:: Review :: Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%
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free skin care · Mon Apr 10, 2006 11:10 am

I've been using Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% serum for three weeks. I was surprised when I first opened the bottle, as the contents appeared to fizz a bit and disappointed when a bit of this pricey serum ran out over the bottle. (similar to a carbonated beverage that has been shaken a bit before opening.) I experienced this only once, when I first open the new bottle. (I wonder why this would 'fizz'?)

The Obagi C was not crystal clear on the first day of opening. It appeared to have a tinge to it on day one, and is turning a yellowish-orangish color much more quicly than any other C serum I've used.

The texture of this Obagi C serum is thin and watery, similar to Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, but Obagi left a slight sticky feeling on my skin, until I figured out that I was applying way too much. I think I was trying to get the same texture, or smooth feeling I get when I use my favs Vivier and Cellular Skin Rx, thinking that it would provide a similar texture if I applied more Obagi. (????what was I thinking????) As soon as I began to apply a smaller amount to my face and neck each morning, I no longer felt the sticky residue I had experienced before. But because my skin is on the dry side, I have to apply rapidly, because this watery substance absorbs into my skin soooo quickly.

As far as performance, the Obagi C may be doing it's job as well as the others...three weeks is not long enough to notice any improvements. The Obagi descsription does indicate that it "brightens and lightens" skin, which I have not noticed. It also states that it "decreases transepidermal water loss," and I've not noticed my skin any more hydrated, but it's not any dryer either. And my other products applied just as well afterward.

Obagi C is not my favorite C serum, but I will finish out this bottle before purchasing my beloved Vivier 20 or Cellular Skin Rx....but I wish this came in a stronger formula. I have learned, however, how much I enjoy applying my vitamin C serum in the AM....by how much I truly miss the formulation of the products with a 'richer' texture. And, if I ever go back to using a more watery formula, I would definitely choose Skinceuticals CE Ferulic over this. (I did notice visual improvements with SC almost immediately)

free skin care · Mon Apr 10, 2006 11:33 am

I wonder if the fizzing was to do with the SLS that is in the Obagi Vit. C 20% formula.

The formulas in Japan are different (they had to alter to fit in with Japanese Pharmaceutical laws which state that SLS can only be put into products that are fully rinsed off the body).

I have always wondered why they would put SLS in a product that is not intended to foam..maybe it is for that first fizz! Laughing

Tue Apr 11, 2006 1:26 am

Thank you for your review Debra. I really wonder what the fizzing was about!?

Btw, I know what you mean by realising how much you enjoy applying vit C serum, by how much you miss your usual formulation. I bought EmerginC 20% vit C and it is *way* too oily for my skin. I will finish it off but I am really looking forward to going back to Vivier or maybe experimenting with PSF.

free skin care · Tue Apr 11, 2006 5:31 am

I had the Obagi 20% and it was Clear from day one. And that lasted about 3-4 weeks before it had a yellowish tint. That is not right that it was tinted BEFORE you opened it. And the fizzing? I would return it for sure. That is not right and it is too expensive.

I making my own now. I spent $20 on the ingredients and throw it out after one week to be safe, kept in the firdge.

free skin care · Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:50 am

tiger_tim wrote:

Quote:

I wonder if the fizzing was to do with the SLS that is in the Obagi Vit. C 20% formula.

The formulas in Japan are different (they had to alter to fit in with Japanese Pharmaceutical laws which state that SLS can only be put into products that are fully rinsed off the body).

I have always wondered why they would put SLS in a product that is not intended to foam..maybe it is for that first fizz!

That's it....after reading this, I do recall this serum foaming when I was first applying too much product. Hmmmmm....why would they put a foaming agent into a Vitamin C serum?

free skin care · Sat Aug 18, 2007 7:47 pm

hi, I am on obagi un derm regimen now (week Cool

, and just add obagi serum C (10%) 3 days ago, I love their smell and texture, however, I found I got more blackhead and pimples... Does anyone one have the same reaction like me? will my blackhead getting better later? Sad

free skin care · Sun Aug 19, 2007 5:40 am

Last year, I used an entire bottle of Obagi 10% Vit C serum, and I loved it. It was clear with no sign of yellow tint, and it stayed clear through the 2.5 months it took me to use it up. I don't remember any foaming. I felt it was very stable, compared to PSF's Vit C serums. Texture was nice and even though it left a slightly tacky feel at first, the tackiness was gone as soon as I applied my sunscreen/moisturizer. (I apply Vit C in a.m., wait 20 minutes then put on moisturizer with sunscreen. I have noticed initial tackiness with every Vit C serum I've used.) Obagi's Vit C worked as well or better as any Vit C I have tried. The only reason I have not reordered is the price. I like PSF's just as well, and PSF is cheaper. I just have to keep PSF in the fridge. Of course, if I found as good a deal on Obagi, or if PSF's price goes up any higher, I would go back to Obagi.

yaling111, I have noticed that all Vit C serums cause me to have a little more blackheads and pimples than usual. But incorporating AHAs and BHAs took care of this problem (I like MD Formulations Glycolic Cleanser once a day, and an aspirin mask [mix 2 Tbsp plain organic yogurt, 10 uncoated aspirin, 1 tsp honey, and also add mushy old banana if you have it] twice a week).

free skin care · Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:13 am

Thanks for this review. I’m seeking for my new bottle of Vit C. Currently I’m using Cellular skin. I open the bottle around one month and it’s still clear color.

free skin care · Fri Aug 24, 2007 5:44 am

hi Jeannine,
thasnk u for ur reply, so does that mean obagi serum 10% is not sutable for me? Sad

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