Transino is a Japanese skincare and over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical brand developed and marketed by Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare Co., Ltd., a consumer healthcare company within the Daiichi Sankyo group. The brand is primarily associated with the treatment of melasma, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. Originally launched as a single oral medication for melasma, Transino has since expanded into a comprehensive portfolio that combines internal medicines with topical skincare products.1 Unlike conventional cosmetics brands, Transino was established upon pharmaceutical research into tranexamic acid and its application to pigmentation disorders.2

Transino is positioned as a specialist brand for dark spots and melasma rather than a general beauty label. Its product philosophy is predicated on treating pigmentation through a dual approach:

Internal Treatment

• Oral medicines specifically indicated for melasma.
• Vitamin C-based medicines targeting dark spots and freckles.

External Care

• Medicated skincare including cleansers, lotions, serums, emulsions, creams, UV protection, and masks.

Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare describes Transino as a comprehensive brand for pigmentation care that integrates internal treatments with external skincare regimens.1 This distinction separates it from standard brightening cosmetics; the brand’s foundation lies in pharmaceutical research into specific pigmentation conditions, particularly melasma.3

Transino is owned and developed by Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare Co., Ltd. Established on December 16, 2005, and headquartered in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, the company operates as the consumer healthcare division of the broader Daiichi Sankyo pharmaceutical group.4 Its business encompasses pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and health products.

The company’s wider portfolio includes well-known Japanese healthcare brands covering pain relief, gastrointestinal health, allergy management, oral care, and vitamins. Consequently, Transino functions as a dermatological beauty brand developed by a pharmaceutical manufacturer rather than an independent cosmetic house.4

The identity of Transino is intrinsically linked to tranexamic acid (TXA). Historically known as a haemostatic agent for controlling bleeding, TXA was later identified as effective for treating melasma. Daiichi Sankyo states it has accumulated over 60 years of data and knowledge concerning this ingredient.3

During the development of Transino, dermatological practice had already begun to document the efficacy of tranexamic acid for melasma. Leveraging its extensive expertise with the compound, Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare developed a dedicated treatment for this condition, which became the cornerstone of the Transino brand.4

Melasma is a form of acquired facial hyperpigmentation characterised by brown or grey-brown patches, typically appearing symmetrically on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. It is distinct from ordinary freckles and solar lentigines, being strongly associated with hormonal influences, pregnancy, UV exposure, visible light, and skin inflammation.

This clinical distinction is central to Transino’s positioning. Rather than offering generic skin whitening, the brand’s original proposition focused on providing pharmaceutical solutions specifically for melasma, a difficult-to-treat type of pigmentation. This medical specialisation remains the foundation of the brand’s identity.

2007: Brand Launch

The original Transino melasma-improving medicine was launched in 2007, marking the brand’s inception. Designed specifically around tranexamic acid, it aimed to provide a dedicated pharmaceutical approach to a type of pigmentation that many consumers previously mistook for ordinary dark spots.5

2010: Skincare Expansion

In 2010, Transino expanded beyond oral medication with the introduction of a skincare series. This established the brand’s enduring “medicine plus skincare” architecture. The topical line focused on bihaku, a Japanese regulatory concept referring to the prevention of melanin formation and the reduction of dark spots and freckles, rather than altering natural skin tone.6

2014: Transino II and White C

The original melasma medicine evolved into Transino II in 2014, featuring a revised twice-daily dosing regimen to improve patient compliance.5 In the same year, the brand launched Transino White C, expanding its internal treatment portfolio to address dark spots and freckles via vitamin-based formulations, distinct from its melasma-specific offerings.6

2018–2020: Portfolio Refinement

Transino White C was upgraded to Transino White C Clear in 2018, creating clearer segmentation between melasma medicines, vitamin C-based pigmentation products, and topical skincare. A major renewal of the skincare range followed in 2020, further developing the multi-step pigmentation care system.7

2024: Transino EX

Transino EX was introduced in March 2024, replacing Transino II as the flagship product.8 This launch represented the first significant formulation strengthening since the brand’s inception, adding nicotinamide (niacinamide) to the existing tranexamic acid base.9 Production of Transino II ceased in February 2024, with Transino EX designated as its successor.8

TRANSINO EX is the brand’s current flagship pharmaceutical product. Classified as a Class 1 OTC medicine in Japan, it is indicated for the improvement of melasma. Manufacturer guidelines specify usage for individuals aged 15 and above, with a dosage of two tablets taken twice daily.9 The recommended treatment period for melasma is eight weeks.8

Available package sizes include 60 tablets (approx. 15 days), 120 tablets (approx. 30 days), and 240 tablets (approx. 60 days). Suggested retail prices in Japan are ¥2,090, ¥3,960, and ¥7,260 respectively, inclusive of tax. The formulation centres on tranexamic acid, supplemented by nicotinamide.9

Beyond Transino EX, the brand offers the TRANSINO White C series. While Transino EX targets melasma, White C products are vitamin C-centred OTC medicines intended for dark spots and freckles.10

• TRANSINO White C Clear: A Class 3 OTC drug containing vitamin C as the primary active ingredient, indicated for dark spots and freckles. Suitable for ages seven and above.11
• TRANSINO WHITE C PREMIUM: A higher-specification Class 3 OTC drug within the category, also targeting dark spots and freckles. A 270-tablet package was introduced in 2025.12

The Transino skincare range constitutes a significant portion of the brand’s portfolio, covering multiple stages of a daily routine. Products listed in Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare’s catalogue include:13

• Cleansing: Clear Cleansing EX, Clear Gel Wash, Clear Wash EX
• Lotion: Brightening Clear Lotion
• Serums: Melano Signal Essence, Whitening Stick
• Emulsion: Brightening Clear Milk
• Cream: Whitening Repair Cream EX
• UV Care: UV Protector, UV Powder EX, UV Concealer, Tone Up CC Cream
• Masks: Medicated Brightening Facial Mask

Product availability and specifications are subject to change as formulations are renewed or discontinued.14

In Transino’s medicated skincare products, tranexamic acid functions as a whitening active ingredient under Japanese regulatory frameworks. The skincare concept involves interfering with signalling pathways associated with melanin production to suppress pigment formation and prevent dark spots.15

It is critical to distinguish between the oral and topical lines. Transino EX is a pharmaceutical medicine for melasma, whereas the skincare products are classified as quasi-drugs (iyakubugaihin) with cosmetic and preventative claims.16 They are not interchangeable treatments.

