Does SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense contain niacinamide?

Yes. Niacinamide is third in the supplied ingredient list, near the top.

Does this serum contain tranexamic acid and kojic acid?

Yes. Both are listed, along with niacinamide. The ingredient list does not give their concentrations.

Is SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense hydrating?

The list includes glycerin, butylene glycol, propylene glycol and hydroxyethyl urea, which are used as humectants. The list alone cannot establish how hydrating the finished formula feels.

Product receipts · SkinCeuticals

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense ingredients, decoded

Name: SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense
Brand: SkinCeuticals

This is a water-based serum with niacinamide, tranexamic acid and kojic acid, alongside several humectants. Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid is also relatively near the top of the list; ingredient order does not show exact concentrations.

Product photo of SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense, showing the packaging — Image: SkinCeuticals

Full ingredient list · 14 items

01Aqua/Water
02Butylene Glycol
03Niacinamide
04Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
05Glycerin
06Tranexamic Acid
07Propylene Glycol
08Hydroxyethyl Urea
09Kojic Acid
10Caprylyl Glycol
11Allantoin
12Chlorphenesin
13Xanthan Gum
14Disodium Edta

As published on a retailer listing, checked October 16, 2026. Formulas change by batch and region, so check your pack.

01 · Key ingredients

Niacinamideskin-conditioning active
well-supported
Near the top of the list. It is used in skincare to support the skin barrier and improve the appearance of uneven tone. Full receipt ›
Tranexamic Acidtone-supporting active
limited evidence
Around the middle of the list. It is used in topical skincare to address the appearance of uneven tone, though evidence varies by formulation. Full receipt ›
Kojic Acidtone-supporting active
limited evidence
Further down the list. It is used in skincare to reduce the appearance of uneven tone and can be irritating for some people. Full receipt ›
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acidexfoliating acid
limited evidence
Near the top of the list. It is used in skincare formulas for exfoliating effects; the list does not reveal its concentration or how strong that effect may be here.
Glycerinhumectant
well-supported
Near the top of the list. It attracts water to the outer layers of skin and helps add hydration. Full receipt ›
Hydroxyethyl Ureahumectant
well-supported
A humectant further down the list that helps draw water to the skin. Its presence does not establish the strength of the formula's hydrating effect. Full receipt ›
Chlorphenesinpreservative
limited evidence
Near the end of the list. It helps preserve the formula and may be a consideration for people who know they are sensitive to it.

02 · Who it may suit

People looking for a water-based serum with several ingredients used to address the appearance of uneven tone.
Those who prefer a formula with humectants such as glycerin and hydroxyethyl urea.
People who want a fragrance-free formula based on the listed ingredients.

03 · What to watch for

Kojic acid and the exfoliating acid may not suit every skin type; introduce cautiously if you are sensitive.
The ingredient list does not provide concentrations, so it cannot show how strong the active ingredients are in this formula.
Use sun protection as part of a routine when addressing uneven tone, particularly if your routine includes exfoliating ingredients.

Questions people ask

Does SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense contain niacinamide?: Yes. Niacinamide is third in the supplied ingredient list, near the top.
Does this serum contain tranexamic acid and kojic acid?: Yes. Both are listed, along with niacinamide. The ingredient list does not give their concentrations.
Is SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense hydrating?: The list includes glycerin, butylene glycol, propylene glycol and hydroxyethyl urea, which are used as humectants. The list alone cannot establish how hydrating the finished formula feels.

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Sources (1) · Likely

Ingredient list, bluemercury.com (Likely: published list for this product, not from the brand's own site)

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense ingredients, decoded

01 · Key ingredients

02 · Who it may suit

03 · What to watch for

Questions people ask

See what your skin is actually asking for.