1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
La Roche-Posay
MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation
face serum
La Roche-Posay
face serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
See how this fits your skin
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Take the skin testCo-developed with dermatologists, the La Roche-Posay MelaB3 Serum is a lightweight formula designed to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and discolouration. Suitable for all skin types and tones, including sensitive skin, the formula helps promote a more even-looking and radiant complexion. Powered by multi-patented Melasyl™ and 10% niacinamide (vitamin B3), the serum helps to reduce the look of dark spots while locking in long-lasting hydration.
MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation is a lightweight serum from La Roche-Posay, a brand based in France. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 30 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Silicones in the formula tend to give a smooth, blurred finish and help it grip under makeup. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate and Water, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Water and Dimethicone.
Oil control: Moderate. Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Silica and Capryloyl Salicylic Acid.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate and Capryloyl Salicylic Acid.
Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate and Tocopherol.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores
Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads for clearer skin
Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Dimethicone
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Propane-1,2-diol
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Silicon dioxide
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Glycine
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, ether with methyl .beta.-d-glucopyranoside (4:1), octadecanoate (2:3) (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-histidine, N-beta-alanyl
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
.alpha.-d-Glucopyranosiduronic acid, (3.beta.,20.beta.)-20-carboxy-11-oxo-30-norolean-12-en-3-yl 2-O-.beta.-d-glucopyranuronosyl-, dipotassium salt
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Bis-peg/ppg-16/16 Peg/ppg-16/16 Dimethicone
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Treat" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 30 ingredients on the label.
Dissolves and carries everything else
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Forms a film that slows water loss
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Dimethicone
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Propane-1,2-diol
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Cyclosiloxanes, dimethyl, polymers with dimethyl, methyl hydrogen siloxanes and vinyl-group terminated dimethylsiloxanes
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Silicon dioxide
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Bis-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 Dimethicone is a derivate of Dimethicone containing an alkoxylated side chain with an average of 16 moles of ethylene oxide and 16 moles of propylene oxide, and end-blocked with an average of 16moles of ethylene oxide and 16 moles of propylene oxide
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Cystoseira Tamariscifolia Extract is an extract of the Alga, Cystoseira tamariscifolia, Cystoseiraceae
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Glycine
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-, ether with methyl .beta.-d-glucopyranoside (4:1), octadecanoate (2:3) (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium hydroxide
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium thiosulphate
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-histidine, N-beta-alanyl
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Oxirane, methyl-, polymer with oxirane (128;54)
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1-Propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-[(1-oxo-2-propenyl)amino]-, monoammonium salt, homopolymer
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
.alpha.-d-Glucopyranosiduronic acid, (3.beta.,20.beta.)-20-carboxy-11-oxo-30-norolean-12-en-3-yl 2-O-.beta.-d-glucopyranuronosyl-, dipotassium salt
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Benzoic acid, 2-octanoyloxy-
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Octane-1,2-diol
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Octyldodecan-1-ol
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Retinol, hexadecanoate
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-, 2,2-bis[[3-[3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl]-1-oxopropoxy] methyl]-1,3-propanediyl ester
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Phenoxyethanol
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
La Roche-Posay
Shares 8 key ingredients with MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation: Water, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Silica, Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Medicube
Shares 8 key ingredients with MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation: Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Bioderma
Shares 8 key ingredients with MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation: Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride
Holika Holika
Shares 7 key ingredients with MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation: Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate
Numbuzin
Shares 7 key ingredients with MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation: Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Silica
VT Cosmetics
Shares 7 key ingredients with MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation: Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Silica
WATER, DIMETHICONE, NIACINAMIDE, GLYCERIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, POLYSILICONE-11, SILICA, BIS-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 DIMETHICONE, CYSTOSEIRA TAMARISCIFOLIA EXTRACT, GLYCINE, PEG-20 METHYL GLUCOSE SESQUISTEARATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM THIOSULFATE, CARNOSINE, POLOXAMER 338, AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE, DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CITRIC ACID, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, XANTHAN GUM, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, OCTYLDODECANOL, RETINYL PALMITATE, TOCOPHEROL, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, PHENOXYETHANOL.
NIACINAMIDE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CITRIC ACID, RETINYL PALMITATE.
Daily as part of your morning and evening skincare routine. Apply 3-4 drops to the face, neck & décolleté after cleansing. Always complete your morning routine with daily SPF.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Retinyl Palmitate. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
It contains Retinyl Palmitate, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
No — it contains Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Bis-peg/ppg-16/16 Peg/ppg-16/16 Dimethicone.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide, Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Azelaic acid — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
It lists 30 ingredients, of which 4 are recorded as actives.
La Roche-Posay, a brand based in France.
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