Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants for the skin, with multiple benefits such as brightening, anti-aging, and protection from environmental damage. However, not all vitamin C products are the same, and choosing the right one for your skin type and needs can be confusing. That’s why we are going to compare two of the most popular vitamin C serums on the market: Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20%. These serums contain L-ascorbic acid, the most effective form of vitamin C, and are designed to penetrate deep into the skin for optimal results. But what are the differences between them, and which one should you use? Let’s try to compare them in this article, spot their key differences, and then decide which one is best to give you a radiant glow.
We will talk about the following:
- What are Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20%?
- What are the ingredients of Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20%?
- How are the textures of Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20%?
- How is the ideal usage of Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20%?
- What are the price differences between Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20%?
- Which one to buy?
| Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% | Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 2.09 x 1.53 x 4 inches | 5.08 x 4.49 x 1.65 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 1 Ounces | 2.08 Ounces |
About Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20%
Obagi Medical is a global skincare company that has been backed by over 30 years of science and innovation. The brand is renowned for delivering highly effective, dermatologist-beloved formulas while creating transformational products that brighten, even, revitalize, and protect your skin. Their popular product is the Professional C-Serum, which is available in 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% of contained L-ascorbic acid.
The Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% is formulated with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid. This serum is designed to help brighten and even skin tone, strengthen skin’s antioxidant defenses, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also known for its ability to neutralize free radicals, which are harmful particles that cause damage to skin cells, leaving the complexion looking dull and uneven4.
On the other hand, the Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% is the highest-concentrated serum in the Obagi Professional-C range. It is formulated with 20% L-Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate. This serum absorbs quickly and makes your skin brighter and more even. It also helps fade dark spots, boosts antioxidants, and makes fine lines and wrinkles look better. It’s suitable to get a supercharged, hydrated glow and more youthful-looking skin.
Comparing the two, both serums are basically designed to have the same functions and benefits. Both serums are also part of Obagi’s commitment to quality, efficacy, and innovation, aiming to help people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. However, the key difference lies in their concentration of L-Ascorbic Acid and their suitability for different skin types. Let’s compare them in a closer look.
Ingredients of Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20%
The Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20% are both designed to penetrate deep into your skin, providing effective antioxidant protection from UV damage, brightening away hyperpigmentation, and encouraging the growth of collagen and elastin fibers. They share several same key ingredients, but also some subtle differences that set them apart.
The Obagi Professional-C 15% serum contains Propylene Glycol, Water, L-Ascorbic Acid, Alcohol, and Ascorbyl Glucoside as its main ingredients. Propylene Glycol is a moisturizer and humectant that helps retain moisture in the skin, L-Ascorbic Acid, also known as Vitamin C, is an antioxidant that brightens the skin and helps fade pigmentation, while Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C that also has skin brightening properties.
Meanwhile, Obagi Professional-C 20% serum has a higher concentration of active ingredients compared to the 15% serum; as evident in its name. Besides having the highest 20% L-Ascorbic Acid, the 20% serum also contains additional ingredients like Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Zinc Chloride, and Calcium Hydroxide.
Ethoxydiglycol itself is a solvent and humectant, while Phenoxyethanol is used as a preservative. Then, Sorbitol is another type of humectant that attracts water to the skin. Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of Hyaluronic Acid, is a powerful moisturizer that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, Zinc Chloride has antimicrobial properties, and Calcium Hydroxide is used as a buffering agent.
Textures of Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20%
Both Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20% have a watery texture that is non-greasy and easily absorbed into the skin. They have always been designed to penetrate deep into the skin with a lightweight and easily absorbed fluid texture, making it suitable for daily use. Their formula is also alcohol-free but includes perfuming fragrances which some sensitive skin types will find irritating.
They do not have any significant difference in terms of texture or scent. The main difference between the two lies only in the concentration of L-Ascorbic Acid, not in their texture or consistency. However, the higher concentration in the 20% serum can potentially make it more drying, which is why it’s more recommended for oilier skin types. So, while the texture is similar, the effect on the skin can vary depending on the concentration and your skin type.
Ideal Usage of Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20%
When it comes to usage, Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% is particularly effective in addressing skin discoloration and ideal for normal to combination skin types. The serum is recommended for most skin types, making it a more versatile choice for a wide range of users.
Meanwhile, as Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% contains a higher concentration of 20% L-Ascorbic Acid, it is more specifically formulated for normal to oily skin types. The higher concentration of L-Ascorbic Acid makes this serum particularly effective for those with oilier skin. Why? Well, while the higher concentration of 20% L-Ascorbic Acid in this serum may be more potent in its effects, but also potentially more drying, which is why it’s recommended for oilier skin types.
For their application, both serums should be applied in the morning before sunscreen or makeup application. Apply 5 to 7 drops of the serum to the clean face, neck, and chest using fingertips while avoiding the eye area. After you do it, allow the serum to fully absorb into your skin and then apply regular moisturizer to help seal in the serum and provide hydration. During the day, make sure to finish off with a broad-spectrum sunscreen as it protects your skin from harmful UV rays and enhances the effectiveness of the vitamin C in the serum.
When your skin comes in contact with the Obagi Professional-C Serum, you might feel a slight tingling sensation on it. This is a common reaction to skincare products that contain active ingredients like L-Ascorbic Acid, which is a form of Vitamin C. The tingling is usually a sign that the product is working and penetrating your skin, which should lessen and eventually go away with continued use.
Remember that the tingling sensation should not be painful or uncomfortable. If it still feels uncomfortable even after long use, make sure that you stop using the product and consult a skincare professional. Over time, as your skin gets used to the product, this tingling sensation. Also, keep in mind that the choice between Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20% largely depends on your skin type and specific skincare needs.
Price Differences between Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20%
The Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20% are both high-quality skincare products. The prices can vary depending on the retailer, but the 15% is priced in the range of $64 – $115 on the market, while the 20% is priced at around $77 – $142.
The price difference could be due to several factors. Typically, products with a higher concentration of active ingredients (in this case, Vitamin C) are priced higher because they offer more potent effects; and obviously, 20% serum contains a higher concentration of Vitamin C compared to the 15% serum, which could explain the higher price.
| Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% | Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% | |
|---|---|---|
| Features | - Highly-concentrated serum with antioxidant L-ascorbic acid for most skin types. - Proactively helps to fortify the skin defense against environmental assaults and encourages skin to rebound from previous damage. - Helps brighten skin & minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. | - This serum has a highest concentrated Vitamin C serum helps minimize the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, and strengthen skin defense. - Proactively fortifies the skin defenses against environmental assaults and encourages skin the rebound from previous damage. - Reduces signs of past skin damage. |
Conclusion
When deciding between Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% and 20%, it’s crucial to consider your skin type and specific skincare needs. Both serums offer potent antioxidant protection, brightening effects, and anti-aging benefits. However, the key difference lies in their concentration of L-Ascorbic Acid, with the 20% serum being more potent but potentially more drying, making it suitable for oilier skin types, while the 15% serum is more versatile and suitable for normal to combination skin.
Price-wise, the 20% serum is typically priced higher due to its higher concentration of active ingredients. Therefore in the end, choosing between the two depends on your budget and desired skincare results. Either choice you make between the 15% or 20% serum, incorporating a vitamin C serum into your skincare routine can help you achieve a radiant, youthful complexion with continued use.