Discoloration Defense Serum for Dark Spots
1% Retinol Booster

SkinCeuticals

Discoloration Defense Serum for Dark Spots

Paula's Choice

1% Retinol Booster

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

A serum built around Retinoid and Ceramide, for barrier repair and hydration.

Serum
Serum
14 ingredients
27 ingredients

Brand price

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

Brand price

USD 55.00 · checked 8 Oct 2026 · brand's site

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At a Glance

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

Key Ingredients

  • 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

  • Ceramide1

    Skin-identical lipids that hold the barrier together.

    Ceramide NP

  • Colloidal oatmeal1

    Finely milled oat — an FDA-recognised skin protectant.

    Avena Sativa Kernel Extract

  • Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1

    Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.

    Polysorbate 20

  • Retinoid1

    Vitamin A derivatives that speed cell turnover.

    Retinol

Benefits

Concerns

No concerns found

Ingredients Side-by-side

Show highlights for:

  • Water

    Skin Conditioning

  • Glycerin (in both products)

    Humectant

    0 / 0

    • Possibly animal-derived
    • Hydrating

  • Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil

    Skin Conditioning

    0 / 0

    • Plant oils and butters (coconut, olive, shea)
    • Plant or mineral oil
    • Barrier Repair
    • May Worsen Oily Skin
    • May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

  • Polyglyceryl-10 Caprylate/Caprate

    Cleansing

  • Butylene Glycol (in both products)

    Humectant

    1 / 0

    • Hydrating

  • Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract

    Skin Conditioning

  • Polysorbate 20

    Cleansing

    0 / 0

    • Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
    • Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)
    • May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

  • Retinol

    Skin Conditioning

    • Retinoid
    • Acne Fighting
    • Anti-Aging
    • Dark Spots
    • Firming
    • Oil Control
    • Pore Refining
    • Smoothing

  • Glycyrrhiza Glabra

  • Ceramide NP

    Skin Conditioning

    • Ceramide
    • Fatty esters (glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate)
    • Barrier Repair
    • Hydrating
    • May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

Ingredients Explained

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 →

  • Caprylyl Glycol

    Deodorant, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Emollient

    Caprylyl Glycol is the diol that conforms to the formula

    Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol →

  • Allantoin

    Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing

    Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-

    Learn more about Allantoin →

  • Xanthan Gum

    Binding, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning, Cleansing, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling

    Xanthan gum

    Learn more about Xanthan Gum →

  • Disodium EDTA

    Chelating, Viscosity Controlling

    Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate

    Learn more about Disodium EDTA →

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