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SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

1.0 fl oz
| HSA|FSA Eligible LMN Required
$115.00
Highlights
  • Corrects sun damage
  • Brightens a dull complexion
  • Corrects dark spots
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Product Overview

Reduce the appearance of dark spots with SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense.

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

Everyday elements—including UV exposure, prescription drugs, and some professional treatments—can trigger production of melanin in the skin's lowest epidermal layers. This excess melanin rises to the surface of the skin, causing visible skin discoloration. Discoloration can manifest in a range of ways, including post-acne marks, and stubborn brown patches on the cheekbones, forehead, and upper lip.

Discoloration Defense is a hydroquinone-free skin brightening serum that corrects dark spots using a combination of potent and proven anti-discoloration ingredients—including tranexamic acid—to address key types of skin discoloration. 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

In a 12-week clinical study, Discoloration Defense significantly improved the appearance of key skin discoloration markers:

  • 60% average improvement in the appearance of stubborn brown patches
  • 59% average improvement in the appearance of skin discoloration
  • 81% average improvement in the appearance of post-acne marks
  • 59% average improvement in the appearance of even skin tone

Paraben-, fragrance-, silicone-, gluten-, and hydroquinone-free.

Due to the concentration of Kojic acid in this formula, a shift in color is expected. This could lead to a light brown or amber color, but the formula remains effective.

Highlights

  • Corrects sun damage
  • Brightens a dull complexion
  • Corrects dark spots

Ingredients

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Product Specifications

About the Brand

Customer Reviews (428)

Overall Rating

4.3
Based on 428 reviews

Review Summary

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428 Reviews

Profile picture of Race.

Race

Verified Purchase

December 02, 2025

Not a fan

I didn’t see improvements with this product. I also didn’t like the feeling of the product once it dried in my skin.

0 people found this helpful

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LSCustomer25

Verified Purchase

November 18, 2025

Love This Serum

This is by far one of my favorites! It takes a couple months to see results but it does a very good job with discoloration. I have hormonal acne and most of my redness/scars are on my chin and the spots have reduced a great deal. I've been using it regularly morning and night. Will buy again!

0 people found this helpful

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LovelySkin Customer

from Vermont

Age Group: 40-49

Wavy, Color treated hair

Combination Skin

Verified Purchase

November 14, 2025

Amazing product!

I've been using this for 2 years now! I first got it from my med spa recommended by my aesthetician, and it works! A little goes a long way. I have tried other brands, and this one by far is my favorite.

0 people found this helpful

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LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

June 06, 2025

Discoloration review

I’m not sure yet about this product. I’ve been using it two /day since I’ve received it and can’t see any change yet. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

2 people found this helpful

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kgsr

Verified Purchase

May 14, 2025

The one I keep going back to

I’ve used this on and off for a few years now. I’m not sure why I keep trying other formulas, nothing else ever works nearly as well. I have a lot of sun damage and acne scarring, and this seems to be the only thing that helps lighten up those dark spots. Every time I try something else and then come back to this one I notice a big difference within just a few weeks. For this reason I do believe you have to keep using it to retain the benefits, but if you’re ok with that I highly recommend.

3 people found this helpful

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newborn

Verified Purchase

April 25, 2025

Bama Girl

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense is amazing! The dark spots on my forehead and checks are no longer present. I will forever use to prevent reappearance.

2 people found this helpful

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LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

April 25, 2025

Dark Spots Lighting

I have been using discoloration defense followed with CF. Dark spots are fading and not getting darker.

0 people found this helpful

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LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

March 23, 2025

Fading away!

I have noticed my dark spots fading.

0 people found this helpful

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LF

Verified Purchase

March 15, 2025

Great product.

I’ve used a lot of products to help fade several spots on the sides of my nose, and this product was the first one that really faded the spots. I’m going to continue to buy it and make sure I use it.

1 person found this helpful

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LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

March 12, 2025

Derm Recomended

Although I’ve still not seen any visible results I can say I prefer the consistency over the Alastin equivalent of this product as it dries quicker. I’m not necessarily a Skinceutical fan but some of their products are recommended by my dermatologist, including this one. That being said, I’m concerned, quantity wise, it won’t be enough for it to last and for me to be able to tell if it worked.

1 person found this helpful

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Becagirl

Verified Purchase

March 04, 2025

High hopes

Have only been using for about 3 weeks haven’t noticed great change yet I’m hoping to see drastic results by the time I finish the bottle I have high hopes!

2 people found this helpful

Profile picture of AppleBlossom.

AppleBlossom

Verified Purchase

March 03, 2025

Great Discoloration Defense

This product is great. It really works well. My husband uses it too. Both of us have been surprised at how quickly it works. It’s easy to use and only takes a second. Really good product and really good price.

2 people found this helpful

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LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

February 16, 2025

Not impressed

I have been using this product for almost a month, and I have not seen any difference in my spots. Not impressed!!

4 people found this helpful

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LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

January 21, 2025

Impressed!

I’ve been using this about one month and have already started to see some fading of my brown spots. I’m looking forward to seeing more results with longer use. This pairs well with my other serums and it is scent free.

0 people found this helpful

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MsRover

Verified Purchase

January 20, 2025

Seems to help

I began using this product from Skinceuticals after trying it when receiving it as a sample. It seems to help reduce the coloration of some dark spots on my face (which does have a good bit of sun damage from so many years in the sun as a young person- am in my mid-70’s now). It is not the best product I have found (a dark color corrector product from another company seemed to do more, but has been discontinued), but it DOES help. So I will continue to use it until I find something less expensive that works as well or better.

0 people found this helpful

Profile picture of Wc.

Wc

Verified Purchase

January 12, 2025

Not as good as Phyto+

I used SkinCeuticals Photo + for many years to decrease the appearance of age spots. Photo+ was replaced with Discoloration Defense and it doesn’t perform as well as Phyto+. Wish they would bring back the old and get rid of the new!

0 people found this helpful

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Melrose

Verified Purchase

January 07, 2025

Decent, but not great

I noticed my skin's texture slightly improve with this product, but it did little to fade my discoloration.

1 person found this helpful

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LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

December 14, 2024

Goodbye Dark Spots

I just finished my first bottle and after six months I can see the dark spots lightening. The key is patience. I also use it with a Vitamin C serum and always wear sunscreen. Just give it time. You will see a difference in your skin.

0 people found this helpful

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LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

December 07, 2024

Recommended by my dermatologist

Bought this because it was highly recommended by my dermatologist

1 person found this helpful

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LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

November 28, 2024

Getting results

Once I turned 60, I noticed dark spots on my face. I just finished my first bottle of this and the spots are definitely fading. I'm hoping white using the 2nd bottle I get the full rests I'm looking for.

0 people found this helpful

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