Our Beauty Editor Tests the Most Popular Obagi Medical Skincare Products and Shares Her Honest Opinion
In the world of skincare, there are over-the-counter and medical-grade products, with the latter being far more powerful, thanks to supercharged active ingredients, for more visible results. Not every skincare product offers the same benefits, and some, like Obagi Medical, have a long-standing track record of being the best of the best. Powered by scientifically validated ingredients clinically proven to improve the skin, Obagi Medical has earned a reputation as the go-to brand for dramatically reducing hyperpigmentation, clearing stubborn acne, and reversing the appearance of sun-damaged skin. Beloved by aestheticians and dermatologists, there’s an Obagi product for every skin tone, skin type, and age that will dramatically transform the skin.
Ahead, our resident beauty editor shares her unsolicited Obagi reviews while testing three of the most popular products, each featuring high-powered ingredients to improve the skin’s tone and texture while rehydrating.
Editor Beauty Profile
- Skin Type: Combination
- Skin Tone: Light
- Skin Concern(s): Redness, Discoloration, Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Breakouts
Meet the Expert
Dr. Ashley Magovern - Board-certified dermatologist and member of Dermstore's Medical Advisory Board
About Obagi
Obagi is the number one U.S. physician-recommended brand and a doctor’s go-to for targeting stubborn skin concerns, including pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of elasticity. The pioneer of medical-grade skincare for more than 35 years, each formula is deep-rooted in science to deliver pharma-grade ingredients and prescription-strength treatments for transformative results across all skin types. An inclusive brand from the get-go, Obagi relies on science over trend to help people achieve their vision of skin perfection while transforming lives in over 80 countries worldwide.
Quick Facts :
Founder: Dr. Zein E. Obagi Beauty Realm: Antioxidant products, cleansers, toners, serums, treatments, moisturizer, peels, exfoliants, sunscreen, scalp health, skincare systems Benefits: Anti-Aging, Antioxidant Protection, Brightening, Firming - Derm-Recommended: Yes
Benefits of Retinol in Skin Care
One of the most widely used and effective ingredients throughout the Obagi range is retinol. The vitamin A-derived skincare ingredient is perhaps the most effective in skincare and boasts years of clinical data demonstrating its efficacy in reducing the appearance of fine lines, discoloration, wrinkles, and uneven texture. Obagi offers doctor-grade retinol products that deliver dramatic results, including retinol face cream, a pure retinol cream, and complete skincare routines that feature the ingredient.
$85.00
Best Obagi Products, Reviewed
Obagi Professional-C Serum 15%
$125.00
Key Ingredients: L-ascorbic acid
The Texture: Serum
How to Use:
Transformation: Reverses up to one year of visible skin aging in just one month.
Editor Review: “I appreciate a multi-purpose skincare product, and this one has become a must-have as of late in my skincare routine. Not only does it do so much more than the average peptide serum, but I love that it absorbs into my skin instantly without any sticky feeling, yet leaves my skin feeling like it can breathe through the product—a big plus for us acne-prone women! After using it for just a few days, I noticed a noticeable improvement in my skin, transitioning from dull and flaky to soft, smooth, and perfectly hydrated.”
Our Expert Says: "Obagi’s vitamin C line is one of my long-time favorites for brightening and protecting the skin. The 15% L-ascorbic acid strength strikes the perfect balance — strong enough to deliver results but still well-tolerated by most skin types. It’s a great daily antioxidant for smoothing texture and boosting glow."
Obagi Retinol 1.0 Cream
Retinol is the mainstay of a well-rounded skin care routine, and this 1% version tackles everything from fine lines and wrinkles to discoloration and acne. Thanks to its slow-release formula, there’s little to no irritation or redness when using this potent yet gentle retinol, which helps to minimize the common signs of aging for younger-looking skin.
$85.00
Key Ingredients: Retinol
The Texture: Cream
How to Use: In the evening, apply 1 pump or a pearl-sized amount of retinol to the face, then massage it until fully absorbed.
