Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum — Reddit Reviews
Updated October 3, 2026
Niacinamide-based dark spot serum for hyperpigmentation; mixed results, burning reports.
What the community says
A niacinamide-heavy dark spot serum people mostly reach for on melasma, post-acne marks, and stubborn sun spots. Redditors split hard: some see fading, others get burning or nothing after months, so YMMV if your skin is reactive or impatient.
What this means for you
Backed by 27 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 3 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- Niacinamide-heavy dark spot focus
- Can visibly fade stubborn pigmentation
- Often layers fine in AM or PM routines
Watch out for
Product details
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Acne
Some evidence
Niacinamide: 6 studies tested it on its own. See all 17 studies
Hyperpigmentation
Some evidence
Niacinamide: 5 studies tested it on its own. See all 24 studies
On Reddit: Niacinamide-rich serum shines for addressing dark spots with visible results after weeks of consistent night use. 11 mentions
What the studies found
- All of these studies found niacinamide helped fade dark spots or patches
- Niacinamide 5% faded dark spots more than a placebo in studies of sun-damaged skin and dark patches
- Used with salicylic acid peels, niacinamide improved dark patches more than peels alone
- A niacinamide mix faded dark spots better than niacinamide alone in one study
- One study found the fading effect reversed after niacinamide was stopped
Skin Barrier
Not proven yet
Few or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.
Niacinamide: 1 study tested it on its own. See all 17 studies
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 38 mentions across 27 threads
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum on Reddit, in one place — 27 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/30PlusSkinCare and 3 more, summarized.
“and la roche posay mela b3 every morning”
Positive
“My skincare routine is basically cleaning my face with micelar water, effaclar by la roche posay and biretix every other day at night, and la roche posay mela b3 every morning.”
Positive
“I wear sunscreen every day.”
Positive
“PM: Cleanser (La Roche-Posay Toleriane) → La Roche-Posay Mela B3 serum → La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Gel B5”
Positive
“Open to hearing if this is doing anything useful for the post-AK redness/damage, or if I should be adding/swapping something.”
Positive
“Anything you'd add to or change about my current routine, or anything you'd specifically make sure to ask my derm about at my next visit?”
Positive
“La Roche Posay Mela B3 serum, then wait at least 3 minutes for it to absorb/dry”
Positive
“My skin has had near-zero post-tret peeling since I've started this regimen”
Positive
“Gentle tips that have helped me while re-implementing tret into my PM regimen”
Positive
“La Roche posay mela B3 serum works wonders for dark spots ..... Good luck babe!”
Positive
“Does anyone know what these brown marks are under my eyes and how I can get rid of them?”
Positive
“Hi! Does anyone know what these brown marks are under my eyes and how I can get rid of them?”
Positive
“[La Roche Posay Mela B3 serum ]”
Mentioned
“Evening:”
Mentioned
“Some examples of products that may help:”
Mentioned
“3. La Roche Posay mela B3 serum (for dark spot correction)”
Positive
“My skincare routine tonight is as follows”
Positive
“Everything but the pair acne cream is apart of my normal routine so I will know if the pair is the thing making the difference.”
Positive
Dupes & Alternatives
Anua
Azelaic Acid Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
Better for Hyperpigmentation
2 shared traits
713 mentions