What is Melasma & How to Treat It

Melasma is a common skin condition that causes dark, blotchy patches on the skin - most often on the face. It is a form of hyperpigmentation, driven by an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for your skin’s colour. If you have noticed uneven, brownish patches on your cheeks, forehead, or upper lip that seem to worsen in summer and stubbornly refuse to budge, melasma could be the reason.

This is a comprehensive, science-backed guide covering everything you need to know about melasma: what it is, what it looks like, what causes it, who is most likely to develop it, and most importantly, how to treat it effectively. The good news is that melasma is well understood, extremely common, and absolutely treatable with the right ingredients and consistency.

If you are looking for broader context on hyperpigmentation before diving in, our Hyperpigmentation guide is a great starting point. You can also explore What Type of Hyperpigmentation Do I Have? to understand how melasma compares to other forms of uneven skin tone.

Shop INKEY Products for Melasma

The ingredients that make the biggest difference for melasma, all in one place:

Tranexamic Acid Serum — Hero dark spot serum. AM + PM. Safe for all skin tones and during pregnancy.
15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum — Antioxidant brightening. Best used AM.
Niacinamide Serum — Tone-evening and pore support. AM and/or PM.
Starter Retinol — Gentle overnight skin renewal. Ideal for retinoid beginners. PM only. Avoid during pregnancy.
Advanced Retinal — High-performance retinal serum, 11x faster than standard retinol. For experienced retinoid users. PM only. Avoid during pregnancy.
Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 — Daily SPF. Non-negotiable for melasma. Every morning, without exception.
Shop All Hyperpigmentation

What is Melasma? Understanding This Common Skin Condition

Melasma is one of those skin conditions that affects millions of people yet remains widely misunderstood. Many people spend years misidentifying it, treating it with the wrong products, or simply accepting it as something they cannot change. None of those responses are necessary. Understanding melasma clearly is the first step towards treating it effectively.

What Exactly Is Melasma?

At its core, melasma is a skin condition characterised by patches and spots on the face that are noticeably darker than the surrounding skin. It is caused by an overproduction of melanin, the natural pigment that gives skin its colour. When the cells responsible for making melanin, called melanocytes, become overactivated, they produce more pigment than the skin needs. That excess pigment accumulates in patches, creating the characteristic blotchy appearance associated with melasma.

It is important to be clear about what melasma is not. It is not contagious. It is not dangerous. It is not a sign of skin cancer. Melasma is a cosmetic skin condition, which means it affects appearance rather than physical health. That said, its emotional and psychological impact is very real. Feeling self-conscious about visible patches on your face is a legitimate concern, and it is one that targeted skincare can genuinely address.

Melasma is also classified as a chronic condition for many people. That word can feel discouraging, but chronic simply means it tends to persist or recur if its triggers are not managed. With the right ingredients used consistently, alongside daily sun protection, melasma can be visibly reduced and kept well under control.

What Does Melasma Look Like?

The visual presentation of melasma is quite distinctive once you know what to look for. The patches are flat, not raised or textured. You will not feel a bump or rough patch when running your fingers over melasma-affected skin. The colour varies from person to person and can range from tan and light brown to deeper brown, greyish brown, or even a bluish-grey tone depending on how deep in the skin the pigment is sitting.

One of the most reliable identifying features of melasma is its symmetry. Melasma almost always appears on both sides of the face in matching or mirrored patterns. This bilateral distribution sets it apart from other forms of hyperpigmentation. The most common locations include the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, chin, and the area above the upper lip. Less commonly, melasma can appear on the neck, arms, or chest, particularly in people with significant sun exposure in those areas.

The patches themselves tend to be irregular in shape and cover broader areas of skin, which distinguishes them from sunspots. Sunspots (also known as solar lentigines) are typically smaller, more defined, and more circular. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which appears after skin trauma or breakouts, tends to sit in more localised areas where a blemish previously was. Melasma, by contrast, blankets larger zones of the face in blotchy, diffuse patches.

