Shelf Pure
An unlabeled frosted bottle on a nightstand in lamplight with an eye mask and a glass of water, generated illustration
Retinol serum · #43 skin Generated scene, not a product photo
La Roche-Posay · Skin · Retinol and retinal

La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum

What the maker calls pure retinol with niacinamide, and it says the serum suits sensitive skin. The list has alcohol denat. high up and fragrance, and owners split between smoother skin and red, swollen faces.

1 ozSerumRetinolNiacinamideHyaluronic acidScented
$44.99 MSRP for the 30 mlAmazon price not shown
Check price on Amazon →

Amazon link · we earn a commission if you buy · $44.99 MSRP for the 30 ml · Amazon price not shown · verified Nov 1, 2026. More stores appear here as each affiliate program approves the site.

Buy it if

  • You want retinol and niacinamide in one serum
  • You want smoother-feeling skin, the maker's claim
  • You will build up slowly; some owners call it fine for beginners

Walk past if

  • Fragrance or alcohol bothers you; both are on the list
  • Your skin reddens easily; owners report burning and swelling
  • You want an easy dropper; owners complain it fails

What's in it

The ingredients that do the work, from the maker’s label.

RetinolNiacinamideHyaluronic acidcontains alcohol

Niacinamide guide →Retinol and retinal guide →Sulfate-free →

Worth knowing: contains alcohol, contains fragrance.

Full ingredient list, from the maker

AQUA /WATER / EAU, GLYCERIN, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, ALCOHOL DENAT., PENTYLENE GLYCOL, NIACINAMIDE, DIMETHICONE, GLYCINE SOJA OIL / SOYBEAN OIL, PPG-6-DECYLTETRADECETH-30, SODIUM HYALURONATE, RETINOL, ADENOSINE, AMMONIUMPOLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CITRIC ACID, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, XANTHAN GUM, POLYSILICONE-11, RETINYL PALMITATE, TOCOPHEROL, PHENOXYETHANOL, PARFUM/ FRAGRANCE

Known issue

Some owners report redness, burning, peeling or swelling soon after starting, and others dislike the strong smell and a dropper that fails.Walmart and Ulta reviews

What owners say

Filled by the research pass: two or three owner reports from named venues, each linked, each with the date it was read.

If it's not right

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum$21.99 MSRPEncapsulated retinol with niacinamide and ceramides, for night use. Some reviewers call it a gentle first retinol, but the strength is not on the label.CeraVe Moisturizing CreamNo maker list price for this sizeThree ceramides, cholesterol, hyaluronic acid and petrolatum in a thick cream for face and body. The plain standard for dry skin, developed with dermatologists according to the maker.

Sources

  1. Maker page: ingredient list, list price, sensitive skin and allergy tested statements.
  2. Walmart reviews, 1 fl oz: irritated and dried skin, burning and peeling, and worse sun spots for one owner.
  3. Ulta reviews, about 4.4 of 5 from 776: a swollen, irritated face, a severe rash, a dropper that does not work, and fragrance as the top listed con.

Ingredient lists from the maker's label, not our measurements.