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Let's all agree that introducing new products into our skincare routines can be a daunting task. This couldn’t ring any truer for me; as someone with sensitive skin prone to redness, I’m constantly wary of anything that might cause irritation. But as beauty editors, whenever a new product lands in the office, we’re always excited to try it, so when we were presented with the opportunity to trial not just one but three new products, to say we were excited is putting it lightly. The products in question? La Roche-Posay’s Mela B3 Clarifying Cleanser, Mela B3 Intensive Anti-Dark Spots Serum and Anthelios SPF 50+ Invisible Fluid.
In case you’re not already familiar with the beloved French pharmacy brand, La Roche-Posay, the UK's number one dermatologist-recommended skincare brand* is renowned for its specialist products and commitment to addressing a wide range of skin concerns. Founded in 1975 in France, the brand has since become a global leader in skincare thanks to its effective yet gentle formulations. Its extensive range of products includes cult favourites such as award-winning Effaclar Duo+M for blemish-prone skin and the Anthelios sunscreen line, both of which have garnered praise from skincare enthusiasts worldwide for years. Personally, I've developed a deep trust in the brand, particularly after experiencing the transformative effects of Effaclar Duo+M on my own occasional breakouts. This trust is shared by the rest of the Who What Wear UK team, making La Roche-Posay’s fuss-free, affordable and results-driven products an office favourite. With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to science-backed skincare solutions, it's no wonder the brand has earned its place as a staple in the routines of people who take their skin health seriously—myself included.
The brand’s latest innovation, the new Mela B3 range, is specifically formulated to target hyperpigmentation, a common issue for many. These products boast a blend of powerful ingredients, including the multi-patented pigment-inhibiting Melasyl molecule and 10% niacinamide—an ingredient known (and loved) for its ability to soothe the skin's barrier function and helps fade the appearance of existing dark spots. This holy trinity of products starts with the Clarifying Micro Peeling Gel Cleanser, which works to gently purify the skin without stripping its natural moisture, Intensive Anti-Dark Spots Serum to help lighten pigmentation by delivering potent ingredients such as LHA (a derivative of salicylic acid) and retinyl palmitate; and Anthelios UVMune SPF 50+ Invisible Fluid for that much-needed protection against harmful UV rays, essential for helping prevent further damage and maintaining the results of the skincare routine.
Now, I know you’ve come here for the reviews, but before we get into it, I want to share some of the groundbreaking science behind how these products actually work. It all centres around Melasyl, La Roche-Posay’s own ingredient. Melasyl is a genius new molecule that parent company L'Oréal has been researching and testing for 18 years. At its most basic level, it works with the melanin in your skin rather than against it, meaning it can intercept the precursors of melanin at the early stages of pigmentation forming before it even has the opportunity to mark the skin.
In the serum, it’s joined by 10% niacinamide, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient ideal for helping improve sun spots, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It works by halting the transfer of pigments from the melanocyte cells in the skin to the keratinocyte cells—the process that leaves dark marks on the skin. La Roche-Posay knows that hyperpigmentation is such a complex process, as the issue impacts the skin at so many different levels, so the brand wanted to create a formula that goes beyond the efficacy of Melasyl alone; one that could tackle those early signs of pigmentation, which is what this combination of Melasyl and niacinamide does perfectly. As a bonus, niacinamide also helps minimise excess oil buildup, making it perfect for breakout-prone skin. The serum also features super-hydrating ingredients like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate (read: Hyaluronic Acid!), which work excellently to help prevent dark spots as they help keep the top layer of the skin moisturised.
But enough about science and now onto the fun part—the reviews. Since the products profess to tackle multiple skin insecurities—be it ageing, hyperpigmentation, dehydration or stubborn post-acne marks—we wanted to ensure we trialled them on various skin types. Rebecca Rhys-Evans, our senior fashion and beauty editor for branded content, has mild acne with some post-acne scarring and dehydration, so she was a perfect candidate, whilst Morgan Fargo, a freelance beauty editor and Who What Wear UK contributor, concentrated on any change to her sensitive skin prone to hyperpigmentation and I wanted to see if I could tackle my dull and dehydrated skin. Read on for the results…
*Humaa’s individual results (3 weeks daily use). Individual results will vary.
I've generally always had pretty calm skin—touch wood. But that doesn't mean I don't have issues that irritate me, like the dullness that follows a few hours after my very extensive skincare routine. All those products provide the ultimate glow for about a minute, and then my skin goes right back to its previous dialled-down setting. I've always been on the lookout for a skincare product that helps target exactly this. As a beauty editor, I've tried my fair share of "anti-dullness" products, and it's safe to say I'm yet to achieve success. However, after six weeks of incorporating the Mela B3 products into my daily regimen, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my complexion. The Mela B3 Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum in particular has been a game-changer. I've been using it in tandem with the Clarifying Micro-Peeling Gel Cleanser, which I apply first, followed by a spritz of toner and an even layer of the serum all over my face and neck.
