Side-by-side comparison

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) vs La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum

Both serums contain Retinol and Niacinamide, but each adds something the other doesn't. Here's where they overlap and where they split.

2Shared hero actives
CeraVe
Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish)
SerumBudgetEvening only
Post-Acne MarksRough TextureCongestion

Encapsulated retinol with licorice and niacinamide, targeted at post-acne marks and uneven texture. The CeraVe ceramide base buffers irritation — a gentle entry retinol rather than a high-strength one.

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La Roche-Posay
Retinol B3 Serum
SerumPremiumEvening only
Fine LinesRough TexturePhotoaging Prevention

A pure retinol plus retinyl-derivative serum buffered with niacinamide and glycerin for wrinkles and texture. A well-tolerated mid-strength retinol from a clinical brand; ramp up slowly and always follow with SPF.

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The verdict

Which should you choose?

Both contain Retinol and Niacinamide. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) adds Licorice Root. Pick the one whose extra matches what you're treating. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) is the better fit for post-acne marks and congestion; La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum for fine lines and preventing sun damage. On price, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) is the less expensive option (Budget versus Premium).

The overlap

What they share

These hero actives appear in both formulas:

RetinolNiacinamide
The formulation

Ingredient stacks, side by side

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) — top of the list

  • Aqua~50–80%
  • Glycerin~5–25%
  • Dimethicone~3–10%
  • Niacinamide~2–6%
  • Caprylic/Capric…~1.5–4%

La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum — top of the list

  • Aqua~50–80%
  • Glycerin~5–25%
  • Dimethicone~3–10%
  • Niacinamide~2–6%
  • Retinol~1.5–4%

● marks ingredients that appear near the top of both lists. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order, not disclosed doses.

At a glance

The specs

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish)La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum
CategorySerumSerum
Price tierBudgetPremium
Best forPost-Acne Marks, Rough Texture, CongestionFine Lines, Rough Texture, Photoaging Prevention
Usage notesEvening onlyEvening only
Shared hero activesRetinol and Niacinamide
Questions

Common questions

Is the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) or the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum better?
It depends on what you're treating. Both contain Retinol and Niacinamide; CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) adds Licorice Root.
What's the difference between the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) and the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum?
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish)'s hero actives are Retinol, Niacinamide and Licorice Root. La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum's are Retinol, Niacinamide and Glycerin. They also sit in different price tiers (Budget versus Premium).
Are the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) and La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum dupes for each other?
Partly. They share Retinol and Niacinamide, but CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish)'s Licorice Root isn't in the other, so they aren't full substitutes.
Can I use the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum (Post-Blemish) and La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum together?
There's no benefit to using two retinoids at once, and it raises the risk of irritation. Pick one.
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