# Obagi Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/combination-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United Arab Emirates.

Brand: [Obagi](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/brands/obagi)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for combination skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your combination skin, as kinetin and panthenol provide excellent hydration and enhance barrier resilience, but it lacks sufficient ingredients for optimal oil control on your oily areas.
- While the product offers general skincare benefits like hydration with aloe barbadensis leaf juice, these are mostly supportive and irrelevant for your main goal of managing oily shine.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your combination skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/combination-skin): Average (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Kinetin, Zeatin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ascorbic Acid, Hydrolyzed Elastin

## What the research says

- A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability. ([The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/))
- Kinetin treatment increased involucrin and keratin 1 mRNA expression in HaCaT cells and improved skin moisture and transepidermal water loss while decreasing skin texture roughness in subjects using kinetin-containing cream compared to baseline. ([Annals of Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28223740/))
- Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment. ([American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/))
- A panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/))
- Topical combination of kinetin and niacinamide exerts synergistic anti-aging effects with significant reductions in spot, pore, wrinkle, and evenness counts, alongside increased hydration and decreased erythema in Taiwanese subjects compared to placebo. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18047609/))
- Cosmetic formulations containing a liposomal dispersion of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, alpha-lipoic acid, and kinetin provided photoprotection against UV damage in hairless mouse skin and enhanced stratum corneum and deeper layer skin moisture in human volunteers after four weeks of daily applications. ([Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22236139/))
- Topical 0.1% kinetin cream applied twice daily for 12 weeks resulted in slight but statistically significant improvements in overall skin condition, texture, color, and wrinkles among 100 Thai subjects with facial photo-damage compared to baseline. ([Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25994881/))
- Pretreatment with trans-Zeatin significantly inhibits UVB-induced MMP-1 expression, c-Jun activation, and MAPK phosphorylation in cultured human skin fibroblasts compared to UVB irradiation alone. ([International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19288033/))
- Long-term treatment with zeatin in human skin fibroblasts undergoing aging in vitro prevented cell enlargement, reduced intracellular debris, prevented actin polymerization, and enhanced stress tolerance without increasing maximum proliferative capacity. ([Rejuvenation Research, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15798374/))
- Trans-Zeatin treatment attenuates ultraviolet-induced aquaporin-3 loss, delayed wound healing, and decreased water permeability in cultured human skin keratinocytes through the inhibition of MEK/ERK activation. ([International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20596606/))
- A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo. ([Clinical Pharmacology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))
- Topical aloe vera gel significantly accelerated split-thickness skin graft donor-site healing compared to placebo in 12 patients, but showed no significant difference in pain relief. ([Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29649056/))
- Topical application of Aloe vera cream reduced postoperative pain at rest and during defecation, accelerated wound healing at two weeks, and decreased analgesic requirements in patients after open hemorrhoidectomy compared to placebo. ([Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20569031/))
- Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved global clinical scores, increased skin microrelief density, and induced elastic tissue repair in photoaged skin compared to excipient control in healthy female volunteers. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/))
- Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside gel significantly reduced gingival melanin pigmentation after 4 weeks compared to placebo in 73 subjects with symmetric pigmentation. ([Journal of Periodontology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/))
- Topical application of VC-IP cream twice daily for 8 weeks reduces periorbital wrinkles in female subjects compared to a placebo cream. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34910367/))
- Topical application of a 0.1% copper-zinc malonate-containing cream significantly enhanced elastin biosynthesis and induced elastic fibre regeneration in photoaged facial skin of 21 female patients after 6 weeks of treatment compared to baseline. ([Experimental Dermatology, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19400831/))
- A betaine-based deep eutectic solvent successfully enhanced the transdermal delivery of elastin peptide, which improved skin barrier repair, reduced melanin secretion and deposition, and stimulated the secretion of procollagen I and elastin. ([Biomaterials Advances, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39053386/))
- Bioactive recombinant humanized elastin (RHE) gel effectively restores skin elasticity, reverses UV-induced damage and oxidative stress, and promotes extracellular matrix remodeling in zebrafish and aged mice models compared to commercial vitamin E and recombinant humanized collagen gels. ([Materials Today. Bio, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40978161/))

## What reviewers say

While many report visible improvements in skin texture and fine lines, some users find the price point too high and have experienced significant frustration with the airless pump packaging.

