# The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid Serum for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Low Risk.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dry-skin

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for dry skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate brightening for your dry skin due to tranexamic acid and ascorbyl glucoside, which help even skin tone, though the latter may pose a slight irritation risk.
- Glycerin and squalane provide some hydration, but the formula lacks sufficient emollient and occlusive ingredients to fully address your dry or flaky skin concerns.
- The product is generally safe for your skin, with minimal risk of irritation.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

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

## What the research says

- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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 dry skin better

- A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/))
- Treatment with cross-linked hyaluronic acid-based microneedle patches combined with acetyl hexapeptide-8 or epidermal growth factor significantly improved wrinkles and skin hydration compared to the patch alone in Korean females over 29 days. ([Annals of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33911590/))

## 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

- Apply this serum PM, starting 3×/week and working up to daily use as your skin adjusts.
- Place the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does The INKEY List Tranexamic Acid work for dry skin?

This serum works for your dry skin, though other products fit it better because it lacks enough rich moisturizing ingredients to fully address dry or flaky skin. A treatment for dry skin needs soothing and deeply moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, or peptides to nourish the skin and support its barrier without irritation.

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for dry skin?

Glycerin and squalane provide some hydration for your dry skin, though this treatment needs rich moisturizing and skin-softening ingredients to fully address flaky skin concerns.

### What does Tranexamic Acid do for dry skin?

Tranexamic acid helps repair and strengthen the outer barrier of dry skin, which keeps moisture locked in and improves hydration. This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation and may help soothe redness while supporting overall skin recovery.
Sources: [International Journal of Dermatology, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23967870/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38712728/)

### What does Ascorbyl Glucoside do for dry skin?

Ascorbyl Glucoside helps brighten dark spots and protects dry skin from daily damage while keeping it smooth. Because dry skin often needs extra protection and help staying soft, products with this ingredient also benefit from added hydrating ingredients like glycerin or ceramides.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34679221/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for dry skin?

This serum goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing, though some treatments can also be used in the morning or twice a day. Because this product offers only average fit for dry skin, a treatment of this type needs richer rich moisturizing ingredients and protective sealants to fully comfort dry or flaky skin.

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

You can use this serum with retinol by applying the serum first and following it with your retinol. Because this product works for dry skin but lacks rich moisturizing ingredients, your dry skin needs nourishing creams and heavier oils to lock in moisture and prevent flaking.

### How often should I use this serum?

This treatment should be used in the evening, starting once a week to see how your skin reacts. Because this serum only offers an average fit for dry skin, it needs extra hydrating and soothing ingredients, along with richer oils and butters or protective waxes to fully soften flaky areas.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?

This serum is generally safe for your dry skin and is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts. It has a minimal risk of irritation, though the results may be slow.

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

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

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $16.75 at Amazon
- [Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/resist-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $53.00 at Amazon
- [ma:nyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/ma-nyo/bifida-biome-complex-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $19.90 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $19.99 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-deep-moisture-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $16.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $22.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in United States has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## 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/dry-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-inkey-list/tranexamic-acid-serum/for/dry-skin