COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum vs innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars
innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars scores 9.6/9.8 vs COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum at 8.1/9.8. innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars wins for hydration.
Head to head
The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum
Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars
Score comparison
innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars takes this one, winning 1 of 5 attributes.
Scores last verified: July 2026
Attribute battle
Hydration Efficacy
innisfree WINSIrritation Risk
TIEActive Ingredient Strength
TIEIngredient Transparency
TIEFormulation Safety
TIEIngredient face-off
29% overlapOnly in COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum
23 unique
Shared ingredients
10 in common
Only in innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars
25 unique
Why innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars comes out ahead
Where innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars really shines is hydration efficacy, scoring 9.8 compared to COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum's 7.3. With Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, and Betaine in its top ingredients, innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars delivers stronger moisture-binding capability.
innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars brings Niacinamide, Allantoin, and Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate as actives, while cOSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum relies on Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, and Acetyl Glucosamine. Both approaches have merit, but the positioning and supporting ingredients make the difference.
Best for your skin type
COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum is better if you have
- Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
- Dry or dehydrated skin that craves moisture, thanks to Propanediol
- Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations
innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars is better if you have
- Sensitive skin — the low-irritation formula keeps things gentle
- Dry or dehydrated skin that craves moisture, thanks to Glycerin
- Anyone who prefers clean, well-vetted formulations
Value comparison
Both sit in the mid-range bracket, so value comes down to formulation quality. innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars gets the nod here with its 9.6 overall score — you're getting more for a similar outlay.
Our verdict
innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars wins this comparison with a meaningfully stronger ingredient profile and overall score.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum or innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars?
Based on ingredient analysis, innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars scores higher overall. See the full score breakdown above for details on each attribute.
Do COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum and innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars share ingredients?
Yes, they share common ingredients. Check the ingredient face-off section above for a detailed comparison.
What's the main difference between COSRX The Alpha-Arbutin 2 Discoloration Care Serum and innisfree Gentle Retinol + Salicylic Acid Acne Serum for Blemishes + Post-Acne Scars?
The key differences are in their active ingredients and formulation approach. Check the attribute battle above for a detailed breakdown.