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COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum
COSRX

The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum

Serum · 50 mL

20%$20.00$25.00

Where to buy

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Key ingredients

ArbutinNiacinamideTranexamic Acid

Found in the full ingredient list below. Check how it layers with your routine

Made for

SensitiveAcne-prone
Full ingredients (38)
  1. Aqua/Water
  2. Propanediol
  3. Glycerin
  4. Niacinamide
  5. Tranexamic Acid
  6. Acetyl Glucosamine
  7. Alpha-Arbutin(2%)
  8. 1,2-Hexanediol
  9. Dimethicone
  10. Dimethyl Isosorbide
  11. Diethoxyethyl Succinate
  12. Butylene Glycol
  13. Citric Acid
  14. Alcohol
  15. Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
  16. Hydrogenated Lecithin
  17. Xanthan Gum
  18. Sodium Metabisulfite
  19. Disodium EDTA
  20. Ethylhexylglycerin
  21. Dextrin
  22. Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
  23. Sodium Citrate
  24. Madecassoside
  25. Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
  26. Sodium Hyaluronate
  27. Tocopherol
  28. Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
  29. Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
  30. Hyaluronic Acid
  31. Ferulic Acid
  32. Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
  33. Panthenol
  34. Arginine
  35. Methyl Trimethicone
  36. Allantoin
  37. Glutathione
  38. Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Listed from highest to lowest concentration. Formulas change, so check the packaging if you avoid an ingredient.

Product details

A white and black COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum dropper bottle on a warm beige table beside a smooth stone and clear serum drops

Marks + dark spots

Tranexamic acid, niacinamide, NAG and alpha-arbutin in a watery serum for post-breakout marks and dark spots.

COSRX made this serum for the marks a breakout leaves behind and for stubborn discoloration. Six ingredients each take on part of the job: alpha-arbutin, tranexamic acid, N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide lead, with ferulic acid and glutathione in support. Five hyaluronic acids, panthenol, tocopherol, allantoin and madecassoside keep sensitive, breakout-prone skin calm, and the watery texture absorbs fast without weighing skin down.

Tranexamic acid, niacinamide and NAG, per the bottle
3% + 5% + 2%
Tranexamic acid, niacinamide and NAG, per the bottle
Ingredients for discoloration
6
Ingredients for discoloration
Forms of hyaluronic acid
5
Forms of hyaluronic acid
A clear, pale golden pool of watery serum ringed by round droplets on beige

What’s inside

The ingredients doing the work

  • Niacinamide + tranexamic acid

    Fourth and fifth on the list. Two well-known brighteners for post-breakout marks and an uneven-looking tone.

    No. 4, 5 of 38 on the list

  • NAG + alpha-arbutin

    N-acetyl glucosamine smooths the surface, and alpha-arbutin, the serum’s namesake, targets the look of dark spots.

    No. 6, 7 of 38 on the list

  • Ferulic acid + glutathione

    Two supporting antioxidants that round out COSRX’s six-ingredient approach to discoloration.

    No. 31, 37 of 38 on the list

  • Soothing care

    Vitamin B5, vitamin E, allantoin and a centella compound to calm and protect skin that’s sensitive after breakouts.

    No. 24, 27, 33, 36 of 38 on the list

  • Five hyaluronic acids

    A spread of hyaluronic acids for moisture and a more comfortable-feeling barrier.

    No. 26, 28, 29, 30, 38 of 38 on the list

Supporting botanicals

  • Licorice root
  • Cocoa
A COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum bottle beside three dropper-sized drops of clear serum

How to use

After toner, before cream

  1. 1

    Cleanse + tone

    Wash your face, then apply toner or a booster serum.

  2. 2

    Drop

    Use the dropper to take an appropriate amount of the watery serum.

  3. 3

    Smooth

    Spread it evenly over the face and let it absorb. For extra care, layer it two or three times.

  4. 4

    Seal

    Follow with moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning.

A single clear drop of pale golden serum on warm beige

Clearer-looking skin, mark by mark

A light, fast-absorbing serum that works on breakout marks and dark spots while keeping sensitive skin calm.

Good to know

  • Made for sensitive and acne-prone skin; tested non-comedogenic and non-irritating, per COSRX.
  • Contains alcohol (#14 on the list).
  • Wear sunscreen during the day when you’re working on dark spots.
  • 50 mL glass bottle; COSRX designed the label to peel off for recycling.