Minimalist Tranexamic 03% Review

Minimalist Tranexamic 03%
2.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Minimalist Tranexamic 03% Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Minimalist Tranexamic 03% has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.4 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Minimalist Tranexamic 03% contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Minimalist Tranexamic 03%

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Minimalist Tranexamic 03%:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizer Suitable for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Minimalist Tranexamic 03% is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a moderate humectancy of 4.7 out of 10, primarily due to Ethoxydiglycol (est. ≈1.5%), Pentylene Glycol (est. ≈1.3%) and Methylpropanediol (est. ≈1.0%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, can provide light humectant hydration in a fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

A Humectant Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Minimalist Tranexamic 03% is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract (est. ≈6.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Minimalist Tranexamic 03% is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract (est. ≈6.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Minimalist Tranexamic 03%

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Minimalist Tranexamic 03% to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Minimalist Tranexamic 03% as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Minimalist Tranexamic 03% is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Acetyl Glucosamine, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Acetyl Glucosamine provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Acetyl Glucosamine may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Minimalist Tranexamic 03%

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Minimalist Tranexamic 03% to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract

Cons: 

  • Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
6
3
2.9
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tranexamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Function:
Origin:
Mandelic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ethoxydiglycol
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Methylpropanediol
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Glucosamine
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Salicylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sclerotium Gum
Function:
Origin:
Pullulan
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.7
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.7 10
4.7
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
2.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 4.7 10
4.7
All humectants
4.7
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Acetyl Glucosamine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
6
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.6
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
6
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
6
0.3
0.3
All soothing 6.6 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6.6
6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %80
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractA beneficial extract obtained from Oat groats popular in products aimed at eczema-prone skin. It contains skin healing beta-glucan, anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds, antioxidant flavonoids, various lipids, proteins, and moisturizing amino acids.
Tranexamic Acid
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Tranexamic AcidA synthetic amino acid that is used as an astringent to stop the bleeding from small cuts. It also has proven anti-pigment and redness-reducing effects.
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %2.9
Function
Origin
Dimethyl IsosorbideA solvent for active ingredients that is claimed to help them better penetrate the outer layer of skin. It also helps to reduce the thickness of a product.
Mandelic Acid
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Mandelic AcidDerived from almonds, this ingredient is one of the gentlest AHAs and is used for its exfoliating and antimicrobial properties. It is particularly beneficial for acne but also helps to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Ethoxydiglycol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
EthoxydiglycolA type of alcohol with humectant moisturizing properties. It also acts as a solvent, since it mixes well with a variety of other compounds, including water and even some oils.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Methylpropanediol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
MethylpropanediolMethylpropanediol is a unique glycol that contains two primary hydroxyl groups. That makes methylpropanediol a powerful humectant and an excellent solvent.
Acetyl Glucosamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl GlucosamineA body-natural amino-saccharide used in skincare as an anti-pigment ingredient. Some other benefits of acetyl glucosamine include decreased skin flakiness, improved wound healing, and even a slight reduction in facial wrinkles.
Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Salicylic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salicylic AcidThis effective peeling and anti-inflammatory BHA is used as an anti-acne agent and works by breaking down the junctions between dead skin cells. This results in the peeling of dead skin and the unclogging of pores.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Sclerotium Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerotium GumA thickener with a silky, velvety feel that many manufacturers use as an alternative to silicones.
Pullulan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pullulan
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root ExtractAn extract derived from the thick roots of curcuma (turmeric), a famous yellow spice and a major ingredient in curry powder. It is used in skincare for its proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateA chelating agent that disables harmful heavy metal ions present in skincare.