Who Gets Melasma?

Melasma is significantly more common in women than in men, though men can and do develop it. People with medium to dark skin tones are most likely to develop melasma because their skin contains a higher number of active melanocytes. More active melanocytes mean a greater capacity to produce excess pigment in response to triggers like UV exposure and hormonal changes. It is worth noting, however, that melasma can affect people of any skin tone, and it is important that treatments are chosen with skin tone sensitivity in mind.

Hormones play a major role in who gets melasma. Pregnancy is one of the most common onset triggers, earning melasma the nickname “the mask of pregnancy.” People taking hormonal contraceptives, including the pill, patches, and hormonal IUDs, are also at elevated risk. Genetics contribute too: if a parent or sibling has melasma, your likelihood of developing it is meaningfully higher. People who spend significant time outdoors or live in high-UV climates are more susceptible, as are those who have a history of significant sun exposure accumulated over time.

Understanding who is at risk helps explain why treatment needs to be multi-layered. It is not enough to simply apply a brightening serum. Addressing the triggers, especially sun exposure, is just as important as the active ingredients you use. The following section explains exactly why.

What Causes Melasma? The Triggers Behind the Pigmentation

Understanding what causes melasma is critical, not just for intellectual curiosity, but because it directly shapes how you treat it. Melasma is triggered by the overactivation of melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. What makes melasma particularly persistent is that multiple triggers can be active at the same time. The most well-documented triggers include UV exposure, hormonal changes, heat and infrared radiation, and genetics.

Sun Exposure: The Primary Trigger

UV radiation is the single most significant trigger for melasma, and understanding this changes how you approach treatment. When UV rays hit the skin, they directly stimulate melanocytes to produce more melanin. For someone with melasma, those melanocytes are already primed to overreact, meaning even a brief period of unprotected sun exposure can darken existing patches or trigger new ones.

This is why many people notice their melasma becoming more pronounced in summer and fading slightly in cooler, lower-UV months. It can create the impression that melasma is improving on its own, when in reality, it is simply responding to seasonal UV levels. Return the sun, and the patches return with it.

This is also why SPF is not optional when treating melasma. It is the foundation everything else is built on. Without daily, broad-spectrum sun protection, even the most clinically effective brightening ingredients cannot keep pace with the ongoing UV stimulation that drives melanin overproduction. The INKEY Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 is a lightweight, broad-spectrum formula that works across all skin tones, making it a practical and non-negotiable final step every single morning.

Hormonal Changes: Why Pregnancy and the Pill Are Major Factors

Hormones are the second most significant driver of melasma, and for many people, the initial trigger. Oestrogen and progesterone both stimulate melanocytes, effectively increasing the skin’s sensitivity to UV and amplifying the melanin response. When hormone levels surge, as they do during pregnancy or when starting hormonal contraception, the skin becomes significantly more reactive.

Pregnancy-related melasma is so prevalent it has its own widely recognised name: the mask of pregnancy. It typically appears on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip during the second or third trimester, when hormone levels are at their peak. For some people, it fades naturally after giving birth as hormone levels normalise. For others, it persists long after delivery, particularly if sun exposure continues without adequate protection.

Hormonal contraceptives including oral contraceptive pills, patches, and certain IUDs are also well-established triggers. If you developed melasma after starting hormonal contraception, it is worth discussing with your GP or doctor whether an alternative method might reduce the hormonal stimulus. Switching contraception alone, without adding sun protection and targeted skincare, is rarely sufficient to resolve melasma on its own.

Genetics and Skin Tone

Family history is one of the clearest predictors of melasma. If a parent or sibling has the condition, your likelihood of developing it is significantly elevated. This genetic predisposition operates through the activity level of melanocytes. People who inherit a tendency towards more reactive melanocytes will produce excess pigment more readily in response to triggers.

