Obagi Professional-C™ Serum 15%
Obagi Professional-C™ Serum 15% is a high-performance antioxidant treatment designed to brighten the complexion and defend against environmental stressors. This potent formula features a concentrated 15% dose of L-Ascorbic Acid (the purest form of Vitamin C), which is renowned for its ability to neutralize free radicals, stimulate collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The addition of Ascorbyl Glucoside further enhances its brightening capabilities while ensuring formula stability. From a texture perspective, the use of Propylene Glycol as a base ensures a lightweight, fluid consistency that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a tacky residue. Unlike many oil-based antioxidant treatments, this water-based serum feels thin and non-greasy, making it an excellent choice for layering under moisturizer and sunscreen. While the inclusion of Alcohol helps the active ingredients penetrate deeper for maximum efficacy, the formula remains a professional-grade favorite for those seeking visible radiance and a more even skin tone with consistent daily use.
Our Analysis
Our deep dive into the Obagi Professional-C™ Serum 15% ingredients shows a very low risk for acne-prone skin. After analyzing the full formulation, we found no flagged comedogenic ingredients known to clog pores or trigger breakouts. The primary base consists of Propylene Glycol and Water, which are generally safe for those prone to congestion. While the formula contains Alcohol to aid ingredient absorption, it lacks the heavy oils, esters, or waxes often found in high-potency antioxidant serums. This makes it an exceptionally 'acne-safe' choice for users who prioritize pore health while seeking the benefits of professional Vitamin C.
Skin Type Recommendations
This serum is ideal for oily, combination, and normal skin types due to its lightweight, non-comedogenic nature. Its low pore-clogging risk makes it a safe bet for acne-prone individuals. However, those with very dry or highly sensitive skin should patch test first, as the 15% Vitamin C and alcohol content may be slightly irritating.
Flagged Ingredients
This product does not contain known high-risk comedogenic ingredients.
Want Deeper Analysis?
Run our MACR (Multi-Axis Comedogenic Risk) analysis to get a comprehensive 5-axis risk assessment. This AI-powered analysis evaluates ingredients for Plugging Risk, Barrier Damage, Fungal Acne Risk, Oxidation Risk, and real-world User Reports — giving you personalized scores for your skin type.
