Mela-D Pigment Control Glycolic Acid Serum
Serum

Mela-D Pigment Control Glycolic Acid Serum

La Roche-Posay
12Ingredients
0EU Banned
2Caution
0.0/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy Risk2 ingredients flagged
0.0/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy Risk2 ingredients flagged
Allergen-freeNo fragrance allergens
67% Natural25% synthetic
Ingredient Analysis

Key Ingredients

Proven ActivesBeneficial ingredients with clinical evidence
WaterEXCELLENTGlycolic Acid (AHA)GOODPropylene Glycol (Humectant)GOODKojic Acid (Brightening)MODERATEC12-13 Alkyl LactateGOODEDTA (Chelating Agent)EXCELLENT

Contains Regulated Ingredients

EU Restricted Ingredients

These ingredients are permitted in the EU but subject to concentration limits, usage conditions, or mandatory labelling requirements under Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

Kojic Acid
Restricted — see EU CosIng Annex III
Potassium Hydroxide
Restricted — see EU CosIng Annex III
What does "EU Restricted" mean?

Restricted ingredients are not banned — they are allowed in cosmetic products as long as specific conditions are met:

  • Concentration limits — maximum allowed percentage in the final product
  • Product type restrictions — some ingredients are only allowed in rinse-off or leave-on products
  • pH restrictions — the finished product must stay within a specific pH range
  • Mandatory labelling — certain allergens must be listed on the packaging
  • Usage conditions — must not be combined with certain other ingredients

These limits are based on the EU CosIng database (Annex III) and are updated regularly. Products sold in the EU must comply with all applicable restrictions.

Ingredient Chemistry

pH

pH Efficacy

pH Efficacy

pH 5.0 — Suboptimal
5.0
0Neutral 714
pH estimated from category & ingredients: 5.0
Active ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Kojic Acid, Salicylic Acid
Glycolic Acid at pH 5: likely ineffective — above 4.5
Kojic Acid at pH 5: optimal range (3.5–5)
Salicylic Acid at pH 5: likely ineffective — above 4.5
Glycolic Acid is at pH 5, which is too high for optimal efficacy (3–4).
Salicylic Acid is at pH 5, which is too high for optimal efficacy (3–4).
Detected actives & ideal pH
Glycolic AcidpH 3–4
Kojic AcidpH 3.5–5
Salicylic AcidpH 3–4

Microbiome

Composition & Ethics

Product Details

Attributes

Ethics
VeganLikely
No animal-derived ingredients detected
Cruelty-FreeUnknown
No brand statement — contact manufacturer
Safety
Fragrance-FreeLikely
No fragrance ingredients detected
Key Actives
Exfoliating SerumConfirmed
Brightening SerumConfirmed
Confirmed Inferred Unknown Not compliant

Composition

67% natural25% synthetic
8 natural 1 unknown 3 synthetic

Based on 12 ingredients analyzed. 67% natural, 8% unknown and 25% synthetic.

Active ingredients3 actives

Functions Overview (12)

skin conditioning3:C12-13 Alkyl Lactate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Vitreoscilla Ferment
solvent2:Water, Alcohol Denat
buffering2:Glycolic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide

Texture & Feel

Texture & Feel

Expected texture
Lightweight, watery liquid that spreads easily
SpreadabilityEasy
AbsorptionVery fast
Tackiness / ResidueVery low
Finish:Luminous / radiant — subtle light-reflecting glow

Cooling sensation on application with rapid dry-down.