For those with deeper skin tones, an additional treatment consideration applies. Harsh exfoliating acids can cause irritation and inflammation in darker skin, and that inflammation itself can paradoxically worsen pigmentation. This is one of the reasons why Tranexamic Acid has become a clinically respected treatment option: it works without exfoliation or irritation, making it suitable for all skin tones, including deeper ones where treatment choices need to be especially considered.

Heat and Infrared Radiation

A less widely known but clinically documented trigger for melasma is heat, including heat that is entirely separate from UV. Infrared radiation from sunlight heats the skin and activates melanocytes independently of UV rays. This explains why some people experience melasma flare-ups even in winter, in shaded environments, or indoors near heat sources.

Practical sources of heat-triggered melasma flare-ups include prolonged cooking over a hot stove, regular use of saunas or steam rooms, and long hot showers. This is not a reason to avoid warmth entirely, but it is a useful piece of context. Physical sun protection such as wide-brimmed hats and seeking shade is valuable alongside SPF, not only for UV protection but also for heat management.

Knowing all of these triggers leads naturally to a more strategic approach to treatment: one that addresses pigmentation at the source while also cutting off the supply of new triggers.

Melasma vs. Other Types of Hyperpigmentation (and Can It Go Away?)

One of the most common points of confusion for people dealing with uneven skin tone is identifying what type of hyperpigmentation they are actually dealing with. Melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) all share the same basic characteristic of darker patches on the skin, but they differ significantly in their appearance, causes, and behaviour. Getting the identification right matters because it shapes which treatment approach will be most effective.

For a full breakdown, the What Type of Hyperpigmentation Do I Have? guide covers this in detail. Here is a quick orientation to the key differences:

Melasma:

Appearance: flat, blotchy, irregular patches in shades of tan, brown, greyish brown, or bluish grey
Pattern: typically bilateral, appearing symmetrically on both sides of the face
Common locations: cheeks, forehead, upper lip, chin, bridge of the nose
Causes: UV exposure, hormonal changes, heat, and genetics acting together
Most common in: women, people with medium to dark skin tones, and those who are pregnant or taking hormonal contraception

Sunspots (Solar Lentigines):

Appearance: smaller, more defined spots with a clearer edge, typically tan to dark brown
Pattern: scattered, not bilateral or symmetrical
Common locations: face, hands, shoulders, and other sun-exposed areas
Causes: cumulative UV damage over time
Most common in: people over 40, particularly those with fair skin and a history of sun exposure

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH):

Appearance: dark marks that develop at the site of previous skin trauma, breakouts, or inflammation
Pattern: localised, appearing where a blemish or injury occurred
Common locations: anywhere on the face or body where inflammation occurred
Causes: skin trauma, breakouts, and inflammatory conditions
Most common in: all skin tones, but marks tend to be more pronounced and longer-lasting in deeper skin tones

The distinguishing characteristic of melasma is its bilateral, diffuse, hormonally linked nature. If your dark patches appear symmetrically on both sides of your face and seem to respond to sun and hormonal changes, melasma is the most likely explanation. When in doubt, a dermatologist or GP can confirm the diagnosis.

Can Melasma Go Away on Its Own?

This is one of the most searched questions about melasma, and the honest answer is: sometimes, but not reliably, and almost never without addressing the underlying triggers. Melasma may go away on its own, but it can also last for years.

Pregnancy-related melasma is the most likely to resolve independently, since the hormonal trigger diminishes after delivery. But even then, it does not always fade completely, and continued sun exposure without protection can prevent improvement. Melasma triggered by hormonal contraception may improve after discontinuation, but again, UV exposure will continue to sustain it.

For the majority of people dealing with melasma, self-resolution without active treatment is unlikely. Melasma tends to be a long-term condition that requires consistent management rather than a one-time fix. The encouraging reality is that with the right skincare ingredients and daily SPF, visible improvement is very achievable and results can be maintained over time. This is not about curing melasma permanently. It is about keeping it visibly minimised so that it does not interfere with how you feel about your skin.

