Head to head
Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide vs C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
La Roche-PosayMela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide7.6
SkinCeuticalsC E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid7.7vsSkinCeuticals 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
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
Side by side
Every detail, compared.
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SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
Highest score- Dark spots
- Hyperpigmentation
- Acne marks
- Brightening
- Antioxidant
- Brightening
- Fine lines
- Firming
- • 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
- 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
- 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
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 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.