La Roche-Posay MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation

La Roche-Posay

MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation

face serum

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Fit by skin type

General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.

Dry
60%
Combination (dry)
60%
Balanced
90%
Combination (oily)
80%
Oily
80%

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30
Ingredients
9
Benefits
4
Actives
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Co-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.

Key Insights

Benefits

9
Anti-Acne
Anti-Aging
Blackhead Reducing
Dark Spot Fading
Evens Skin Tone
Hydration
Oil Control
Pore Minimizer
Soothing

Active Ingredients

4
AHA Hyaluronic acid Retinoids Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)

Risks

2
Pregnancy Unsafe
Silicone

About MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation

Overview

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.

Texture and finish

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.

What the formula does

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.

Who it suits

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.

What it does not target

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.

What is not in 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.

Where it fits in a routine

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.

Pros and cons

Drawn purely from the ingredient list

Pros

  • No fragrance or declared allergens
  • No essential oils
  • No drying alcohol
  • No microplastics
  • Strong humectant content for hydration
  • No common irritants flagged in the list

Things to know

  • 2 ingredients could feed malassezia (fungal acne)
  • Contains ingredients usually flagged for review during pregnancy

Which skin types it suits

Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.

Suitable for

  • Balanced skin

May suit

  • Combination (oily) skin
  • Oily skin

Less suitable for

  • Dry skin
  • Combination (dry) skin

Sensitive 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.

Skin concerns

Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.

Helps with

  • Hydration 10 ingredients

    Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy

  • Anti-Aging 6 ingredients

    Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  • Soothing 5 ingredients

    Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

  • Anti-Acne 1 ingredient

    Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores

  • Blackhead Reducing 1 ingredient

    Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads for clearer skin

  • Dark Spot Fading 1 ingredient

    Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time

  • Evens Skin Tone 1 ingredient

    Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance

  • Oil Control 1 ingredient

    Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness

  • Pore Minimizer 1 ingredient

    Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores

Does not target

Smooths Bumpy Skin

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.

Key ingredients

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

Hydration

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Dimethicone

Hydration
Niacinamide Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)

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**

Soothing Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer

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

Hydration Anti-Aging

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Propane-1,2-diol

Hydration

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Silicon dioxide

Oil Control

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Glycine

Hydration

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)

Hydration
Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic acid

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing

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

Anti-Aging

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

Soothing Dark Spot Fading

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

Hydration

Formula analysis

Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.

Hydration High

Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin

Barrier support Moderate

Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity

Antioxidant support None

Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution

Oil control Moderate

Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine

Brightening Moderate

Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks

Soothing Moderate

Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity

Cell renewal Low

Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover

Firmness signalling None

Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support

Active and supporting ingredients

"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.

Active ingredients (4)

Supporting ingredients (26)

Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.

Water Dimethicone 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 Hydroxide Sodium Thiosulfate Carnosine Poloxamer 338 Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Caprylic/capric Triglyceride Capryloyl Salicylic Acid Caprylyl Glycol Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate Xanthan Gum Pentylene Glycol Octyldodecanol Tocopherol Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate Phenoxyethanol

What is and is not in it

Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.

Free from

  • Fragrance-free
  • Essential-oil-free
  • No drying alcohol
  • Paraben-free
  • Microplastic-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Dye-free
  • Oil-free
  • No animal-derived ingredients

Contains

  • Silicones

    Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Bis-peg/ppg-16/16 Peg/ppg-16/16 Dimethicone

What to layer it with

Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.

Compatible with

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinal)
  • Copper peptides
  • Bakuchiol
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Signal peptides
  • Panthenol
  • Sunscreen

Use with caution

  • AHAs (glycolic, lactic)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • BHA (salicylic acid)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • PHAs (gluconolactone)

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Benzoyl peroxide

    Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.

  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

  • Azelaic acid

    Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.

Where it fits in a routine

Morning Evening
  1. Cleanse
  2. Toning
  3. Treat
  4. Moisturise
  5. Protect

This product is the "Treat" step.

  • 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.

Safety and suitability

Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Contains Retinyl Palmitate, usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy.
Fungal acne (malassezia)
2 ingredients could feed malassezia: Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Retinyl Palmitate. That is about the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that you will break out.
Sensitive and reactive 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.
Recorded ingredient risks
Pregnancy Unsafe, Silicone

Ingredients by function

Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 30 ingredients on the label.

