Compare Products: 345 Relief Cream vs Mela B3 Serum

Dr. Althea

345 Relief Cream

Mid-range
$24 / 50ml — $0.48/ml
La Roche Posay

Mela B3 Serum

Premium10%
$45 / 30ml — $1.50/ml

Who It's Designed For

Dr. Althea
  • Those with compromised or sensitized skin barriers
  • Users recovering from skin procedures or environmental damage
  • Sensitive skin types seeking a fragrance-free calming cream
  • People who want centella benefits with added antioxidant support
  • Those looking for a non-greasy barrier repair cream
La Roche Posay
  • Those with stubborn hyperpigmentation including sunspots, age spots, and post-acne marks
  • Users seeking dermatologist-backed, clinically tested brightening products
  • People who want an alternative mechanism to vitamin C or hydroquinone
  • All skin tones; formulated to work without affecting natural skin tone
  • Sensitive skin types who need gentle but effective brightening

Key Ingredients

Dr. Althea

Centella Asiatica Extract, Resveratrol, Ceramide NP, Panthenol, Madecassoside

La Roche Posay

Niacinamide (10%), Melasyl (2-Mercaptonicotinoyl Glycine), Sodium Hyaluronate, LHA (Capryloyl Salicylic Acid)

Product Composition

32% similarity (17 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
waterglycerinniacinamide1hydrogenated lecithinstearic aciddimethiconeasiatic acidmadecassic aciddipotassium glycyrrhizatetocopherolcaprylic/capric triglyceridesodium hyaluronatexanthan gumethylhexylglycerindisodium edtacaprylyl glycol
Only in Dr. Althea (20)
butylene glycolcetyl ethylhexanoate2-hexanediolcetearyl alcoholglyceryl stearatecetearyl olivatesorbitan olivateceramide nppanthenolcentella asiatica extractmadecassosideasiaticosideresveratrolallantoinbeta-glucanhydroxyethyl ureacarbomertromethaminesorbitan sesquioleatepolyglyceryl-10 laurate
Only in La Roche Posay (16)
propylene glycolsilicacystoseira tamariscifolia extract2-mercaptonicotinoyl glycinepeg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearatecarnosinepoloxamer 338ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl tauratecapryloyl salicylic acidcitric acidpentylene glycoloctyldodecanolretinyl palmitatepentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamatephenoxyethanolparfum/fragrance

User Feedback Patterns

Dr. Althea
Effective for redness and irritation

Users frequently report reduced redness and calmer skin within days of use. Popular among those with rosacea-prone or post-procedure skin.

Non-greasy for a barrier cream

Multiple reviewers note the texture is lighter than expected for a repair cream. Absorbs well and works under makeup.

Reliable daily moisturizer

Many users report using this as their primary moisturizer long-term, not just for recovery periods. Consistent performance across seasons.

Mild results for severe barrier damage

Some users with significantly compromised barriers note the cream helped but was not sufficient on its own. Needed pairing with other barrier products.

La Roche Posay
Effective for post-acne marks

Users frequently report fading of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne. Often noted as more effective than previous vitamin C serums.

Gentle on sensitive skin

Despite fragrance, many sensitive skin users report no irritation. Users with rosacea have noted tolerance.

Gradual results

Users report seeing changes over weeks to months. Not overnight results, but consistent improvement with regular use.

Texture praise

Lightweight serum absorbs quickly without greasiness. Layers well under sunscreen and makeup.

Mixed expectations

Some users with stubborn melasma or very dark spots report only modest improvement. Works better on newer or less severe pigmentation.

Which Should You Buy?

Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream offers great value at a lower price point. La Roche Posay Mela B3 Serum may be worth the premium if you want Niacinamide (10%).

View Full Product Details

Related Comparisons