SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum for Dark Spots vs Dr.Althea 0.1 Gentle Retinol Serum

SkinCeuticals

Dr.Althea

A serum built around Niacinamide and Tranexamic acid, for barrier repair and hydration.

A serum built around Panthenol and Retinoid, for barrier repair and smoothing.

Serum

14 ingredients

32 ingredients

Brand price

USD 115.00 · checked 28 Sept 2026 · brand's site

Brand price

USD 23.90 · checked 26 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand country not recorded

Brand from South Korea

At a Glance

They come out differently on Fungal-acne-safe, Pore-clogger-free and Oil-free; those rows are shaded. Tap any answer to see why.

Niacinamide1
Vitamin B3 — supports the barrier and evens tone.
Niacinamide
Tranexamic acid1
Used topically for stubborn pigmentation and melasma.
Tranexamic Acid
Kojic acid1
A fungal-derived tyrosinase inhibitor used on pigmentation.
Kojic Acid

Vitamin E1
Tocopherols — fat-soluble antioxidants.
Tocopherol
Bakuchiol1
A plant-derived ingredient studied as a retinol alternative.
Bakuchiol
Panthenol (provitamin B5)1
Provitamin B5 — a humectant and soother.
Panthenol
Retinoid1
Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover.
Retinol

Hydrating4
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Propylene Glycol
Barrier Repair5
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin
Redness Reducing3
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Allantoin, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid

No concerns found

May Trigger Acne4
Can clog pores or trigger breakouts.
Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis5
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Glycine Soja Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate
May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris4
May clog follicles or strip skin prone to keratosis pilaris.
Glycine Soja Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Tocopherol
May Worsen Oily Skin1
May increase shine or excess oil.
Glycine Soja Oil

Show highlights for:

Aqua
Solvent
0 / —
Butylene Glycol (in both products)
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Niacinamide
Smoothing
0 / —
- Niacinamide
- Acne Fighting
- Barrier Repair
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Redness Reducing
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
Buffering
0-1 / —
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Tranexamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
- Tranexamic acid
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Redness Reducing
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
0 / 0
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Humectant
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
- Kojic acid
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
0-1 / —

Water
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin (in both products)
Humectant
0 / 0
- Possibly animal-derived
- Hydrating
Butylene Glycol (in both products)
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Dibutyl Adipate
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
- Panthenol (provitamin B5)
- Barrier Repair
- Hydrating
- Reduces Irritation
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
3 / 0
- Plant oils and butters (coconut, olive, shea)
- Plant or mineral oil
- Barrier Repair
- May Trigger Acne
- May Worsen Keratosis Pilaris
- May Worsen Oily Skin
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Occlusive
1 / 1
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
- Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Butylene Glycol
Fragrance, Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
Learn more about Butylene Glycol →
Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care, Perfuming, Humectant, Skin Protecting, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Glycerin may be plant, synthetic or animal depending on the supplier.
Learn more about Glycerin →
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
Learn more about Allantoin →
Disodium EDTA
Chelating, Viscosity Controlling
Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate
Learn more about Disodium EDTA →