Compare Products: Mela B3 Serum vs C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Who It's Designed For

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
Sunday Riley
  • Those who want a stable vitamin C that will not oxidize or change color
  • Users who find L-ascorbic acid serums too irritating or acidic
  • People who enjoy a citrus-scented skincare experience
  • Those seeking a vitamin C serum that does not require refrigeration
  • Users looking for a luxurious texture that layers well under makeup

Key Ingredients

La Roche Posay

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

Sunday Riley

15% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD Ascorbate), Squalane, Glycolic Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Saccharide Isomerate

Product Composition

24% similarity (11 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
aqua/water/eauglycerin2-mercaptonicotinoyl glycinesodium hyaluronatesodium hydroxidesodium thiosulfatecaprylyl glycoltrisodium ethylenediamine disuccinatetocopherolphenoxyethanolci 17200/red 33
Only in La Roche Posay (21)
dimethiconeniacinamidepropylene glycolpolysilicone-11silicabis-peg/ppg-16/16 peg/ppg-16/16 dimethiconecystoseira tamariscifolia extractpeg-20 methyl glucose sesquistearatecarnosinepoloxamer 338ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl tauratedipotassium glycyrrhizatecaprylic/capric triglyceridecapryloyl salicylic acidcitric acidxanthan gumpentylene glycoloctyldodecanolretinyl palmitatepentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamateparfum/fragrance
Only in Sunday Riley (14)
tetrahexyldecyl ascorbatesqualanepolyglyceryl-6 distearatepeg-8 beeswaxlimoneneppg-12/smdi copolymerhydrogenated polydeceneacetamidoethoxyethanoljojoba esterschlorphenesincera albaisosqualanec30 hydrocarbonssaccharide isomerate

User Feedback Patterns

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.

Sunday Riley
Luxurious texture

Users consistently praise the lightweight oily texture that absorbs well and sits beautifully under makeup. The application experience is rated higher than most L-ascorbic acid serums.

Pleasant citrus scent

The orange scent is frequently mentioned as a positive. Users who enjoy scented skincare rate this highly. However, fragrance-sensitive users avoid it.

No oxidation concerns

Users appreciate that the golden color remains consistent throughout the product's life. No anxiety about darkening or wasting product due to oxidation.

Gradual brightening results

Brightening results are described as gradual but visible over 4-8 weeks. Some users expecting the immediate 'glow' of L-ascorbic acid find the results slower.

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