COSRX 2% Alpha Arbutin Discoloration Care Face Serum with Niacinamide, Glutathione & Tranexamic Acid, 1.7 fl oz – Serum for Face, Korean Skin Care

I’ve been using the COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum for a few weeks now, and I’m genuinely impressed with the results. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly without any sticky feeling, and it’s gentle enough for daily use—even on my sensitive skin.The 2% Alpha-Arbutin combined with Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid is a powerhouse blend for tackling hyperpigmentation and dark spots. I’ve noticed a visible improvement in my skin tone—it’s more even, and those stubborn acne marks are slowly fading. Plus, it hydrates well thanks to Hyaluronic Acid and doesn’t irritate my skin at all.It feels like a premium formula at a very reasonable price point. The packaging is simple and functional, and one bottle lasts a decent amount of time with consistent use. If you’re struggling with discoloration or uneven skin tone, this serum is definitely worth trying!

My skin is extremely reactive to many products, even those marketed for sensitive skin. On top of that, I also have rosacea, so I was hesitant about trying this product. However, after reading some reviews and researching its three main active ingredients, I decided to give it a shot.The first application didn't go well. A few hours after applying it, my face started itching intensely, followed by an unbearable burning sensation. That night, my skin felt so dry that I had to layer multiple applications of my usual moisturizer, plus a second one with calming properties. Despite this, the itching and burning persisted for about a week and a half.Once my skin had recovered, I decided to give the product a second chance—but this time, I introduced it gradually. It worked, and I’m happy with the results! Here’s how I did it:Before StartingCheck if any of the products in your skincare routine (or even your makeup) contain niacinamide and at what percentage. Too much niacinamide can cause irritation. In my case, I was also using:COSRX 6X Peptide Collagen Booster Toner Serum (with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid)Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water Hydrating Face Toner (contains 2% niacinamide)I had to stop using these temporarily.My Step-by-Step ApproachDay 1: I applied a small amount of the product on a single dark spot (the one I wanted to fade) and waited 24 hours—like a patch test. It did itch a little, but nothing compared to my first experience.Day 3: Since I didn’t have a bad reaction, I repeated the same process. The itching and burning sensation had subsided, so I felt ready to try it on my entire face.Day 5: I used the “sandwich method”—a light layer of moisturizer, followed by a layer of the product, then another layer of moisturizer. After waiting 24 hours, I did feel some itching, but it was tolerable.Weeks 2 & 3: I began using the product twice a week.Weeks 4 & 5: I increased usage to every other day.Week 6: I started using it daily—only in the morning (I haven’t tried applying it at night yet).Now, my dark spots are less noticeable, and my pores look more refined. I’m so glad I gave this product a second chance!

Another Coxrx skincare product I love. This COSRX 2% Alpha Arbutin Discoloration Care Face Serum with Niacinamide, Glutathione, and Tranexamic Acid is lightweight, a light amber color, and easy to apply to my skin without tugging or dragging of my skin.It's not heavy at all. I had zero irritation to my rosacea-prone skin. I did do a patch test, and that is recommended if you aren't sure if you will react to ingredients or a product you've not tried before, and this is my first try of this blend.In the morning, I cleanse my face, apply my toner with a pad to be sure that all the oil-based cleanser is removed, wait at least 10 minutes, and then apply vitamin c serum, wait another at least 10 minutes, and then I apply this serum--this serum replaces my usual application of niacinamide serum, since it has niacinamide plus the other actives. Then I go on with my other skincare. I don't use this at night since I use a retinoid and do not like to use other actives with my retinoid.I also like that this is over an ounce and a half. Some of Cosrx's bottles are less than an ounce.This is likely hydrating because of its ingredients, but it's not going to be super emollient like some serums, but since I use snail mucin and moisturizer, I have enough hydration there.As for effectiveness, only time will tell in that regard--months, not days or weeks! It takes patience and consistency to see results and expecting to see results after a few days or a couple of weeks is unrealistic. I'm not expecting miracles but I do believe this will help my aging skin even if in a small way, with consistent use.Happy with my order.

I used this serum on my face for several reddish spots (I have been using it for over a month now) and it lightened then considerably although not completely. It is quite sticky if not rubbed into the skin thoroughly. I had no irritation from this serum which is also a bonus. All in all, I would recommend you try it.

I use multiple products from this KB skincare company and really like the way they make my skin look and feel younger. I’m hooked—especially at this price point!

Amazing product. I have very sensitive skin and didn’t have any problem with this product. Saw the difference in less than 1 week.

It takes time to fade discoloration like melisma or sun damage, but I can tell a difference in just over a week. The caveat here is it’s not the only thing I’m using — I also have a fade serum from MUAC that I started using recently too. I use that during the day with my vitamin C, and I use this as night. Cosrx never disappoints me tho — everything I’ve tried has been excellent. The texture is nice — a little slip, light, soaks in quickly and isn’t greasy. Minimal smell. A good deal.