
The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum
Serum · 50 mL
Where to buy
Stylevana
50 mL
20%$20.00$25.00Buy at StylevanaYesStyle
50 mL
20%$20.00$25.00Buy at YesStyleSkinSeoul
50 mL
17%$20.52$24.81Buy at SkinSeoulDODOSKIN
50 mL
52%$20.98$44.00Buy at DODOSKIN
Metic may receive a commission on purchases made through these links.
Key ingredients
Found in the full ingredient list below. Check how it layers with your routine
Made for
Full ingredients (38)
- Aqua/Water
- Propanediol
- Glycerin
- Niacinamide
- Tranexamic Acid
- Acetyl Glucosamine
- Alpha-Arbutin(2%)
- 1,2-Hexanediol
- Dimethicone
- Dimethyl Isosorbide
- Diethoxyethyl Succinate
- Butylene Glycol
- Citric Acid
- Alcohol
- Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
- Hydrogenated Lecithin
- Xanthan Gum
- Sodium Metabisulfite
- Disodium EDTA
- Ethylhexylglycerin
- Dextrin
- Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
- Sodium Citrate
- Madecassoside
- Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Tocopherol
- Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
- Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Ferulic Acid
- Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
- Panthenol
- Arginine
- Methyl Trimethicone
- Allantoin
- Glutathione
- Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Listed from highest to lowest concentration. Formulas change, so check the packaging if you avoid an ingredient.
Product details

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

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

How to use
After toner, before cream
- 1
Cleanse + tone
Wash your face, then apply toner or a booster serum.
- 2
Drop
Use the dropper to take an appropriate amount of the watery serum.
- 3
Smooth
Spread it evenly over the face and let it absorb. For extra care, layer it two or three times.
- 4
Seal
Follow with moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning.

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.
