# COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum (Single)

Alpha-Arbutin 2% discoloration serum (Single).

- Brand: COSRX
- Product: The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum (Single)
- Price: $24.99
- Availability: Out of stock
- Market: Korean market, the version sold in Korea
- Made in: Republic of Korea
- EAN (barcode): 8809598454880
- Category: Serums & Ampoules

## Key benefits

- Niacinamide and tranexamic acid lead the list ahead of the alpha-arbutin.
- Alpha-arbutin is declared at 2%, matching the name.
- Five hyaluronate and hyaluronic-acid entries round out the hydrating base.
- Madecassoside, licorice root extract and ferulic acid sit further down the list.

## How it works

Uneven tone is slow work, and a serum aimed at it earns its place by being wearable every day rather than by being strong. This one carries niacinamide and tranexamic acid, with alpha-arbutin and acetyl glucosamine behind them and madecassoside further along to keep the base calm. It goes on after toner and before moisturizer, morning and evening, pressed in on damp skin. Marks left behind by old spots, and patches that show most in photographs, are the case it fits. Sunscreen every morning is the other half of that work.

## How to use

1. Use the Alpha-Arbutin Discoloration Care Serum after toner and before moisturizer, morning and evening.
2. Three or four drops covers the face. Press it in with flat palms rather than rubbing it around.
3. Toner first, this second, then moisturizer, and sunscreen last in the morning.
4. Twice a day, every day, and give it eight weeks. Do not skip the sunscreen; work on uneven tone is undone by daily sun.

## Ingredients

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

## FAQ

### How does alpha-arbutin at 2% relate to niacinamide and tranexamic acid on this list?

Niacinamide is fourth on the list and tranexamic acid fifth, both ahead of alpha-arbutin, which is declared at 2% in the seventh position. All three are associated with a more even-looking tone, so this serum layers three tone-focused ingredients rather than relying on alpha-arbutin alone. Madecassoside and ferulic acid appear further down as supporting antioxidant and calming ingredients.

### Does this serum contain silicone, and does that matter for my skin?

Yes, dimethicone appears in the first half of the list and methyl trimethicone appears further down, so this is not a silicone-free formula. Those ingredients typically contribute to a smoother, more slip-friendly texture during application rather than an active skin effect. Anyone specifically avoiding silicones in their routine should be aware of both before choosing this serum.

### How long does it take for dark spots to look more even with this serum?

Alpha-arbutin, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid all work by supporting a more even-looking tone over weeks of consistent use rather than fading discoloration after a few applications. Madecassoside and licorice root extract sit further down the list as additional supporting ingredients for that same gradual process. Most people apply this daily for six to eight weeks before judging whether tone has visibly shifted, and results vary by skin.

### Can this serum be used alongside a brightening product in the same routine?

Nothing on this ingredient list is known to conflict with a separate brightening serum used earlier or later in the routine, and both are commonly paired for tone-focused routines. Sodium hyaluronate and several hyaluronic acid forms further down the list support hydration alongside either product. As with any new combination, introduce one product at a time and watch how skin responds before using both daily.

### How do I confirm this single bottle is the authentic Korean-market version?

This bottle's barcode, 8809598454880, is a genuine EAN for this specific product, so checking that it matches your packaging is a useful first step. COSRX runs a separate verification system as well: the batch number and expiration date printed on your unit are entered at the checking page on cosrx.com, read directly from the box rather than a listing. Using the barcode and the batch verification together gives the most complete confirmation.

---

Page: https://korean-pharmacy.com/products/cosrx-the-alpha-arbutin-2-discoloration-care-serum-single