That honest framing matters because it sets realistic expectations and prevents the frustration of abandoning a routine too early. The next section details exactly which ingredients deliver the most meaningful results.

How to Treat Melasma: The Best Skincare Ingredients

The most effective approach to treating melasma is not about finding one magic product. It is about combining targeted active ingredients that address different points in the melanin production process, all while protecting the skin from ongoing UV damage. Used together and consistently, these ingredients work across multiple biological pathways to fade existing patches and prevent new ones from forming.

Tranexamic Acid: The Hero Ingredient for Melasma

If there is one ingredient that has genuinely changed the approach to treating melasma in clinical skincare, it is Tranexamic Acid. Originally used medically as a systemic drug to reduce bleeding, topical Tranexamic Acid has emerged as one of the most clinically supported ingredients for hyperpigmentation, and melasma in particular.

What makes Tranexamic Acid particularly powerful for melasma is how it works. It does not simply lighten the surface of the skin. Instead, it interrupts the inflammatory signalling pathway that triggers melanocytes to overproduce melanin in the first place. Think of it as addressing the root cause rather than the symptom. By blocking the chemical signal that tells melanocytes to produce excess pigment, Tranexamic Acid reduces melanin production at the source.

Critically, this mechanism does not involve exfoliation or resurfacing. Unlike certain acids that work by removing layers of pigmented skin cells, Tranexamic Acid operates at the cellular level without causing irritation, sensitivity, or surface disruption. This makes it well-suited for all skin tones, including medium and deeper tones where exfoliating acids can paradoxically trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if they cause irritation.

The INKEY Tranexamic Acid Serum contains 2% Tranexamic Acid combined with 2% Acai Berry and a 2% Vitamin C derivative, creating a triple-action brightening formula. It targets both existing dark spots and the formation of new ones. It can be used morning and evening, causes no photosensitivity, and is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding (always consult your GP or midwife before starting new skincare during pregnancy). With consistent twice-daily use, early brightening typically becomes noticeable within two to four weeks, and significant improvement in dark patches is visible at six to eight weeks.

For a complete deep-dive into how this ingredient works, the Tranexamic Acid ingredient guide covers the full science.

Vitamin C: Antioxidant Brightening for Melasma

Vitamin C is one of the most researched antioxidants in skincare, and its role in melasma treatment is complementary and meaningful. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C neutralises the free radicals and oxidative stress caused by UV exposure, pollution, and environmental aggressors. These are the same environmental triggers that activate melanocytes and drive pigmentation. By addressing the upstream oxidative trigger, Vitamin C provides a protective layer of defence against the cycle of melanin overproduction.

Vitamin C also inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is required for melanin synthesis, giving it a direct brightening effect alongside its antioxidant benefits. Used in the morning, it provides protection throughout the day while also actively working to improve skin tone and radiance over time.

The INKEY 15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum uses Ascorbyl Glucoside, a stabilised form of Vitamin C that converts on the skin to active L-ascorbic acid. This formulation delivers the brightening benefits of Vitamin C without the instability and irritation associated with pure L-ascorbic acid serums. The addition of EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) supports skin renewal and overall skin health. For more on how Vitamin C works in the skin, the Vitamin C ingredient guide has everything you need.

Niacinamide: Tone-Evening and Multi-Tasker

Niacinamide works through a different and highly complementary mechanism to Tranexamic Acid. Where Tranexamic Acid blocks the signal that causes melanocytes to produce excess melanin, Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of that melanin from the melanocyte into the surrounding skin cells. In practical terms, this means Niacinamide addresses pigmentation at a later stage in the process, working alongside Tranexamic Acid to cover more ground across the melanin production and distribution pathway.

