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Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide vs C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid edges out La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide, 7.7 to 7.6. It wins on results, formula and community love, while the Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide is stronger on texture and feel and value.

Benefit fingerprints

What each one does.

La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

Side by side

Every detail, compared.

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Beauty score
7.6Good
7.7Good
Results30% of score
7.6
8.8
Formula & ingredients20% of score
8.0
9.0
Texture & experience15% of score
7.6
7.4
Value20% of score
7.2
4.6
Community love15% of score
7.4
8.4
Community
No ratings yet
No ratings yet
PriceTypical, checked by our editors
$44.99/ 1 fl oz / 30 mlMid-range
$185/ 1 fl oz / 30 mlLuxury
Price per ounceLowest wins
$44.35 / oz
$182.37 / oz
What it does
  • Dark spots
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Acne marks
  • Brightening
  • Antioxidant
  • Brightening
  • Fine lines
  • Firming
Made for
All skin types, Normal skin, Combination skin, Oily skin
Normal skin, Dry skin, Combination skin, Sensitive skin, Mature skin
Format
Serum
Serum
Texture
Lightweight serum, per La Roche-Posay
Thin, watery serum applied 4-5 drops at a time; color ranges from clear to pale yellow to amber and darkens over time, per the brand FAQ
Fragrance-free
No — contains fragrance
Yes
Claims
Non-comedogenic, Dermatologist-tested, Paraben-free
Paraben-free, Fragrance-free, FSA/HSA eligible
Brand origin
🇫🇷 French pharmacy
—
Video reviews
Best for
  • • Persistent dark spots and post-acne marks
  • • Hydroquinone-free routines for deeper skin tones
  • • People already using daily sunscreen
  • • Daily antioxidant protection under sunscreen
  • • Dullness and early signs of aging
  • • Buyers who want the original, clinically studied formula
Strengths
  • 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
  • Well-studied 15% L-ascorbic acid, 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid combination
  • New formula adds 0.3% carnosine and 1% Endophytol for extra antioxidant support
  • Fragrance-free, paraben-free and dye-free
Watch-outs
  • Contains fragrance and several silicones
  • Results reported by creators are gradual and inconsistent
  • $185 for 30 mL is a luxury price for a daily serum
  • L-ascorbic acid oxidizes and darkens; the brand advises using within 3-6 months of opening

FAQ

Quick answers.

Which is better, Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide or C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid?

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid edges out La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide, 7.7 to 7.6. It wins on results, formula and community love, while the Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide is stronger on texture and feel and value.

Which is better value?

La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide works out to about $44.35 / oz and SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid to about $182.37 / 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.