic: €15.64 (https://www.lookfantastic.it/p/the-inkey-list-tranexamic-acid-serum-30ml/12597298/)
Prices checked 2 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tranexamic Acid, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Cetearyl Olivate, Benzyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Lecithin, Squalane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Gluconate, Polysorbate 60, Dehydroacetic Acid, Lactobacillus Ferment, Sorbitan Isostearate
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
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