- Liked: Deep hydration (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Soothing & calming (often mentioned)
- Liked: Anti-aging benefits (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Faulty packaging (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Acne/Breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Texture dislike (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this moisturizer in your AM and PM routine every day to control shine. Always pair with SPF in the morning.
- Apply this moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your morning SPF.
- Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin and avoid harsh rubbing. Let it ⏳absorb for a minute.
- Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help it lock in moisture better. This keeps your combination skin balanced.
- Avoid the eye area when applying the moisturizer. Do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Obagi Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream work for combination skin?

Obagi Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream works as an average fit for combination skin, offering good moisture and barrier support while lacking ingredients needed to control oil on oily areas. A product of this type needs effective brightening and moisturizing ingredients that reduce oily shine without irritation, along with nourishing peptides and natural moisturizing factors.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/), [Annals of Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28223740/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for combination skin?

Kinetin and panthenol make this cream a good fit by providing solid hydration and strengthening the skin barrier. Because it lacks sufficient ingredients for optimal oil control on oily areas, a product of this type needs effective brightening and balancing ingredients, multiple peptides, and natural moisturizing factors to manage oily shine while keeping skin soft.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/), [Annals of Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28223740/)

### What does Kinetin do for combination skin?

Kinetin helps balance combination skin by improving moisture, smoothing rough texture, and softening the look of fine lines and uneven tone. It is generally well tolerated and unlikely to cause irritation while supporting a smoother, more even skin feel.
Sources: [Annals of Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28223740/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18047609/)

### What does Zeatin do for combination skin?

Zeatin helps keep combination skin looking smooth and supports a healthy feel by fighting everyday cell stress. It is unlikely to cause heavy buildup, though a product of this type for combination skin also needs lightweight moisture to balance dry and oily areas.
Sources: [Rejuvenation Research, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15798374/), [International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2009](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19288033/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This cream goes as the moisturizer step in your morning and evening routines. It is unlikely to irritate your skin, but a product for combination skin also needs targeted ingredients for oil control on oily areas.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/), [Annals of Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28223740/)

### Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cream with retinol by applying the treatment first and then following with this moisturizer to help keep your skin calm and hydrated. Combination skin needs a product that provides lightweight hydration while containing ingredients that specifically help balance oil and shine.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/), [Annals of Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28223740/)

### How often should I use this cream?

Use this moisturizing treatment twice a day to keep your combination skin soft and well-hydrated. Regular application helps maintain moisture and smooth out texture while staying gentle on your skin.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32141711/), [Annals of Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28223740/)

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This cream is unlikely to cause breakouts for your combination skin since it has an excellent safety profile without harsh ingredients, and shopper complaints about acne are low. A product for this skin type needs balancing ingredients to manage oily shine while providing moisture.

### Can I use this cream around the eyes or on my body?

You can use this cream around the eyes and on your body, as it has a very safe profile and is unlikely to cause irritation. Because the skin around the eyes is very thin, applying a gentle, hydrating treatment there helps keep the area soft without irritation.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 91.81 at Amazon
- [The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/the-ordinary/natural-moisturizing-factors-ha/for/combination-skin) — High fit — AED 65.00 at Amazon
- [Anua Heartleaf 78% Soothing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/anua/heartleaf-78-soothing-cream/for/combination-skin) — High fit — AED 71.00 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 84.53 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 145.00 at Amazon
- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — AED 179.45 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ae: AED 321.00 (https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B085GL2W99?tag=lovi00-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 4 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glyceryl Stearate, Propylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Peg-12 Glyceryl Dimyristate, Stearyl Alcohol, Lactobacillus Ferment, Glycine Soja Soybean Sterols, Phenoxyethanol, Laureth-23, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Kinetin, Zeatin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Disodium Edta, Panthenol, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Water-Soluble Collagen, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrochloric Acid
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/combination-skin (this page)