La Roche-Posay

Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum

SerumPremiumMorning or evening
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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.
The verdict

What this is good for

✓ Great forDark SpotsPost-Acne MarksDullness
The formulation

Ingredient stack

Each ingredient is listed in descending concentration. Above the 1% line the order is regulated — below it, brands can list in any order.

Ingredients above the dashed gold line are dosed above 1% (the regulatory threshold) — these are what the formulation is really built on. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them.

~50–80%Aqua
~5–25%Glycerin
~3–10%Niacinamide
~2–6%Melasyl
~1.5–4%Dimethicone
~1–2%3 ingredients
≤ 1% each3 more ingredients below 1%
position-estimated %1% regulatory line
Hero actives

What's actually doing the work

Niacinamide
Vitamin B3
Vitamin
Vitamin B3. Regulates sebum, strengthens the barrier by boosting ceramide synthesis, evens tone by limiting pigment transfer, and calms inflammation. Well-tolerated at 2–10%; one of the most versatile, evidence-backed actives.
Full glossary entry →
Melasyl
2-Mercaptonicotinoyl Glycine
Neutral
A key active in this formula. See the glossary for the full breakdown of how Melasyl works, the evidence behind it, and how to use it.
Full glossary entry →
Glycerin
Humectant
Solvent
A key active in this formula. See the glossary for the full breakdown of how Glycerin works, the evidence behind it, and how to use it.
Full glossary entry →
When to use

Routine placement

Morning or evening
Cheaper alternatives

Looking for a dupe?

The closest active-matched alternative is the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum (77% active overlap). We found 6 options that share this product’s hero actives.

Dupe guide
See all serum dupes for this product
Ranked by ingredient overlap, with an honest note on what’s different in each.
Related products

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Next steps

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Skin Stacker is independent and receives no payment from any brand. Ingredient analysis is based on publicly disclosed INCI lists and the peer-reviewed literature. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them. Formulations change — always re-check the label on your specific batch before using.