SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

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

Directions

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Product Specifications

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About the Brand

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Customer Reviews (420)

Overall Rating

4.3

Based on 420 reviews

Review Summary

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420 Reviews

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.

0 people found this helpful

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.

0 people found this helpful

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!

0 people found this helpful

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.

0 people found this helpful

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!!

0 people found this helpful

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

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

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

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.

0 people found this helpful

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

LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

December 07, 2024

Recommended by my dermatologist

Bought this because it was highly recommended by my dermatologist

0 people found this helpful

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

LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

November 18, 2024

Great for daily use

I have been using this product twice a day for 4 weeks, and I can already see a difference! I was suggested to me as preparation for a laser treatment (discoloration mostly on forehead and temples), but I plan to continue using it as part of my daily routine.

0 people found this helpful

Verified Purchase

November 07, 2024

Works well!!!

Love it!

0 people found this helpful

LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

October 17, 2024

Improvements within 1st week of usage

I’ve been dealing with hormonal acne and this product has helped with the scars. The first night I applied it, I saw results within first two days. Clear skin and less redness.

0 people found this helpful

etc

Verified Purchase

October 14, 2024

Product is workinh

I’m on my 2nd bottle and I feel I’m seeing result! I also love that it moisturizes my skin as well. I will keep using this product.

0 people found this helpful

CMerc

Verified Purchase

September 29, 2024

Minimizes sun spots

This is a great product for me. I’m medium complexion and would easily get tanned after being out under the sun even with sunscreen. This product really prevents my skin from getting too dark and minimizes my skin’s discoloration. After a month of use I really noticed the difference. Great product but expensive.

0 people found this helpful

Lovelygirl

Verified Purchase

August 23, 2024

Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense

I've been using for about 2 1/2 weeks and have not noticed the appearance of light acne scarring diminish Hope to by the time I finish bottle!

0 people found this helpful

LovelySkin Customer

Verified Purchase

August 20, 2024

Discoloration Defense

I used this product as directed for over a year and saw no improvement whatsoever in my Melasma.

0 people found this helpful

Gus2000

Verified Purchase

August 16, 2024

I love this serum!!!

I am 51 and have had problems with dark spots the majority of my adult life…I have sensitive, combination skin. I use this serum as a base and I put SkinMedica Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment Serum over it. These 2 products have really helped lighten my dark spots to the point where I only use tinted spf on my face as a foundation…they also seem to be tightening my face more and more…you won’t be disappointed.

0 people found this helpful

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SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

Product Overview

Reduce the appearance of dark spots with SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense.

Highlights

Ingredients

Directions

Shipping & Returns

Questions & Answers (5)

Product Specifications

Special Offers

About the Brand

Featured In

Customer Reviews (420)

Overall Rating

Review Summary

Write a Review

Great product.

Derm Recomended

High hopes

Great Discoloration Defense

Not impressed

Impressed!

Seems to help

Not as good as Phyto+

Decent, but not great

Goodbye Dark Spots

Recommended by my dermatologist

Getting results

Great for daily use

Works well!!!

Improvements within 1st week of usage

Product is workinh

Minimizes sun spots

Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense

Discoloration Defense

I love this serum!!!

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