COSRX
The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum
The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum is a serum from COSRX. Its official ingredient list includes Glycerin and Niacinamide. The brand lists 38 ingredients in this formula; each is explained below with its documented cosmetic functions.
- Routine step
- Serum
- Formula
- 38 listed ingredients
- Source version
- Global brand store
- Formula checked
- 7 October 2026
Inside the formula
A few ingredients worth getting to know, and the roles they play.
Ingredient roles do not establish how well the finished product works. Open a card for its explanation and sources.
Ingredients, decoded
The ingredient list below comes from the brand's formula listing. Open an explanation to see the evidence and things to keep in mind.
| On the label | What it does | The plain-English take |
|---|---|---|
| Aqua/Water | Fragrance supportDissolving ingredients | Supports the perfume or flavour mixture in a formula. Helps other ingredients dissolve in the formula. |
| Propanediol | Moisture bindingFragrance supportDissolving ingredientsTexture | Attracts and holds water. Supports the perfume or flavour mixture in a formula. |
| Glycerin | Moisture bindingSkin conditioningFragrance supportDissolving ingredientsTexture | |
| Niacinamide | Smoothing | |
| Tranexamic Acid | AstringentSkin conditioning | Produces a tightening effect at the skin's surface. Used to help keep skin in good condition. |
| Acetyl Glucosamine | Skin conditioning | Used to help keep skin in good condition. |
| Alpha-Arbutin(2%) | AntioxidantLighteningSkin conditioning | Slows reactions involving oxygen, helping protect against oxidation. Used to lighten the shade of skin or hair. |
| 1,2-Hexanediol | Skin conditioningFragrance supportDissolving ingredients | Used to help keep skin in good condition. Supports the perfume or flavour mixture in a formula. |
| Dimethicone | Foam controlFragrance supportSkin conditioningSofteningSkin protection | Helps reduce foaming while a product is made or applied. Supports the perfume or flavour mixture in a formula. |
| Dimethyl Isosorbide | Dissolving ingredientsTexture | Helps other ingredients dissolve in the formula. Adjusts how thick or fluid the formula is. |
| Diethoxyethyl Succinate | Dissolving ingredients | Helps other ingredients dissolve in the formula. |
| Butylene Glycol | Moisture bindingSkin conditioningFragrance supportDissolving ingredientsTexture | |
| Citric Acid | pH controlFormula stabilityFragrance support | Helps keep the formula's acidity at the intended level. Binds metal ions that can interfere with the formula. |
| Alcohol | AstringentFoam controlMicrobial controlFragrance supportDissolving ingredientsTexture | Produces a tightening effect at the skin's surface. Helps reduce foaming while a product is made or applied. |
| Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate | Formula stabilityTexture | Helps an emulsion stay mixed. Adjusts how thick or fluid the formula is. |
| Hydrogenated Lecithin | Mixing oil and waterSkin conditioning | Helps oil and water combine in a formula. Used to help keep skin in good condition. |
| Xanthan Gum | Mixing oil and waterSkin conditioningBindingFormula stabilityFragrance supportGel textureTexture | Helps oil and water combine in a formula. Used to help keep skin in good condition. |
| Sodium Metabisulfite | AntioxidantFragrance supportProduct preservationFormula chemistry | Slows reactions involving oxygen, helping protect against oxidation. Supports the perfume or flavour mixture in a formula. |
| Disodium EDTA | Formula stabilityFragrance supportTexture | Binds metal ions that can interfere with the formula. Supports the perfume or flavour mixture in a formula. |
| Ethylhexylglycerin | Skin conditioningOdour controlFragrance support | Used to help keep skin in good condition. Helps reduce or cover unwanted odour. |
| Dextrin | AbsorbingBindingFormula bodyFragrance supportTexture | Takes up liquids or dissolved material. Helps ingredients hold together. |
| Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract | Skin conditioning | Used to help keep skin in good condition. |
| Sodium Citrate | pH controlFormula stabilityFragrance support | Helps keep the formula's acidity at the intended level. Binds metal ions that can interfere with the formula. |
| Madecassoside | AntioxidantSkin conditioning | Slows reactions involving oxygen, helping protect against oxidation. Used to help keep skin in good condition. |
| Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate | CleansingFoaming | Helps remove dirt and residue from the skin. Helps produce foam by trapping air in a liquid. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | Moisture bindingSkin conditioning | |
| Tocopherol | Skin conditioningAntioxidantFragrance support | Used to help keep skin in good condition. Slows reactions involving oxygen, helping protect against oxidation. |
| Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid | Moisture bindingSkin conditioning | |
| Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer | Moisture bindingSkin conditioning | Attracts and holds water. Used to help keep skin in good condition. |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Moisture bindingMoisture supportSkin conditioning | |
| Ferulic Acid | Microbial controlAntioxidant | Helps limit the growth of microorganisms. Slows reactions involving oxygen, helping protect against oxidation. |
| Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract | LighteningScentSkin conditioningSofteningSmoothingComfort | Used to lighten the shade of skin or hair. Adds or changes the product's scent. |
| Panthenol | Skin conditioningFragrance support | Used to help keep skin in good condition. Supports the perfume or flavour mixture in a formula. |
| Arginine | Skin conditioningScent | Used to help keep skin in good condition. Adds or changes the product's scent. |
| Methyl Trimethicone | Skin conditioningDissolving ingredients | Used to help keep skin in good condition. Helps other ingredients dissolve in the formula. |
| Allantoin | ComfortSkin conditioningSkin protection | Helps ease discomfort on skin or the scalp. Used to help keep skin in good condition. |
| Glutathione | Formula chemistry | Participates in chemical reduction reactions within a formula. |
| Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate | Moisture binding | Attracts and holds water. |
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Sources
- COSRX: The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care SerumChecked 2026-10-07T13:14:00.510465+00:00