Head to head
Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide vs Crystal Retinal 6
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 edges out La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide, 7.9 to 7.6. It wins on results, formula and texture and feel, while the Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide is stronger on value.
Benefit fingerprints
What each one does.
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
Side by side
Every detail, compared.
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Medik8
Crystal Retinal 6
Highest score- Dark spots
- Hyperpigmentation
- Acne marks
- Brightening
- Fine lines
- Firming
- Smoothing
- Dark spots
- • Persistent dark spots and post-acne marks
- • Hydroquinone-free routines for deeper skin tones
- • People already using daily sunscreen
- • Retinol users ready to move up to retinaldehyde
- • Fine lines and uneven texture in normal to dry skin
- • People who prefer a slow, stepwise retinoid routine
- Melasyl, a new multi-patented anti-discoloration ingredient, plus 10% niacinamide
- Brand study: 90% saw improvement in persistent dark spots after 8 weeks
- Tested on sensitive skin, allergy tested and non-comedogenic
- 0.06% retinaldehyde, a step up from Crystal Retinal 3 for regular vitamin A users
- Part of a six-strength ladder, so users can build tolerance gradually
- Airless pump tube with a stability system meant to protect the retinal
- Contains fragrance and several silicones
- Results reported by creators are gradual and inconsistent
- $87 for 30 mL is expensive for a retinoid serum
- Contains vanilla and tonka extracts and coumarin, despite 'no artificial fragrance' marketing
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission. How we make money
FAQ
Quick answers.
Which is better, Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide or Crystal Retinal 6?
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 edges out La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide, 7.9 to 7.6. It wins on results, formula and texture and feel, while the Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide is stronger on value.
Which is better value?
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide works out to about $44.35 / oz and Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 to about $85.76 / oz, based on typical non-Amazon retail prices when we last checked.
How do you score them?
Both are scored on the same five-factor rubric (results, formula & ingredients, texture & experience, value, community love), using the formula or specs, verified creator reviews, community consensus and value. Brands can’t pay for placement.