Beyond its pigmentation benefits, Niacinamide is a well-tolerated, multi-functional ingredient. It helps regulate sebum production, minimise the appearance of pores, and support a healthy skin barrier. For those managing melasma alongside oiliness or congestion, Niacinamide is a particularly valuable inclusion in a routine.

The INKEY Niacinamide Serum delivers 10% Niacinamide alongside 1% Hyaluronic Acid, addressing both uneven skin tone and hydration in a single step. It can be used morning and evening. Learn more about what Niacinamide can do for your skin in the Niacinamide ingredient guide.

Retinoids (PM): Starter Retinol & Advanced Retinal for Skin Renewal

Retinoids take a different approach to fading melasma. Rather than targeting melanin production directly, they work by accelerating the natural process of skin cell turnover. As skin renews itself more quickly, pigmented cells are pushed to the surface and shed sooner, which gradually reduces the visibility of dark patches over time. Retinoids also support collagen production and improve overall skin texture, making them a valuable addition for those managing melasma alongside the early signs of ageing.

INKEY offers two retinoid options depending on where you are in your skincare journey:

New to retinoids? The Starter Retinol is the ideal entry point. It is specifically formulated for sensitive skin and beginners, delivering 2x the effectiveness of standard retinol in a gentle, non-irritating formula. Start with two to three nights per week and build up gradually as your skin adjusts.

Experienced retinoid user? The Advanced Retinal takes things further with 0.2% retinal, a next-generation retinoid that works 11x faster than standard retinol. It is designed for those whose skin is already accustomed to retinoids and who want accelerated results on dark spots, fine lines, and skin renewal.

Both are PM-only ingredients and should be avoided during pregnancy. The Retinol ingredient guide covers how to introduce retinoids safely and what to expect at each stage.

SPF: The Non-Negotiable Foundation of Any Melasma Routine

Every ingredient listed above will underperform if it is not backed by daily SPF. This is not an exaggeration or a generic skincare recommendation. For melasma specifically, UV exposure is the primary driver of melanin overproduction. Treating melasma without SPF is like bailing water out of a boat with a hole still in it. The active ingredients slow the darkening and work to fade existing patches, but UV exposure continually re-triggers the melanocytes, creating a cycle that makes visible improvement much harder to achieve and sustain.

Apply a broad-spectrum SPF as the final step of your morning routine, every single day, regardless of weather, season, or whether you are spending the day indoors. Glass does not block UVA rays, which are the wavelengths most closely linked to photoageing and pigmentation. The INKEY Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 provides broad-spectrum protection in a lightweight formula that contains an 8% Hydration Trio of Polyglutamic Acid, Glycerin, and Squalane for a dewy, non-greasy finish. In a consumer study, 97% of users said it looked invisible on their skin tone, making it a practical option across all complexions.

Physical protection measures such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat and seeking shade are excellent additions, particularly for those whose melasma is also sensitive to heat and infrared radiation.

Building Your Melasma Skincare Routine (Plus Pregnancy Guidance)

Knowing which ingredients to use is one thing. Knowing how to layer them correctly and consistently is what turns knowledge into visible results. The following routine uses INKEY products to create a practical, complete approach to melasma treatment for both morning and evening.

Morning Routine

Cleanse with a gentle cleanser to prep your skin.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum applied to damp skin for a hydration base.
Tranexamic Acid Serum applied in a pea-sized amount to face and neck. Wait 30 minutes before applying moisturiser for optimal absorption.
15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum added after Tranexamic Acid for antioxidant protection and brightening. Wait 60 seconds between serum layers.
Niacinamide Serum layered on to target melanin transfer and support overall tone.
Moisturiser to lock in hydration.
Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 as the final step. Every single morning without exception.