Not only has it helped to lighten dark spots left behind by past blemishes, but it has also calmed my skin, leaving it feeling nourished and balanced. I no longer fear breakouts during that time of the month, knowing I have a reliable solution to minimise the aftermath. I'm also enjoying combining my moisturiser with Anthelios SPF 50+ Invisible Fluid—it gives just the right amount of hydration without leaving my skin looking oily and doesn't leave behind a white cast. With La Roche Posay’s Mela B3 range, I’ve found a skincare routine that addresses my concerns and exceeds my expectations. I'm saying hello to brighter, more radiant skin—and goodbye to skincare woes.
*Morgan’s individual results (3 weeks daily use). Individual results will vary.
My skin is finicky, sensitive and tends to scar—darkly. This hyperpigmentation is the bane of my life and I have a slew of protocols in place to try to minimise it. These include daily SPF (30 as the bare minimum, please people!), using my LED red light mask as often as I can and donning a celebrity-off-duty-esque baseball cap during my lunchtime stomps around the park. Whilst these measures are helpful, as soon as a spot threatens to erupt on my face, a stubborn dark mark will shortly follow, so I was immediately sold when I was introduced to the Mela B3 Intense Anti-Dark Spot Serum.
Packed full of soothing niacinamide, I didn't have any fear that it would cause my skin to break out in an angry rash or dermatitis, nor did I need to be concerned it would feel claggy on my face like some other serums I've tried. Instead, the serum is gel-ish in texture and light enough to layer under makeup (although I prefer to use it as part of my nighttime skincare routine). Our skin goes through profound healing when we're asleep, and I like to think this dark spot treatment works even harder whilst I'm in a deep dream state. Speaking of which, word to the wise: If you're wearing a good SPF during the day (as you should be), you need to make sure your cleanser does a good enough job of scrubbing it off before you head to bed. The Mela B3 Clarifying Micro-Peeling Gel Cleanser does exactly this, leaving my face clean, bright and gently exfoliated.
After using the serum, the marks that would usually take up to four months to fade have dissolved more rapidly—something I noticed one day whilst applying my makeup and automatically going to conceal a particularly irritating mark. With concealer in hand, I realised it had disappeared to the extent that I didn't need to go in with layers of correcting concealer. Instead, I could use a light touch, apply my SPF and go about my business. Whilst I didn't notice a specific brightening of the unmarked areas of my skin, that wasn't my goal. My intention was to clear enough of the persistent marks so that going barefaced to the office felt like a joy rather than a confronting reality. As a shrewd and selective beauty editor, I'm impressed. Mostly by how quietly and quickly this unassuming bottle solved persistent hyperpigmentation, my biggest skin battle.
*Rebecca's individual results (3 weeks daily use). Individual results will vary.
As someone with acne scarring and dehydrated skin, I’m always open to trialling anything that will help tackle my concerns. La Roche-Posay’s Mela B3 Intensive Anti-Dark Spot Serum is, without a doubt, the best affordable skincare product I’ve tried in a while. Its innovative formula has already reduced my scarring in just three weeks of use and has really helped hydrate my face and neck. It's this hydration that I’m most impressed by—I cannot believe how soft and plump my skin feels. Whereas some serums are too thick and sticky to be used under makeup, this one feels light and silky. My makeup glides perfectly on top and it helps my foundation blend into my skin beautifully. After a few days, I found myself reaching for it each morning I wanted to wear makeup, just as if it were a primer.
Wanting to give the full Mela B3 lineup a go, I paired it with the Clarifying Micro-Peeling Gel Cleanser and Anthelios SPF 50+ Invisible Fluid. I have sensitive skin, so at first, introducing three new products at the same time did leave my skin a little irritated. However, I think this was probably down to doubling up on niacinamide from the serum and the cleanser, and after a short while it soothed and I could noticeably see my skin looking brighter after about a week (which is considerably less time than other products have taken). So far, so impressive—I can only hope the results will get even better in the coming months.
La Roche-Posay’s Mela B3 range has emerged as a skincare power trio, offering a transformative solution for all three of us as we seek radiant, flawless skin. With its groundbreaking formulas and unwavering dedication to scientific innovation, the brand has cemented its status as a must-have in any skincare arsenal. Whether you're combatting stubborn dark spots or dullness or simply aiming to elevate your complexion to new heights, La Roche-Posay's Mela B3 range delivers results that speak for themselves. Bid farewell to skincare woes and embrace a luminous, revitalised complexion with La Roche-Posay. Your gateway to beauty confidence awaits.
*Study of 73 Consultant Dermatologists Jan-April 2023. For more info visit La Roche-Posay.
Discover more of La Roche-Posay products here.
