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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.