Evening Routine

Double cleanse to remove SPF, makeup, and the day’s buildup thoroughly before treating skin.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum on damp skin for hydration.
Tranexamic Acid Serum applied in a pea-sized amount to face and neck. Wait 30 minutes before moisturiser.
Retinoid applied after Tranexamic Acid, PM only. Choose based on your experience level:
- Beginners: Starter Retinol — start with two to three nights per week and build up gradually.
- Experienced users: Advanced Retinal — 0.2% retinal for faster, more advanced results.
Moisturiser to seal in the routine and support skin barrier recovery overnight.

Routine Tips

Apply serums from thinnest to thickest consistency.
Wait 60 seconds between serum layers to prevent pilling and ensure proper absorption.
Consistency is the single most important factor: allow six to eight weeks of twice-daily use before evaluating your results.
Avoid judging the routine at two weeks. The real improvement happens between weeks four and eight.

Melasma During Pregnancy: What Is Safe to Use?

Pregnancy is one of the most common triggers for melasma, and it is also the time when ingredient safety becomes a primary concern. Several skincare ingredients that are effective for melasma require caution or avoidance during pregnancy, which means building the right routine for this period requires knowing what is and is not recommended.

The hormonal shifts of pregnancy are among the strongest triggers for melasma. The good news is that some of the most effective melasma ingredients are also among the safest to use during pregnancy.

Tranexamic Acid Serum is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is non-exfoliating, non-irritating, and does not cause photosensitivity. For many people managing pregnancy-related melasma, it is the most suitable active ingredient available during this period.

Niacinamide Serum is generally well tolerated during pregnancy and can continue to be used as part of a morning and evening routine.

Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30 remains absolutely essential during pregnancy. UV exposure is the primary amplifier of pregnancy-related melasma, and daily broad-spectrum SPF is the most important protective step you can take.

Starter Retinol and Advanced Retinal should both be avoided during pregnancy. Retinoids are not recommended for use during pregnancy. Skip this step entirely and reintroduce it after breastfeeding is complete.

Pregnancy melasma may fade naturally after delivery as hormone levels stabilise, but it does not always resolve fully, and it can deepen significantly with continued UV exposure during pregnancy. Consistent use of pregnancy-safe brightening ingredients and daily SPF during this period can meaningfully prevent the condition from worsening.

Always consult your GP, midwife, or dermatologist before introducing new skincare during pregnancy, as individual circumstances vary.

Results, Timelines, and Frequently Asked Questions About Melasma

One of the most common reasons people abandon a melasma routine prematurely is unrealistic expectations about how quickly results appear. Melasma takes time. The pigment accumulates over months and sometimes years, and fading it is a gradual process. Understanding the realistic timeline is what allows you to stay consistent long enough to see meaningful improvement.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

With consistent twice-daily use of the Tranexamic Acid Serum:

Weeks 2 to 4: Skin may begin to look brighter and more even overall, with very early signs of improvement in patch intensity.
Weeks 4 to 6: More noticeable brightening and visible reduction in the darkness of patches.
Weeks 6 to 8: Significant improvement in dark patches with consistent twice-daily use.

Results from melasma treatment can take anywhere from three to twelve months depending on the severity of the condition and how long it has been present. This is particularly relevant for deep or long-standing melasma, where patience and consistency are especially important.

SPF is what protects your results. Even after visible improvement is achieved, daily sun protection must continue. Without it, UV exposure will re-trigger melanin overproduction and undo the progress made.

Consistency is everything with melasma. Most people see visible improvement at 6 to 8 weeks, but the routine needs to become a habit, not a temporary fix.

Frequently Asked Questions About Melasma

Does melasma go away?

Melasma can fade, particularly if caused by a specific trigger like pregnancy or hormonal contraception that is then removed. However, for many people it is a long-term skin condition that requires consistent management rather than a temporary fix. With the right combination of targeted skincare ingredients and daily SPF, visible fading is very achievable and results can be maintained over time.

What triggers melasma?

The most common triggers for melasma are UV exposure (sunlight), hormonal changes including pregnancy, hormonal contraceptives, and hormonal fluctuations, heat and infrared radiation, and genetic predisposition. In most cases, more than one trigger is active simultaneously, which is why treatment requires a multi-ingredient approach alongside consistent sun protection.

