La Roche-Posay Mela B3 vs. Glycolic B5 vs. Vitamin C12 Serums: Which One is Best for Fading Dark Spots?

• About La Roche-Posay

Recommended by 90,000 dermatologists worldwide, La Roche-Posay's mission is to offer a better life for sensitive skin. Created by a pharmacist in 1975, the brand is now present in over 60 countries. It offers a unique range of daily skincare developed for every skin type to complement their patients' treatments and promote good skincare practices adapted to each skin concern.

Featuring highly concentrated ingredients tailored to your specific skin needs, these nourishing formulas are clinically tested to be potent yet safe for daily use on even the most sensitive skin. La Roche-Posay is dedicated to improving your quality of life by improving the quality of your daily skin care routine. With a commitment to high efficacy and skin tolerance, La Roche-Posay products are made with strict formulation principles for optimal safety and effectiveness.

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• The Difference & Reviews

| La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum

($44.99/30ml, up to 8% cashback at La Roche-Posay)

What Does It Do? 

This anti-aging serum visibly reduces a range of skin discoloration, including sunspots, age spots, post-acne marks (or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), and even the most persistent dark spots. Powered by Melasyl™, the newest, exclusive La Roche-Posay ingredient, in combination with 10% Niacinamide. A first-of-its-kind discoloration treatment to visibly correct persistent dark spots with long-lasting results, while respecting the natural tone of all skin.

Who Is It For? 

Suitable for those with post-acne marks, sun spots and age spots. 

Key Ingredients:

- Melasyl™: New, exclusive multi-patented La Roche-Posay ingredient that visibly reduces persistent dark spots with long-lasting results. Targets discoloration while respecting the natural tone of all skin. Born from 18 years of research.

- Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is a water soluble vitamin. It is widely used in dermatology and is known for its ability to help visibly fade skin discoloration. Melasyl™ and Niacinamide work together to help visibly correct even stubborn dark spots

- Thermal Spring Water:A soothing water sourced in the town of La Roche-Posay in France and a core ingredient in most of our products. It contains a unique combination of minerals, trace elements, and a high concentration of selenium, a natural antioxidant.

Texture & Fragrance: Although the Mela B3 serum is a little expensive, it is worth the investment for those struggling with hyperpigmentation. The visible results and lack of irritation make it a standout product in the crowded skincare market.

The Mela B3 serum by La Roche-Posay offers a promising solution for individuals dealing with hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Its unique formulation, featuring MelasylTM and other potent ingredients, delivers noticeable results without causing irritation. As the global prevalence of pigmentation disorders continues to rise, the Mela B3 serum serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking a path towards clearer, more evenly toned skin.

| La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Serum

($44.99/30ml, up to 5% cashback at Dermstore)

What Does It Do? 

Brighten, smooth and exfoliate with La Roche-Posay's Glycolic B5 Dark Spot Corrector. This powerhouse anti-aging serum is formulated with 10% glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) recognized by dermatologists as an effective exfoliating agent. This face serum is also formulated with TXA, kojic acid and vitamin B5 to visibly smooth and refine skin. Clinically tested, it helps reduce the look of dark spots and discolorations and reveals radiant, even-looking skin.

Who Is It For? 

Suitable for those with dark spots, age spots and discolorations, and multiple skin tones.

Key Ingredients:

- Glycolic Acid: An Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) often considered the gold standard in dermatology for skin exfoliation. Within the formulas, it is recognized for its ability to increase skin surface cell turnover and help visibly improve skin tone and texture.

- Kojic Acid: Derived from mushrooms, it is used in Glycolic B5 Serum to help visibly reduce skin discolorations.

- Lipo-Hydroxy Acid: Also known as LHA, it's a derivative of salicylic acid, and has exfoliating and skin surface renewing properties.

- Tranexamic Acid (TXA): Recognized by dermatologists, this ingredient is used in Glycolic B5 Serum to help address the appearance of skin discolorations and the overall skin complexion.

- Vitamin B5: Panthenol (provitamin B5) is a key ingredient used in some La Roche-Posay formulas to help the skin feel soothed and moisturized.

