
Image: cosrx.com
COSRX
The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum
A serum built around Niacinamide and Tranexamic acid, for hydration and pollution defence.
Brand price
USD 25.00 · checked 25 Sept 2026 · on the brand's site
From the brand
What the brand says about this product. Our ingredient analysis follows below.
The brand recommends it for
- Acne & blemishes
- Dark spots & pigmentation
- Dullness
How to use
After cleansing, evenly apply the serum and let it absorb. For intensive care, layer 2-3 times as needed.
What's inside
Ingredients List
8 trigger at least one check · 30 trigger none
- Niacinamide
- Acne Fighting
- Barrier Repair
- Brightening
- Dark Spots
- Even Tone
- Oil Control
- Pore Refining
- Redness Reducing
- Fatty alcohols (Malassezia)
- Dark Spots
- Hydrating
- May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
Key Ingredients
Hyaluronic acid3
Hyaluronic acid and its salts; a humectant that binds water to the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Benefits
Hydrating12
Boosts hydration and relieves dry, tight skin.
Acetyl Glucosamine, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Propanediol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tocopherol
Barrier Repair7
Strengthens and restores the skin's natural barrier.
Allantoin, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Tocopherol
Reduces Irritation4
Eases discomfort and supports skin resilience.
Allantoin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Madecassoside, Panthenol
Redness Reducing5
Soothes visible redness and calms irritation.
Allantoin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Madecassoside, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid
Smoothing5
Refines rough or uneven texture.
Allantoin, Citric Acid, Dimethicone, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Niacinamide
Brightening5
Restores radiance to dull, tired skin.
Alpha-Arbutin, Glutathione, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid
Dark Spots5
Fades dark spots for a more even tone.
Acetyl Glucosamine, Alpha-Arbutin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid
Even Tone4
Evens out patchy or uneven colour.
Alpha-Arbutin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid
Antioxidant5
Shields skin from free radical damage.
Alpha-Arbutin, Ferulic Acid, Madecassoside, Sodium Metabisulfite, Tocopherol
Anti-Pollution8
Helps defend against airborne pollutants.
Allantoin, Alpha-Arbutin, Dimethicone, Ferulic Acid, Glycerin, Madecassoside, Sodium Metabisulfite, Tocopherol
Concerns
May Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis4
May feed the yeast involved in seborrheic dermatitis.
Acetyl Glucosamine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
Ingredients Explained
Click on any ingredient to learn more about it
Aqua
Solvent
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
Propanediol is the organic compound that conforms to the formula
Learn more about Propanediol →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 →Niacinamide
Smoothing
Niacinamide is niacinamide.
Learn more about Niacinamide →Tranexamic Acid
Astringent, Skin Conditioning
Tranexamic Acid is tranexamic acid.
Learn more about Tranexamic Acid →Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Glucosamine isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Acetyl Glucosamine →Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant, Bleaching, Skin Conditioning
Alpha-Arbutin is alpha arbutin.
Learn more about Alpha-Arbutin →1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
We don't have a description for 1,2-Hexanediol yet.
Learn more about 1,2-Hexanediol →Dimethicone
Antifoaming, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Skin Protecting
Dimethicone is a silicone.
Learn more about Dimethicone →Dimethyl Isosorbide
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
1,4:3,6-Dianhydro-2,5-di-O-methyl-D-glucitol
Learn more about Dimethyl Isosorbide →
Dupes
- Dot & Key 10% Vitamin C + E Face Serum with 5% Niacinamide72% match
- COSRX The Blue Peptide Bakuchiol Plump Glow Serum71% match
- Glad2Glow Peach Retinol Serum69% match
- Glad2Glow Yuja Symwhite 377 Dark Spot Serum69% match
- The Derma Co Tran-Zelaic Pigmentation Corrector Serum with Tranexamic Acid & Azelaic Acid69% match
- innisfree Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Serum - Face Serum68% match