Is melasma dangerous?

No. Melasma is not dangerous, not contagious, and not a sign of skin cancer. It is a cosmetic skin condition that causes excess pigmentation in the skin. If you are uncertain whether a pigmentation change on your skin is melasma or something that requires medical attention, consult a GP or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.

Can melasma come back after treatment?

Yes. Melasma can and often does return, particularly with unprotected sun exposure. This is one of the most important reasons to continue wearing SPF daily, even after melasma has visibly improved. Ongoing use of skin-brightening ingredients like Tranexamic Acid helps maintain results and reduces the likelihood of recurrence. Think of SPF and your brightening serum as a long-term commitment rather than a short-term fix.

Is tranexamic acid good for melasma?

Yes, it is one of the most clinically supported topical ingredients specifically for melasma. Tranexamic Acid blocks the inflammatory pathway that triggers excess melanin production, targeting the root cause of the pigmentation rather than simply lightening the skin surface. The INKEY Tranexamic Acid Serum delivers 2% Tranexamic Acid in a formula suitable for all skin tones, including during pregnancy. For a full breakdown of the ingredient science, visit the Tranexamic Acid ingredient guide.

Build Your Melasma Routine With INKEY

Ready to put this into practice? Here are the INKEY products to start with, each one selected for its specific, evidence-backed role in a melasma-targeting routine.

Tranexamic Acid Serum
The hero dark spot serum. 2% Tranexamic Acid targets the root cause of melasma by blocking excess melanin production at the cellular level. Use morning and evening. Safe for all skin tones and during pregnancy.

15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum
Antioxidant brightening serum. Stable Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Glucoside) protects against the environmental triggers of pigmentation and boosts overall radiance. Best used in the morning.

Niacinamide Serum
Tone-evening serum. 10% Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanin to skin cells, reducing dark patches and supporting oil control. Use morning and/or evening.

Starter Retinol
The gentle entry point into retinoids. Formulated for sensitive skin and beginners, it accelerates cell turnover to fade pigmentation and renew skin texture — with 2x the effectiveness of standard retinol and a low risk of irritation. PM only. Avoid during pregnancy.

Advanced Retinal
For experienced retinoid users ready to go further. 0.2% retinal works 11x faster than standard retinol to fade dark spots, reduce fine lines, and firm skin. PM only. Avoid during pregnancy.

Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30
Daily broad-spectrum SPF. Non-negotiable for melasma. Lightweight, invisible on all skin tones, and hydrating. The final step of every single morning routine.

Shop all hyperpigmentation products

A Final Word on Melasma

Melasma is common, it is well understood, and it is absolutely treatable. It may not disappear overnight, but with the right ingredients, used consistently, alongside daily sun protection, visible improvement is not just possible but expected. The combination of Tranexamic Acid as your hero ingredient, supported by Vitamin C, Niacinamide, a retinoid suited to your experience level, and a broad-spectrum SPF, addresses melasma across multiple pathways and gives your skin the best chance of meaningful, lasting improvement.

Whether you are just beginning to notice the first signs of melasma, dealing with pregnancy-related patches, or have been managing it for years, the right routine makes a real difference. Consistency is the difference-maker. Six to eight weeks of twice-daily use is where the results become visible, and from there, maintaining them is about protecting what you have built.

For the full science behind hyperpigmentation - including how dark spots form, what drives them, and how all the key ingredients work - visit our complete guide to hyperpigmentation

If you want personalised guidance on building a routine for your specific skin, askINKEY connects you with skincare expertise tailored to your concerns. You can also take the Skin Quiz to get a routine recommendation built around your skin type and goals.

Shop the Tranexamic Acid Serum and start your melasma routine today.

Build your melasma routine | Take the Skin Quiz | Chat to askINKEY