- La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water: A soothing water sourced in the town of La Roche-Posay in France and a core ingredient in most of their products. It contains a unique combination of minerals, trace elements, and a high concentration of selenium, a natural antioxidant.

Texture & Fragrance: It has a unique texture to touch almost gel-like, but it dries pretty fast and it’s not sticky. This product is fragrance-free but smells weird.

Review: Because the serum is rather thick, you could pat it evenly onto the skin to ensure it completely absorbs. It's important to note that since the serum contains an AHA, the skin may feel  more sensitive to the sun and is more susceptible to sunburn. So, when using this product, make sure to limit exposure to the sun and use sunscreen. If you want to fade dark spots and get an even skin tone this serum is great for that.

Some positives of the serum include: - improves your skin texture - evens out the tone of your skin - gives noticeable results - makes the skin radiant Some of the negatives include: - it is not a permanent solution as the spots do return- it definitely is a product to repeatedly use - It took a couple of weeks before noticeable improvement For the most part the serum worked wonderfully. 

Mela B3 vs. Glycolic B5

Both La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum and La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Dark Spot Corrector Serum are designed to target hyperpigmentation and dark spots, but the key difference is that Mela B3 focuses on addressing discoloration with its unique ingredient "Melasyl" and Niacinamide, while Glycolic B5 uses a higher concentration of exfoliating glycolic acid to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots; making Mela B3 potentially better for sensitive skin and Glycolic B5 more effective for tackling deeper discoloration with a stronger exfoliating effect. 

| La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Serum

($44.99/50ml, up to 4% cashback at Walgreens)

What Does It Do? 

Treat skin to the hydrating, brightening and smoothing properties of La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C12 Serum, a lightweight face serum that helps to prevent and correct the appearance of aging.

This fresh, non-greasy essence melts quickly into skin, releasing a surge of beneficial ingredients to leave the face feeling softer, more hydrated and glowing. Pure Vitamin C harnesses anti-wrinkle and antioxidant properties, lending skin visible radiance and glow, while Hyaluronic Acid plumps skin with moisture to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Deeply hydrating and skin-smoothing, it also contains Salicylic Acid to gently exfoliate away dead skin for a brighter, more uniform tone and texture. Its dose of Thermal Water, with exceptional mineral diversity, delivers soothing, restorative and protective benefits.

Who Is It For? 

Ideal for all skin types even combination & sensitive skin, and those with wrinkles, dull skin and uneven tone.

Key Ingredients:

- 12% Pure Vitamin C: Also known as L-ascorbic acid, this ingredient is commonly recommended by dermatologists. Within the formulas, this water-soluble vitamin is known for its antioxidant and visible anti-aging properties.

- Salicylic Acid: Known for its effective exfoliating properties to help clear and refine the appearance of pores. An ideal choice for those concerned with clogged pores and oily skin.

- Neurosensine: A synthetic dipeptide, also known as acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, used to help skin feel soothed.

- Glycerin: Derived from vegetable sources, it's an excellent humectant. It helps hydrate skin by absorbing water from the surrounding environment.

- Hyaluronic Acid (HA): A polysaccharide (carbohydrate polymer) found naturally within the skin. When used in a formula, HA is an effective humectant that can hold a large amount of water to help maintain the skin's moisture.

- La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water: It contains a unique combination of minerals, trace elements, and a high concentration of selenium, a natural antioxidant.

Texture & Fragrance: Despite having a thick texture it feels smooth on application and dries quickly without leaving a sticky residue. It also sits well with makeup and isn't greasy. It does have a slight scent but not enough to be irritating. 

Review: La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C12 Serum is a potent yet gentle option for brightening and improving skin texture. Its 12% Vitamin C formula works well to reduce the appearance of dark spots and boost radiance, making it ideal for those with hyperpigmentation. The serum absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, and with regular use, it helps smooth fine lines and even out the complexion. It's suitable for sensitive skin, as it doesn't cause irritation. A great choice for adding a glow and improving skin clarity over time.

But it also has some downsides. The pipette is absolutely useless so you squeeze and squeeze and squeeze trying to get product into the tube for application. Not only is this frustrating, but it means air is being pumped into the product, causing it to oxidize so fast. 

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