Skip to content

Head to head

Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide vs 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum

Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum edges out La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide, 8.1 to 7.6. It wins on results, formula and value, while the Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide is stronger on texture and feel.

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

Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum

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.

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. How we make money

Beauty score
7.6Good
8.1Great
Results30% of score
7.6
8.0
Formula & ingredients20% of score
8.0
8.2
Texture & experience15% of score
7.6
6.8
Value20% of score
7.2
9.0
Community love15% of score
7.4
8.2
Community
No ratings yet
No ratings yet
PriceTypical, checked by our editors
$44.99/ 1 fl oz / 30 mlMid-range
$27.95/ 1 fl oz / 30 mlMid-range
Price per ounceLowest wins
$44.35 / oz
$27.55 / oz
What it does
  • Dark spots
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Acne marks
  • Brightening
  • Antioxidant
  • Brightening
  • Dullness
  • Hyperpigmentation
Made for
All skin types, Normal skin, Combination skin, Oily skin
Normal skin, Oily skin, Combination skin, Dry skin
Format
Serum
Serum
Texture
Lightweight serum, per La Roche-Posay
Water-like, fast-absorbing serum in a glass pump bottle, per Timeless
Fragrance-free
No — contains fragrance
Yes
Claims
Non-comedogenic, Dermatologist-tested, Paraben-free
Vegan, Cruelty-free (brand-stated), Paraben-free, Sulfate-free, Fragrance-free
Brand origin
🇫🇷 French pharmacy
🇺🇸 American beauty
Video reviews
Best for
  • • Persistent dark spots and post-acne marks
  • • Hydroquinone-free routines for deeper skin tones
  • • People already using daily sunscreen
  • • Budget buyers who want a pure vitamin C serum
  • • Dullness and uneven tone in non-sensitive skin
  • • People curious about a C E Ferulic alternative
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
  • 20% L-ascorbic acid with vitamin E and ferulic acid at $27.95 for 1 oz
  • Fragrance-free, vegan and cruelty-free
  • Now packaged in glass bottles, per Timeless
Watch-outs
  • Contains fragrance and several silicones
  • Results reported by creators are gradual and inconsistent
  • Oxidizes and darkens; Timeless advises using it within 3-6 months and refrigerating it
  • High 20% strength; some users report burning, and Timeless advises stopping if irritation occurs
Where to buy

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 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum?

Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum edges out La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide, 8.1 to 7.6. It wins on results, formula and value, while the Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide is stronger on texture and feel.

Which is better value?

La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide works out to about $44.35 / oz and Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum to about $27.55 / 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.