COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml vs Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot Night Serum for Face, with 10% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid, Anti Pigmentation & Dullness, for All Skin Types, Approved by Cruelty Free International, Vegan, 30 ml
Side-by-side comparison of scores, ingredients, prices and real customer feedback for COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml and Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot Night Serum for Face, with 10% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid, Anti Pigmentation & Dullness, for All Skin Types, Approved by Cruelty Free International, Vegan, 30 ml.
Last verified: 07 Apr 2026 · Based on 27 reviews
COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml scores 80.0/100 vs Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot Night Serum for Face, with 10% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid, Anti Pigmentation & Dullness, for All Skin Types, Approved by Cruelty Free International, Vegan, 30 ml at 72.0/100. COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml wins on effectiveness, ingredient quality, skin compatibility. Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot Night Serum for Face, with 10% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid, Anti Pigmentation & Dullness, for All Skin Types, Approved by Cruelty Free International, Vegan, 30 ml is stronger on value for money.
How Do the Scores Compare?
COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Disc...
COSRX
|
Garnier Targeted Anti Dark ...
Garni
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 80.0 | 72.0 |
| Effectiveness |
74.0/100
Best
|
70.0/100 |
| Ingredient Quality |
81.0/100
Best
|
65.0/100 |
| Skin Compatibility |
85.0/100
Best
|
77.0/100 |
| Texture & UX |
83.0/100
Best
|
72.0/100 |
| Value for Money | 79.0/100 |
82.0/100
Best
|
| Best Price | £21.89 Amazon UK → |
£9.95
Amazon UK →
Cheapest
|
| Form | N/A | N/A |
| Dose | N/A | N/A |
| Third-Party Tested | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Reviews Analysed | 15 | 12 |
COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discolora...
Pros
- ✓Three complementary melanin-inhibiting actives (alpha-arbutin, tranexamic acid, niacinamide) target PIH via distinct pathways for broader, more reliable brightening
- ✓Fragrance-free and lightweight — absorbs quickly with no reported pilling, tackiness, or irritation even on sensitive and acne-prone skin
- ✓Ferulic acid and glutathione add antioxidant synergy, improve formula stability, and support scar healing acceleration
- ✓Layers well under moisturiser and SPF without disrupting other actives in a routine
Cons
- ✗Results are gradual — most users need 6–12 weeks of daily use; not suited to those expecting rapid visible change
- ✗No INCI list provided for this listing, making exact niacinamide percentage and full comedogenicity/safety assessment impossible
- ✗Miscategorised as a vitamin C serum — contains no L-ascorbic acid, MAP, or ethyl ascorbic acid; shoppers expecting classic vitamin C benefits will be misled
- ✗Alpha-arbutin can slowly hydrolyse to hydroquinone under UV exposure, making daily broad-spectrum SPF non-negotiable, not optional
Best For
Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot ...
Pros
- ✓Consistent user reports of skin brightening and dark spot reduction within 2–4 weeks
- ✓Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that layers well under moisturiser and makeup
- ✓Stabilised Vitamin C derivative is shelf-stable and less irritating than L-ascorbic acid — suitable for daily use
- ✓Complementary actives (Niacinamide ~4%, Salicylic Acid) add barrier support, pore refinement and gentle exfoliation
Cons
- ✗'10% Vitamin C of natural origin' is a derivative, not L-ascorbic acid — reduced potency for collagen stimulation and antioxidant depth
- ✗Cosmetic shimmer reported by some users — can mask rather than correct dullness
- ✗Results are maintenance-dependent and do not persist after discontinuation
- ✗Some users note slow skin absorption, which may complicate multi-step routines
Best For
What does the data say about COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2%... vs Garnier Targeted Anti ...?
A multi-targeting brightening serum combining 2% alpha-arbutin, 3% tranexamic acid, niacinamide, ferulic acid, and glutathione — five complementary actives that collectively inhibit melanogenesis via distinct pathways without the pH instability or oxidation risks of vitamin C formulas.
What are the key differences?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml or Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot Night Serum for Face, with 10% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid, Anti Pigmentation & Dullness, for All Skin Types, Approved by Cruelty Free International, Vegan, 30 ml? ▼
Is COSRX Alpha-Arbutin 2% Discoloration Serum with Tranexamic Acid 3% Anti-pigmentation Serum for Face with Niacinamide, Blemish Control, Dark Spot Corrector for Even Skin Tone Korean Skincare 50ml worth the price compared to Garnier Targeted Anti Dark Spot Night Serum for Face, with 10% Pure Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid, Anti Pigmentation & Dullness, for All Skin Types, Approved by Cruelty Free International, Vegan, 30 ml? ▼
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Disclaimer: AIScored provides data-driven comparisons based on publicly available reviews. This is not medical advice. Affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
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