Transino occupies a unique niche in the beauty landscape, differentiated by several key factors:

1. Pharmaceutical Heritage: Originating from a drug manufacturer rather than a cosmetic house.
2. Melasma Specialisation: Developed specifically for a clinical pigmentation disorder rather than general brightening.
3. Ingredient Expertise: Decades of proprietary research into tranexamic acid.17
4. Inside-Out Approach: Combining oral medicine, topical skincare, and UV protection.18
5. Medical-Inspired Communication: Emphasis on dermatological mechanisms and active ingredients over luxury aesthetics.

In the context of Japanese regulations, the term bihaku (whitening) refers to products that suppress melanin production to prevent dark spots and freckles. It does not imply chemical bleaching or permanent alteration of genetically determined skin colour. Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare explicitly defines its use of “whitening” in this preventative sense.19

While the overarching target audience includes individuals concerned with melasma, facial dark spots, uneven skin tone, and UV-related pigmentation, specific products address distinct needs:

• Transino EX: Consumers suspecting melasma who seek an OTC pharmaceutical solution, including those with vague bilateral cheek pigmentation or post-pregnancy pigmentation.20
• White C Series: Individuals seeking an internal vitamin-based approach for spots and freckles.
• Skincare: Users requiring daily topical care for pigmentation prevention, clarity, and UV protection.22

Transino is fundamentally a Japanese brand with Japan as its core market. However, Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare has expanded its overseas business to include skincare products in markets such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Vietnam.21 While visibility in Asian markets is increasing, product availability, formulation, regulatory classification, and approved claims vary significantly by country. Products sold internationally may differ from their Japanese counterparts in regulatory status and indications.23

As of August 2026, the Transino ecosystem rests on three pillars:

1. Transino EX: Flagship Class 1 OTC melasma medicine.19
2. Transino White C Series: Class 3 OTC vitamin-based products for dark spots and freckles.19
3. Medicated Skincare: Topical range spanning cleansing, brightening, moisturising, and UV protection.20

The brand continues to update its lineup, with new or revised whitening masks announced as recently as February 2026.

Transino’s reputation is anchored in trust regarding Japanese pharmaceutical research rather than celebrity endorsement or luxury branding. As of February 2026, Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare reported that Transino skincare products had received 100 “Best Cosmetics” awards across various beauty media rankings.21

The brand is distinguished by its focused positioning on pigmentation and melasma, backed by deep ingredient expertise and a broad ecosystem combining oral and topical treatments. However, consumers should note that products designed for melasma are not universally appropriate for all pigmentation types, and oral products carry specific indications and age restrictions distinct from standard supplements. Ultimately, Transino represents a hybrid pharmaceutical-beauty brand that brought a melasma-specific proposition to the consumer market, supported by a complete inside-and-outside care system.23

1. トランシーノ誕生｜トランシーノ｜第一三共ヘルスケア
2. 薬用スキンケアシリーズ｜トランシーノ｜第一三共ヘルスケア
3. HOME｜トランシーノ｜第一三共ヘルスケア
4. TRANSINO Product List | DAIICHI SANKYO HEALTHCARE
5. トランシーノからトランシーノIIへ｜トランシーノ｜第一三共ヘルスケア
6. 「トランシーノⅡ」から 「トランシーノEX」へ進化｜トランシーノ｜第一三共ヘルスケア
7. TRANSINO EX | DAIICHI SANKYO HEALTHCARE
8. トランシーノEX｜トランシーノ｜第一三共ヘルスケア
9. 美白有効成分トラネキサム酸｜トランシーノ｜第一三共ヘルスケア
10. トランシーノII_LP｜トランシーノ｜第一三共ヘルスケア
11. List of product package inserts and instructions (PDF) | DAIICHI SANKYO HEALTHCARE
12. List of product package inserts and instructions (PDF) | DAIICHI SANKYO HEALTHCARE
13. 外国語製品情報（PDF）一覧｜第一三共ヘルスケア
14. 開発ストーリー｜トランシーノ｜第一三共ヘルスケア
15. TRANSINO Medicated Brightening Clear Lotion | DAIICHI SANKYO HEALTHCARE
16. TRANSINO Medicated Brightening Clear Milk | DAIICHI SANKYO HEALTHCARE
17. TRANSINO Ｗhitening Repair Cream EX | DAIICHI SANKYO HEALTHCARE
18. トラネキサム酸について｜トランシーノEX｜第一三共ヘルスケア
19. 体の内側からしみ・そばかすを薄く｜トランシーノ｜第一三共ヘルスケア
20. SKINCARE | Website chính thức của TRANSINO Việt Nam
21. Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare | Website chính thức của TRANSINO Việt Nam
22. TRANSINO LÀ GÌ | Website chính thức của TRANSINO Việt Nam
23. AXIT TRANEXAMIC LÀ GÌ | Website chính thức của TRANSINO Việt Nam