Transformation: Promotes skin cell turnover for more evenly toned skin, fewer lines and wrinkles, and a more youthful appearance and improved texture.
Editor Review: “I’ve used so many different brands of retinols over the years, but none offer the benefit of reduced irritation, redness, or peeling quite like this one. It’s effective on my skin without being harsh, and it doesn’t cause the dreaded retinol purge either, so it’s a safe bet for my sometimes acne-prone skin.”
Our Expert Says: "This retinol is encapsulated for a slow, steady release — which means less irritation but impressive anti-aging results over time. It’s a great step for those already tolerating milder retinols and looking to refine texture, minimize fine lines, and improve overall skin clarity."
Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturizer
Thirsty skin stands no chance against this 8-hour nourishing and hydrating face cream, packed with a blend of clinically proven ingredients that improve moisture levels. Whether you use this cream as a daily moisturizer or reserve it for days when your skin needs a major hydration boost, you'll get smooth-as-silk skin and all-day hydration.
$65.00
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, mango butter, Tara seed extract, avocado oil
The Texture: Cream
How to Use: Apply the cream to the face morning and night, or as needed.
Transformation: Provides all-day hydration to reduce transepidermal water loss and improve the skin’s moisture content so it looks smoother
Esthetician Review: “I’m picky when it comes to moisturizer, particularly since some are too heavy for my combination skin. This non-comedogenic one works like a charm, leaving my skin looking soft and smooth while increasing moisture for a natural plumpness. I love pairing this cream with retinol at night so that when I wake up in the morning, my skin feels quenched and it looks totally refreshed.”
Our Expert Says: "This moisturizer uses hydromanil, a unique ingredient that gradually releases moisture throughout the day. It leaves the skin soft and plump without clogging pores, making it ideal for anyone who wants long-lasting hydration and a healthy skin barrier.”
Obagi FAQs
Do dermatologists recommend Obagi?
Most dermatologists are fans of the entire Obagi line, making it dermatologist-approved—plus, it’s founded by a dermatologist, too. Since the brand is deep-rooted in science and data and utilizes clinically proven active ingredients at supercharged yet safe levels, it’s often recommended by doctors for their patients to improve the health and condition of the skin.
Is Obagi medical-grade skincare?
Obagi is a line of medical-grade skincare and is often called one of the first to enter this category. The formulas are expertly crafted to improve the overall health of the skin while honing in on specific skin conditions, such as acne and sun damage. Obagi remains a leader in the medical-grade space and continually releases new products and categories, solidifying its reputation as one of the most effective medical-grade skincare brands to date.
Is Obagi good for mature skin?
Obagi is excellent for mature skin and is often recommended for use on this skin type. Since the products contain essential skincare ingredients, such as vitamin C, retinol, and glycolic acid, among others, which are shown to be highly beneficial for aging and mature skin, they help restore healthy moisture levels while increasing skin elasticity and suppleness for more youthful-looking skin.
The Bottom Line
Medical-grade skincare is as good as skincare gets, and if you’re looking for effective products that deliver dramatic results, Obagi is one to incorporate into your skincare routine. The brand’s all-inclusive approach to skincare, coupled with advanced and innovative solutions and the most cutting-edge ingredients, has made it a time-tested favorite for more than 30 years. No matter if it’s acne, discoloration, sun damage, or dry, dehydrated skin, there’s an Obagi skincare product that’s sure to fit the bill (the Obagi reviews speak volumes) that our editor also approves of.
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and beauty expert with more than 16 years of experience. She previously held the title of Executive Beauty Editor at NewBeauty magazine, where she reported on beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health and wellness. She was also instrumental in the launch of the beauty supplement brand Hush & Hush. A self-professed beauty junkie and retinol and sunscreen pusher, Elise knows what’s new, what works and who’s the best to go for every procedure under the sun. Follow Elise on Facebook, Instagram, and on her beauty blog, elisetabin.com
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