Side-by-side comparison

La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum vs La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum

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

2Shared hero actives
La Roche-Posay
Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum
SerumPremiumMorning or evening
Dark SpotsPost-Acne MarksDullness

A pigment-targeting serum built on Melasyl plus 10% niacinamide for stubborn dark spots and post-acne marks. A clinical-leaning brightening serum; results on melasma and PIH build slowly over weeks with diligent SPF.

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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 Niacinamide. Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum adds Melasyl. Retinol B3 Serum adds Retinol. Pick the one whose extra matches what you're treating. Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum is the better fit for dark spots, post-acne marks and dullness; Retinol B3 Serum for fine lines, rough texture and preventing sun damage. Both sit in the Premium price tier. Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum is flagged morning or evening; Retinol B3 Serum is flagged evening only.

The overlap

What they share

These hero actives appear in both formulas:

NiacinamideGlycerin
The formulation

Ingredient stacks, side by side

Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum — top of the list

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

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

Mela B3 Dark Spot SerumRetinol B3 Serum
CategorySerumSerum
Price tierPremiumPremium
Best forDark Spots, Post-Acne Marks, DullnessFine Lines, Rough Texture, Photoaging Prevention
Usage notesMorning or eveningEvening only
Shared hero activesNiacinamide and Glycerin
Questions

Common questions

Is the La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum or the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum better?
It depends on what you're treating. Both contain Niacinamide; Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum adds Melasyl; Retinol B3 Serum adds Retinol.
What's the difference between the La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum and the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum?
Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum's hero actives are Niacinamide, Melasyl and Glycerin. Retinol B3 Serum's are Retinol, Niacinamide and Glycerin.
Are the La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum and La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum dupes for each other?
Partly. They share Niacinamide, but Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum's Melasyl and Retinol B3 Serum's Retinol aren't in the other, so they aren't full substitutes.
Can I use the La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum and La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum together?
Usually, yes. Apply the thinner texture first, then the thicker one, and patch-test when introducing anything new.
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