Paula's Choice Clinical Discoloration Repair Serum
Evidence-led ingredient analysis, a transparent clean score out of 100 and cleaner, effective alternatives at three price levels.
Best for
Pigmentation & Dark Spots
Why Selenssa recommends it
This multi-pathway formulation combines tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and bakuchiol to intercept melanin production at multiple stages for visible, targeted spot fading.
Key actives
Tranexamic Acid (3%), Niacinamide (5%), Bakuchiol (0.5%)
Clean highlights
Fragrance-free · Essential oil-free · Non-comedogenic · Cruelty-free
Selenssa Score 93/100 · £46.00
Want to see how this compares? See The Selenssa 3 →Paula's Choice
Clinical Discoloration Repair Serum
Face Serum · Budget: £49.00
4.4 (420 reviews)· across Paula's Choice UK, Cult Beauty, Space NK, LookFantastic
Ingredients: AI-inferred — not yet verified
Inferred formulation analysis: an exceptionally well-formulated, fragrance-free serum targeting stubborn hyperpigmentation.
Hazard categories
Estimated score out of 100
Formulation score is fixed across Selenssa · Community effectiveness awaiting more reports
Based on publicly available ingredients, following our methodology. Not medical advice — always check the physical label, especially for allergies. How we score →
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Highly recommended for fading dark spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and uneven tone with minimal risk.
Be cautious if
Users with known sensitivity to 5% niacinamide concentrations.
Against your clean standard
Yes, meets clean standard with no high-hazard flags or undisclosed fragrance.
Where this score comes from
- Source
- No source record on file yet
- Source page
- —
- Retrieved
- —
- Evidence snapshot
- Not captured
Score history
No score changes have been recorded for this product yet.
Think something here is wrong? Report a correction · How we score
Does Paula's Choice Clinical Discoloration Repair Serum contain parabens, sulfates or fragrance?
A straight yes or no for the ingredient groups people most often want to avoid, checked against this product's published formulation.
Free from parabens
Preservatives; the longer-chain ones (propyl, butyl) carry the endocrine questions.
Free from sulfates (sls / sles)
Strong cleansing agents that can strip a compromised barrier.
Free from silicones
Slip and occlusion; cyclic silicones (D4/D5/D6) are the environmentally restricted ones.
Free from fragrance / parfum
Undisclosed fragrance blends are the most common trigger for sensitised skin.
Free from essential oils
Naturally derived, but among the most frequently reported contact allergens.
Contains drying alcohol
Found: phenoxyethanol. Fine in small amounts for texture; high up the list it can dehydrate.
Free from formaldehyde releasers
Preservatives that slowly release formaldehyde.
Free from chemical uv filters of concern
Restricted or debated filters with endocrine or reef-persistence questions.
Is Paula's Choice Clinical Discoloration Repair Serum non-comedogenic?
No ingredients in this formulation appear on Selenssa's common pore-clogger list, so it is unlikely to be the cause of congestion for most people. Comedogenicity is still individual — texture, occlusion and how much you use all play a part.
Is Paula's Choice Clinical Discoloration Repair Serum safe for sensitive skin?
Generally a reasonable choice for sensitive skin.
- No fragrance or parfum in the list
- Contains a drying alcohol
- No ingredients flagged for irritation risk
Paula's Choice Clinical Discoloration Repair Serum full ingredients list
12 ingredients analysed, in the order Selenssa assessed them. Concentration generally falls as you move down the list.
Water (Aqua), Propanediol, Niacinamide, C13-15 Alkane, Tranexamic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silybum Marianum Ethyl Ester, Bakuchiol, Tocopherol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
The actives doing the work: Niacinamide (Strengthens barrier and reduces blotchiness); Tranexamic Acid (Inhibits excess pigment production to clear spots); Bakuchiol (Provides gentle firming and smoothing benefits); Tocopherol (Protects skin against oxidative damage).
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