SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Serum for Dark Spots vs Pilgrim 15% Vitamin C Face Serum For Advanced Brightness

SkinCeuticals

Pilgrim

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

A serum built around Vitamin C derivative and Vitamin C, for hydration and pollution defence.

Serum

14 ingredients

25 ingredients

Brand price

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

Brand price

INR 595.00 · checked 28 Sept 2026 · brand's site

No retailer listed yet

Brand country not recorded

Brand from India

At a Glance

They come out differently on Fungal-acne-safe and Cruelty-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.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Vitamin C derivative (stable)1
Stable derivatives of ascorbic acid.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Polysorbates (Tween emulsifiers)1
Polysorbate (Tween) emulsifiers.
Polysorbate 20
Lactic acid1
An AHA that also acts as a humectant.
Sodium Lactate

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

Hydrating8
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Betaine, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA
Barrier Repair4
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Betaine, Glycerin, Niacinamide
Reduces Irritation1
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin
Redness Reducing2
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Allantoin, Niacinamide

No concerns found

May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis1
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Polysorbate 20

Show highlights for:

Aqua (in both products)
Solvent
0 / —
Butylene Glycol (in both products)
Humectant
1 / 0
- Hydrating
Niacinamide (in both products)
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 (in both products)
Humectant
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
- Kojic acid
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
0-1 / —

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Aqua
Solvent
Water
Learn more about Aqua →
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 →
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Niacinamide is niacinamide.
Learn more about Niacinamide →
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 →
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Urea, (2-Hydroxyethyl)-
Learn more about Hydroxyethyl Urea →
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
Learn more about Allantoin →