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Brightening 4% Tranexamic Acid Serum Inspired by ANUA w/ Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide, & Ceramides (Exclusive Dec 2025)


Formula;

Phase A



Phase B

80.6% Distilled Water


Directions; 

  • In a sanitized container combine all ingredients in phase A mixing well.

  • In a separate sanitized container combine everything in phase B making sure to mix until all of the powdered ingredients are dissolved.

  • Once all of the powder has dissolved in phase B, you can pour it into phase A while mixing. 

  • Your serum should now increase in viscosity. If you want it to be thicker, use more Xanthan Gum Soft 

  • Check and adjust pH between 4.5 - 6.

  • Pour into desired serum bottle.


*you can leave out the Ceramide Complex, Alpha Arbutin, Niacinamide, Sodium Phytate & DL panthenol if you don’t have it. Replace the percentage with water. If you decide to only use water and Tranexamic Acid In phase B, that is fine, you will just have a very simple Tranexamic Acid serum. 


How to use;

Can be used in the AM and PM. At first, use a small amount on effected areas and then you can gradually increase the use. Apply on damp or dry skin before moisturizer.

*Always do a patch test on hand or arm before applying a new product, especially if you have sensitive skin.


100 Gram Recipe                 


Phase A

3 grams Glycerin



Phase B

80.6 grams Distilled Water

0.2 grams Sodium Phytate

5 grams Niacinamide

1 grams DL panthenol



Benefits / Uses of Ingredients;


Glycerin - helps hydrate and draw moisture to skin. (Learn all about Humectants HERE)


Distilled Water - Diluent 


Niacinamide - a very effective skin-restoring ingredient that offers multiple

benefits for aging skin. Among these benefits is the ability to visibly improve the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines, dullness, and helps improve the overall appearance of the skin. (learn more HERE)


Tranexamic Acid - treats uneven skin tone, helps treat melasma or stubborn dark spots, helps create a more overall brighter complexion. Generally okay for all skin types, including sensitive skin, but could cause dryness for some. But should be okay for most people.


Alpha Arbutin - "It is the more effective, faster and safer approach to promoting skin-brightening and an even skin tone on all skin types. also minimizes liver spots and meets all the requirements of a modern skin-brightening and skin depigmentation product." According to lotioncrafter


Ceramide Complex - restores the protective barrier function of the skin and offers enhanced delivery and exchange of skin lipids.  Ceramide Complex is especially suitable for dry skin, aging skin and sensitive skin.


Sodium Phytate - Ecocert Chelating Agent. (Learn all about Chelating Agents HERE)


DL panthenol - Vitamin B5 hydrates and strengthens skin. 


Geogard ECT aka Preservative Eco (INCI: Benzyl Alcohol & Salicylic Acid & Glycerin & Sorbic Acid) - Ecocert Natural pH that is also Eye Area safe. Do not use in eye products like Eye drops though.




Substitutes;

Glycerin - any other humectant of choice, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lactate etc.



Distilled Water - Rose Hydrosol, Lavender Hydrosol or cosmetic grade aloe vera liquid.


Niacinamide - no sub


Tranexamic Acid - no sub


Alpha Arbutin - no sub you can leave out.


Ceramide Complex - no sub you can leave out.


DL panthenol - no sub you can leave out.




Geogard ECT aka Preservative Eco (INCI: Benzyl Alcohol & Salicylic Acid & Glycerin & Sorbic Acid) - Phenonip XB, (this is eye safe) if you don’t care for eye safe any broad spectrum preservative will work.





Bonus Formula!

I wanted to make a more advanced version of this serum. I’m not the biggest fan of using xanthan gum to thicken my serums, so I’m using HMW Hyaluronic Acid instead along with a ULMW Hyaluronic Acid for hydration. Plus I added in Betaine Salicylate (FSS Beet SA Powder), because this is in the ANUA serum, but I left it out as I know it’s not a very common ingredient. 



Advanced 4% Tranexamic Acid Serum

Formula;

Phase A


Phase B

76.3% Distilled Water

0.5% Betaine Salicylate (FSS Beet SA Powder)


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