5
Solvent

Dissolves and carries everything else

5
Texture agent

Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula

4
Active

Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels

4
Humectant

Draws water into the upper layers of skin

4
Emollient

Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells

4
Surfactant

Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together

3
Occlusive

Forms a film that slows water loss

3
pH adjuster

Sets the acidity the formula needs to work

2
Antioxidant

Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution

2
Chelator

Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula

1
Exfoliant

Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells

1
Plant extract

Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent

1
Preservative

Keeps the product free of microbial growth

Ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.

1 Water Solvent
Estimated level
30–80%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

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

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2015, pages 131-136
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, November-December 1999, pages 344-351
  • Journal of Cosmetic Science, September-October 1993, pages 249-262
2 Dimethicone Emollient
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Occlusive

2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.

Dimethicone

Hydration Silicone
7 scientific references
  • FDA Code of Federal Regulations, April 2020, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, May 2014, pages 65S-115S
  • The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, May 2014, pages 36-44
  • Dermatologic Therapy, May 2012, pages 229-233
  • Clinics in Dermatology, May-June 2012, pages 345-348
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, January 2008, pages 19-33
  • Skin Research and Technology, May 2000, pages 77-80
3 Niacinamide Active
Estimated level
5–20%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Active

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**

Soothing Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer
15 scientific references
  • International Journal of Dermatology, February 2021, pages 166-173
  • Biomolecules & Therapeutics, July 2019, pages 562-569
  • Experimental Dermatology, February 2019, pages 15-22
  • Dermatologic Therapy, September 2017, ePublication
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, May 2017, page S116
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics, March 2017, pages 158-162
  • Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, May 2016, pages 145-152
  • Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, July 2015, pages 405-412
  • Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2014, pages 311-315
  • International Journal of Pharmacy, January 2013, pages 192-201
  • Dermatoendrocrinology, July 2012, pages 308-319
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2005, pages 1-31
  • Dermatologic Surgery, July 2005, pages 860-865
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2004, pages 231-238
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, April 2004, pages 88-93
4 Glycerin Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Occlusive, Texture agent, Solvent

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

Hydration Anti-Aging
6 scientific references
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, March 2021, pages 223-231
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November/December 2019, Volume 38, Supplement 3, pages 6S-22S
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2016, ePublication
  • British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82
  • Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, June 2003, pages 7, 360-7, 365
5 Propylene Glycol Humectant
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Texture agent, Solvent

5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.

Propane-1,2-diol

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • CosmeticsInfoorg, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
  • Archives of Dermatological Research, November 2019, pages 337-352
  • Critical Reviews in Toxicology, April 2013, pages 363-390
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2012, pages 245S-260S
  • Skin Pharmacology and Applied Physiology, 2001, pages 72-81
6 Polysilicone-11 Occlusive
Estimated level
2–10%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Occlusive

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

7 Silica Exfoliant
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Exfoliant, Texture agent

7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Silicon dioxide

Oil Control
6 scientific references
  • Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, July 2021, page 10, 2437
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review, October 2019, pages 1-34
  • Nanomedicine, August 2019, pages 2, 243-2, 267
  • Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2016, pages 1, 201-1, 205
  • European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, January 2015, pages 116-125
  • Cosmetics & Toiletries, April 2015, pages 36-45
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Surfactant

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

Silicone
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Plant extract

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

10 Glycine pH adjuster
Estimated level
1–5%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.

Glycine

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • Amino Acids in Nutrition and Health, August 2020, pages 187-199
  • Current Medicinal Chemistry, 2018, pages 5, 512-5, 527, ePublication
  • PLoS ONE, February 2018, ePublication
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2009, pages 327-345
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

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)

Hydration
3 scientific references
  • UL Prospector, Accessed October 2021, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2016, pages 12S-40S
  • Toxicological Research, June 2015, pages 105–136
Estimated level
1–3%
Confidence
Moderate — INCI order above the 1% line
Roles
Humectant, Active

12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.

Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt

Hydration Anti-Aging Soothing
5 scientific references
  • Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und Verwandte Gebiete, December 2017, pages 987-993
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2014, pages 277-287
  • Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, October 2012, pages 20-23
  • DermatoEndocrinology, July-December 2012, pages 253-258
  • Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, September 2011, pages 990-1000
13 Sodium Hydroxide pH adjuster
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
pH adjuster

13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium hydroxide

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Sodium thiosulphate

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

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

Anti-Aging
9 scientific references
  • BMJ Open, December 2020, pages 1-12
  • Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, September 2020, pages 1-15
  • Cosmetics, November 2018, pages 1-9
  • Aging and Disease, October 2015, pages 369-379
  • The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, October 2012, pages 345-384
  • Biopolymers, January 2008, pages 655-662
  • Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2004, pages 26-34
  • Life Sciences, March 2002, pages 1789-1799
  • FEBS Letters, July 1995, pages 81-85
16 Poloxamer 338 Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant

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)

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Texture agent

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

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Humectant

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

Soothing Dark Spot Fading
8 scientific references
  • How to Care for Red, Sensitive Skin
  • 7 Best Products for Sensitive Skin
  • Skincare Tips for Calming Redness
  • Skin-Soothing Ingredients
  • How the Paula’s Choice CALM Collection Works
  • The Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin
  • The Best Ways to Treat Acne and Sensitive Skin
  • Skin Care for Extremely Dry, Sensitive Skin
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

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

Hydration
5 scientific references
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 34-35
  • Periodica Polytechnica Chemical Engineering, 2014, pages 43-48
  • International Journal of Toxicology, January 2003, pages 4-5
  • Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2000, pages 79-98
  • Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, August 1985, pages 303-311
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line

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-

Anti-Acne Blackhead Reducing Soothing
21 Caprylyl Glycol Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient

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

22 Citric Acid Active
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active, Chelator, pH adjuster

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

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Chelator

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

24 Xanthan Gum Surfactant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Surfactant, Texture agent

24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Xanthan gum

Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Solvent

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

Hydration
4 scientific references
  • https://thedermreviewcom/pentylene-glycol/
  • Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, July 2017, pages 106-111
  • Prospector, June 2015, ePublication
  • International Journal of Toxicology, October 2012, pages 147S-168S
26 Octyldodecanol Emollient
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Emollient, Solvent

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

Hydration
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Active

27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

Retinol, hexadecanoate

Anti-Aging Pregnancy Unsafe
7 scientific references
  • Antioxidants, November 2020
  • International Journal of Toxicology, October 2017
  • Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology, February 2016, pages 394-403
  • Acta Biochimica Polonica, 2015, pages 201-206
  • Journal of Lipid Research, July 2013, pages 1, 731–1, 743
  • Clinical Interventions in Aging, December 2006, pages 327-348
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2003, pages 1163-1167
28 Tocopherol Antioxidant
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

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

Anti-Aging Evens Skin Tone Soothing
4 scientific references
  • Journal or Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2010, pages 7013-7020
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1212-1217
  • Canadian Family Physician, July 2006, pages 855-856
  • Dermatologic Surgery, April 1999, pages 311-315
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Antioxidant

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

30 Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Estimated level
under 1%
Confidence
Moderate — listed below the 1% line
Roles
Preservative

30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.

2-Phenoxyethanol

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Frequently asked questions

What ingredients are in MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation?

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.

What are the active ingredients in MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation?

NIACINAMIDE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CITRIC ACID, RETINYL PALMITATE.

How do I use MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation?

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.

What skin types is MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation good for?

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.

Is MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation good for sensitive 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.

Is MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation fungal acne safe?

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.

Can I use MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation while pregnant?

It contains Retinyl Palmitate, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.

Is MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation fragrance free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.

Does MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation contain alcohol?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.

Is MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation silicone free?

No — it contains Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Bis-peg/ppg-16/16 Peg/ppg-16/16 Dimethicone.

Does MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation contain essential oils?

No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.

Is MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation paraben free?

Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.

What can I layer with MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation?

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.

When should I apply MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation?

Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.

How many ingredients does MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation have?

It lists 30 ingredients, of which 4 are recorded as actives.

Who makes MelaB3 Serum Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum for Hyperpigmentation?

La Roche-Posay, a brand based in France.

Brand
La Roche-Posay
Country
France

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