The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum
- Alpha ArbutinGood evidence
- NiacinamideExcellent evidence
- Tranexamic AcidExcellent evidence
- GlutathioneGood evidence
- Routine step
- Serum (serum)
- When
- Morning and evening
- Skin types
- Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily, Sensitive
- Pairs well with
- Vitamin C, Azelaic Acid, Hydroquinone, Salicylic Acid
Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, slightly damp skin before your moisturizer. Start with a few nights a week if it contains an active you are new to.
Ingredient research in this formula
These are ingredient-level research links, not evidence that this exact product has been clinically tested.
A safer, slower-acting alternative to prescription-strength dark-spot faders. Built for long-term use without irritation.
Good for: Brightening
A multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out. One of the safest do-a-little-of-everything ingredients.
Good for: Brightening, Barrier repair, Anti-inflammatory
Fades stubborn dark patches like melasma and deep marks left behind by acne or hormonal shifts. The one to reach for when other brighteners haven't worked.
Good for: Brightening
A "master antioxidant" your body already makes. In skincare it gently lightens overall tone and helps fade pigmentation when used consistently over months.
Good for: Brightening, Antioxidant
Evidence behind the ingredients
Real citations from our research database, one per tracked active in this product. Click any ingredient name to read its full evidence dossier.
A safer, slower-acting alternative to prescription-strength dark-spot faders. Built for long-term use without irritation.
Ma ZY, Lu Y, Melanin synthesis and regulation in vivo and commonly used melanin inhibitors from natural products and traditional Chinese medicine, Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi (China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica) 2020;45(24):5898-5916: Beijing University of Chinese Medicine review classifies arbutin among tyrosinase-active-site-targeting melanin inhibitors
Morag M et al., A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of Serratulae quinquefoliae folium, a new source of β-arbutin, in selected skin hyperpigmentations, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2015: 76% of melasma patients showed clinical lightening over 8 weeks
Kim H, Choi HR, Kim DS, Park KC, Topical hypopigmenting agents for pigmentary disorders and their mechanisms of action, Annals of Dermatology 2012;24(1):1-6: review classifies arbutin among hypopigmenting agents via tyrosinase regulation as a hydroquinone alternative
A multitasker that calms redness, evens out skin tone, and helps oily skin balance out. One of the safest do-a-little-of-everything ingredients.
Moro F et al., Skin Cancer Prevention and Antiaging: Role of Nicotinamide, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2026
Passeron T et al., An Investigator-Blinded, Randomized Trial of a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Containing Sclareolide and Niacinamide, Dermatology and Therapy (Heidelberg) 2026
Vergilio MM et al., Topical Formulation with Niacinamide Combined with 5 MHz Ultrasound for Improving Skin Ageing, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2025
Fades stubborn dark patches like melasma and deep marks left behind by acne or hormonal shifts. The one to reach for when other brighteners haven't worked.
Liang Y et al., Comparative efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid for melasma by different administration methods: A systematic review and network meta-analysis, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024: oral TXA + topical agents most effective delivery route
Tranexamic Acid Ameliorates Skin Hyperpigmentation by Downregulating Endothelin-1 Expression in Dermal Microvascular Endothelial Cells, Annals of Dermatology 2024;36(3):151-162: mechanism study showing oral TXA suppresses endothelin-1 in vascular endothelial cells
Calacattawi R, Alshahrani M, Aleid M et al., Tranexamic acid as a therapeutic option for melasma management: a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials, Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2024;35(1):2361106: pooled RCT evidence that tranexamic acid significantly reduces melasma severity via plasmin-inhibition of UV-triggered melanogenesis
+−1 more ingredient
A "master antioxidant" your body already makes. In skincare it gently lightens overall tone and helps fade pigmentation when used consistently over months.
Stanescu C et al., Glutathione in Skin Aging and Tissue Regeneration: A Systematic Review of Molecular Mechanisms, Redox Modulation, and Biomedical Implications, Molecules 2026
Sarkar R et al., Glutathione as a skin-lightening agent and in melasma: a systematic review, International Journal of Dermatology 2025
Wahab S et al., Combination of topical and oral glutathione as a skin-whitening agent: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, International Journal of Dermatology 2021;60(8):1013-1018: 8-week RCT showed combination significantly lowered melanin and raised lightness vs placebo
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.
Similar comparisons
Not medical advice. GlowPal is educational. Patch-test new products and talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your routine, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a diagnosed skin condition. See our terms.