SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

Targeted Serum to Visibly Reduce Dark Spots and Discoloration

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense is a targeted, multi-phase serum designed to reduce the appearance of stubborn dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne marks. This lightweight, layerable formula is clinically proven to improve skin clarity and even tone in as early as 2 weeks.

Size: 30 ml

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Product Details

Daily dark spot corrector targets visible skin discoloration for brighter, more even-looking skin.  

Discoloration Defense is a layerable, daily-use dark spot corrector clinically proven to reduce the appearance of key types of skin discoloration in all skin tones, including hard-to-treat forms such as stubborn brown patches and post-acne marks. Formulated with 3% tranexamic acid, 1% kojic acid, 5% niacinamide, and 5% HEPES, this formula serum for dark spots improves the appearance of skin discoloration, brightens skin, and evens skin tone in as early as 2 weeks.

What Is Skin Discoloration?

Skin discoloration occurs when melanin production becomes uneven—often triggered by sun exposure, inflammation, or certain skin conditions. It can show up as dark spots, post-acne marks, redness, or uneven tone. SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense is clinically proven to visibly reduce the appearance of these concerns, with noticeable improvement in dark spots and uneven tone in as little as two weeks.

Benefits of Discoloration Defense

• Features a synergistic blend of anti-discoloration ingredients to reduce the appearance of skin discoloration, improve brightness, and minimize the reoccurrence of discoloration (with continued use)
• 60% average improvement in the appearance of stubborn brown patches
• Paraben-, fragrance-, silicone-, gluten-, and hydroquinone-free
• Ideal at-home complement to professional skin discoloration treatments, such as chemical peels or non-ablative laser; always consult with a physician for individual regimen recommendations

Clinically Proven Results

According to a 12-week clinical study conducted by SkinCeuticals, Discoloration Defense significantly improved visible signs of skin discoloration. In participants with deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick types V–VI), twice-daily use led to a statistically significant reduction in dark spots, post-inflammatory discoloration, and uneven skin tone.

• 60% Average improvement in the appearance of stubborn brown patches
• 59% Average improvement in the appearance of discoloration
• 81% Average improvement in the appearance of post-acne marks
• 59% Average improvement in the appearance of even skin tone
• 34% Reduction in post-blemish marks at 12 weeks

Professional Tip from Signature Cosmetic Clinic

If you're concerned about dark spots, acne marks, or uneven skin tone, we recommend combining Discoloration Defense with in-clinic treatments like IPL, chemical peels, microneedling, or PicoWay laser. These treatments target deeper pigmentation, while Discoloration Defense helps fade discoloration at the surface and prevents new spots from forming. Depending on your tone and needs, either or both treatments can improve discoloration.

How To Use Discoloration Defense

• Twice daily, apply 3-5 drops of this skin discoloration serum to the face.
• If using in the morning, apply after a SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum and follow with a SkinCeuticals broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen.
• Limit sun exposure while using this product.
• Do not use on irritated or broken skin. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.

Complete your regimen with a SkinCeuticals sunscreen. When used together, SkinCeuticals antioxidants and broad-spectrum sunscreens provide more comprehensive protection against visible aging caused by environmental aggressors.

Skin Types:

• Dry
• Oily
• Combination
• Normal
• Sentitive

Skin Conditions:

• Discoloration (Dark spots, redness, post-acne marks)

Key Ingredients

• 3% Tranexamic Acid: This synthetically-derived ingredient minimizes the reoccurrence of skin discoloration and stubborn brown patches with continued use.
• 1% Kojic Acid: Naturally produced by certain fungi, kojic acid helps improve skin brightness.
• 5% Niacinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, this water-soluble vitamin is found naturally in yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, beans, and cereal grains. It has been shown to help reduce the appearance of skin discoloration.
• 5% HEPES: This synthetically-derived acid activates natural enzymes in skin to help break the bonds that bind dead skin cells to the surface for even exfoliation.