When should I apply the serum in my routine?

Apply it evenly after cleansing, then leave it on and allow it to absorb.

Can I layer the serum for more intensive care?

Yes. It may be layered two to three times as needed for more intensive care.

Should I apply it around my eyes?

No. Apply the serum evenly over your face while avoiding the eye area.

Which skin types is the serum intended for?

It is intended for all skin types: normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive.

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COSRX

The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum

Q: What are the serum's principal discoloration-care ingredients?

The formula contains 2% alpha-arbutin alongside tranexamic acid, niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine. Ferulic acid and glutathione are also named as synergistic ingredients.

What it is: A leave-on facial serum with 2% alpha-arbutin, made to soften the look of discoloration and bring more balance and brightness to your complexion.

Care for dark spots and post-blemish marks
More even, brighter-looking tone
2% alpha-arbutin formula
Lightweight, non-greasy feel

Net weight: 50 ml

The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum

50ml ·$16.99 USD

Care for dark spots and post-blemish marks

More even, brighter-looking tone

2% alpha-arbutin formula

Lightweight, non-greasy feel

Main active: No primary active
Intensity: Supportive

PRODUCT DETAILS

When discoloration is what you're noticing most, this leave-on serum offers focused care. It helps fade the look of unwanted spots and post-blemish marks, while supporting a more balanced-looking complexion.

The formula centers on 2% alpha-arbutin and pairs it with tranexamic acid, niacinamide and acetyl glucosamine. Ferulic acid and glutathione round out the named key ingredients. The focus is clear: more even, brighter-looking tone for skin affected by dullness or visible discoloration.

Reviewers commonly describe the texture as lightweight and non-greasy, with a smooth or velvety feel that layers easily. Scent impressions are mixed, a useful note if scent matters to you.

The serum is intended for all skin types, including normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin.

Learn more

GOES WELL WITH

Alpha-5 Mela Care Cream$14.99 USD

1025 Dokdo Sun Cream$18.99 USD

All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++$11.99 USD

5α Control No-sebum Sun Lotion SPF50+ PA++++$17.99 USD

1025 Dokdo Eye Cream$22.99 USD

100 Reedle Shot Stick Pouch$8.09 USD

1025 Dokdo Cleanser$11.99 USD

1025 Dokdo Lotion$14.99 USD

Focused care for visible discoloration, post-blemish marks, uneven-looking tone and dullness.

Helps fade visible dark spots
Helps fade post-blemish marks
Encourages a more even-looking tone
Supports visible brightness

Key Ingredients

Translucent ivory sculptural folds with glossy highlights and small clear droplets on a warm cream studio surface.

Alpha-Arbutin

A defined hydroquinone glucoside with emerging formula-specific evidence for more even-looking tone—not the same ingredient as Arbutin or hydroquinone.

An ivory abstract form with soft, flowing folds rests on a dusty rose seamless surface, casting a gentle studio shadow.

Tranexamic Acid

May gradually improve the look of uneven tone in some leave-on formulas; the evidence is formula-specific and sun protection still matters.

Niacinamide

Helps visibly brighten uneven tone and support the skin barrier.

Soft peach-toned translucent sheets arranged in flowing folds on a warm ivory surface, lit with gentle studio light and a subtle grounding shadow.

Acetyl Glucosamine

Helps support brighter, more even-looking skin.

Translucent amber-toned abstract sculpture with flowing loops and rounded forms, set on a soft blush seamless surface with warm highlights and a gentle grounding shadow.

Ferulic Acid

An antioxidant that helps defend skin against environmental stressors and supports a resilient-looking complexion.

Clear hydrogel spheres and droplets on a pale lilac background.

Hyaluronic Acid

Helps hydrate and visibly plump the skin.

Real Results

22.3%Reduction in the appearance of stubborn blemish spots after four weeks¹
20.5%Reduction in melanin associated with the appearance of surface acne marks after four weeks¹

Tests conducted by P&K Skin Research Center Co., Ltd.; results published by COSRX. Individual results may vary.

1. COSRX product results

Serum bottle standing on a white ledge against a textured sand-colored backdrop.

Concerns & Benefits

Your Concerns

1
Dark Spots Hyperpigmentation
When stubborn visible spots keep your complexion from looking as even as you'd like.
2
Post Acne Marks Scars
When the look of post-blemish marks lingers after a breakout.

How To Use

1After cleansing, apply the serum evenly over your face, avoiding the eye area.
2Leave the serum on and allow it to absorb.
3For more intensive care, layer it two to three times as needed, allowing each layer to absorb.

Tilted serum bottle with the dropper lifted and a clear droplet suspended above it on a beige background.

Frequently asked questions

Which discoloration concerns is this serum designed to address?

It is designed to care for the appearance of post-blemish marks, dark spots, uneven tone and dullness, including visible discoloration associated with tanning or sun damage.

Keep learning

Customer reviews

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1025 Dokdo Sun Cream$18.99 USD

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COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum

COSRX

The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum

What it is: A leave-on facial serum with 2% alpha-arbutin, made to soften the look of discoloration and bring more balance and brightness to your complexion.

Care for dark spots and post-blemish marks
More even, brighter-looking tone
2% alpha-arbutin formula
Lightweight, non-greasy feel

Net weight: 50 ml

The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum

50ml ·$16.99 USD

Care for dark spots and post-blemish marks

More even, brighter-looking tone

2% alpha-arbutin formula

Lightweight, non-greasy feel

Main active: No primary active
Intensity: Supportive

PRODUCT DETAILS

Reviewers commonly describe the texture as lightweight and non-greasy, with a smooth or velvety feel that layers easily. Scent impressions are mixed, a useful note if scent matters to you.

The serum is intended for all skin types, including normal, dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin.

Learn more

GOES WELL WITH

Alpha-5 Mela Care Cream$14.99 USD

1025 Dokdo Sun Cream$18.99 USD

All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++$11.99 USD

5α Control No-sebum Sun Lotion SPF50+ PA++++$17.99 USD

1025 Dokdo Eye Cream$22.99 USD

100 Reedle Shot Stick Pouch$8.09 USD

1025 Dokdo Cleanser$11.99 USD

1025 Dokdo Lotion$14.99 USD

Focused care for visible discoloration, post-blemish marks, uneven-looking tone and dullness.

Helps fade visible dark spots
Helps fade post-blemish marks
Encourages a more even-looking tone
Supports visible brightness