La Roche Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl and 10% Niacinamide - 1 fl oz

Common questions

Is La Roche Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl and 10% Niacinamide - 1 fl oz healthy?

La Roche Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl and 10% Niacinamide - 1 fl oz scores 72/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This serum contains beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate, which are known for their moisturizing and anti-aging properties.

How processed is La Roche Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl and 10% Niacinamide - 1 fl oz?

La Roche Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl and 10% Niacinamide - 1 fl oz is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive La Roche Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl and 10% Niacinamide - 1 fl oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Cystoseira Tamariscifolia Extract count in its favor; Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

See more

La Roche Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl and 10% Niacinamide - 1 fl oz

72 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$44.97 · 1 fl oz · $44.97 / fluid ounce
View on Amazon
Verified Amazon match

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 10
Harmful ingredients 3
Category Face Wash, Moisturizer & Skin Care
Summary

This serum contains beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate, which are known for their moisturizing and anti-aging properties. However, it also includes propylene glycol and phenoxyethanol, which can cause irritation in sensitive skin. The presence of these synthetic ingredients and the overall level of processing prevent it from achieving a higher score.

Key ingredients 30

Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to improve skin texture. It helps reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Improves skin texture, reduces inflammation, and minimizes pores.

See more about Niacinamide →
Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is generally safe and well-tolerated.

Risks

Very low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Helps maintain skin hydration and improves moisture retention.

See more about Glycerin →
Cystoseira Tamariscifolia Extract
Good

Cystoseira Tamariscifolia Extract is a marine botanical extract known for its antioxidant properties. It helps protect the skin from environmental stressors and supports skin health. It is generally well-tolerated.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection and supports skin health.

Sodium Hyaluronate
Good

Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that is highly effective at retaining moisture in the skin. It helps to hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Risks

Very low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Deeply hydrates the skin and reduces fine lines.

See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →
Carnosine
Good

Carnosine is a dipeptide with antioxidant properties that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress. It may also have anti-aging benefits by reducing the appearance of fine lines. It is generally well-tolerated.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection and may reduce fine lines.

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Good

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate is derived from licorice root and is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Soothes irritated skin and reduces redness.

See more about Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate →
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Good

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It helps to moisturize and soften the skin without leaving a greasy residue. It is generally well-tolerated and non-comedogenic.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Moisturizes and softens the skin effectively.

See more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride →
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Good

Capryloyl Salicylic Acid is a derivative of salicylic acid that provides gentle exfoliation and helps to unclog pores. It is effective in improving skin texture and reducing acne. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Risks

Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides gentle exfoliation and improves skin texture.

See more about Capryloyl Salicylic Acid →
Retinyl Palmitate
Good

Retinyl Palmitate is a derivative of Vitamin A that is used for its anti-aging properties. It helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Risks

Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves skin texture and reduces fine lines.

Tocopherol
Good

Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative stress. It supports skin health and improves moisture retention. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection and supports skin health.

See more about Tocopherol →
Aqua/Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no known risks associated with water in cosmetic products.

Benefits

Water acts as a solvent and helps in the application of the product.

See more about Aqua/Water →
Polysilicone-11
Neutral

Polysilicone-11 is a silicone-based ingredient used to provide a silky texture and smooth application. It helps to fill in fine lines and create a matte finish. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause buildup on the skin with prolonged use.

Benefits

Provides a smooth, matte finish and improves product texture.

Silica
Neutral

Silica is used in cosmetics to improve texture and absorb excess oil. It provides a matte finish and helps to blur imperfections. It is generally considered safe for topical use.

Risks

Inhalation of silica particles can be harmful, but this is not a concern in topical applications.

Benefits

Improves texture, absorbs oil, and provides a matte finish.

See more about Silica →
Bis-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 Dimethicone
Neutral

This is a silicone-based surfactant that helps to stabilize emulsions and improve product spreadability. It is commonly used in skincare for its texture-enhancing properties. It is generally considered safe.

Risks

May cause buildup on the skin with prolonged use.

Benefits

Improves product spreadability and stabilizes emulsions.

2-Mercaptonicotinoyl Glycine
Neutral

2-Mercaptonicotinoyl Glycine is used in cosmetics for its potential skin-brightening effects. It may help reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve skin tone. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

Limited data on long-term safety and efficacy.

Benefits

May help brighten skin and reduce dark spots.

PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Neutral

This ingredient is an emulsifier that helps blend oil and water-based components in formulations. It improves the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Potential for mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves product stability and texture.

Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is effective in small amounts to ensure product stability. It is generally considered safe when used in low concentrations.

Risks

Can be irritating in high concentrations, but typically used in safe amounts.

Benefits

Helps maintain product stability by adjusting pH.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Sodium Thiosulfate
Neutral

Sodium Thiosulfate is used in cosmetics as an antioxidant and stabilizer. It helps to prevent the degradation of other ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Acts as an antioxidant and stabilizer in formulations.

Poloxamer 338
Neutral

Poloxamer 338 is a surfactant used to improve the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products. It helps to stabilize emulsions and is generally considered safe for use. It is non-irritating to the skin.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stabilizes emulsions.

Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Neutral

This ingredient is a thickening agent used to improve the texture and consistency of cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize emulsions and is generally considered safe for use. It is non-irritating to the skin.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stabilizes emulsions.

Caprylyl Glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and skin conditioning agent that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It also has antimicrobial properties that can enhance product preservation. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Helps retain moisture and enhances product preservation.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations and can also provide mild exfoliation. It helps to maintain product stability and improve skin texture. It is generally considered safe when used in low concentrations.

Risks

Can be irritating in high concentrations, but typically used in safe amounts.

Benefits

Helps maintain product stability and provides mild exfoliation.

See more about Citric Acid →
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Neutral

This ingredient is a chelating agent that helps to stabilize cosmetic formulations by binding metal ions. It improves product stability and is generally considered safe for use. It is non-irritating to the skin.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Improves product stability by binding metal ions.

See more about Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent used to improve the texture and consistency of cosmetic products. It helps to stabilize emulsions and is generally considered safe for use. It is non-irritating to the skin.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stabilizes emulsions.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Pentylene Glycol
Neutral

Pentylene Glycol is a humectant and solvent that helps to retain moisture in the skin and improve product texture. It also has antimicrobial properties that can enhance product preservation. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Helps retain moisture and enhances product preservation.

See more about Pentylene Glycol →
Octyldodecanol
Neutral

Octyldodecanol is an emollient used to improve the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products. It helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Softens and smooths the skin effectively.

See more about Octyldodecanol →
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Neutral

This ingredient is an antioxidant used to stabilize cosmetic formulations and prevent the degradation of other ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products. It is non-irritating to the skin.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and prevents ingredient degradation.

See more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate →
Dimethicone
Bad

Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.

Risks

Potential for skin buildup and may cause breakouts in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides a smooth application and helps retain skin moisture.

See more about Dimethicone →
Propylene Glycol
Bad

Propylene Glycol is a synthetic humectant used to improve texture and moisture retention. It can cause irritation in sensitive skin and has been associated with contact dermatitis. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves product texture and helps retain moisture.

See more about Propylene Glycol →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. It can cause irritation in sensitive skin and has been associated with allergic reactions. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play
Amazon pricing & content

Amazon price as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.

More in Skin Care