# Obagi Clear for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/obagi/clear/for/dry-skin

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

Brand: [Obagi](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/obagi)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for dry skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate brightening for your dry skin due to hydroquinone usp and lactic acid, which help to even skin tone and provide some hydration. Glycerin and lactic acid offer general skincare benefits, but the formula lacks sufficient emollient and occlusive ingredients for optimal hydration of dry or flaky skin.
- The product is safe for your dry skin as it contains no prohibited or harsh ingredients that would cause irritation.
- The formula is safe for your dry skin, as it does not contain any prohibited or harsh ingredients that could cause irritation.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Hydroquinone Usp, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate

## What the research says

- Dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate showed non-comedogenic potential with less than a 50% increase in microcomedones in 12 healthy male subjects compared to octyl palmitate. ([Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/))
- TFC-1067 and 2% hydroquinone both significantly lightened facial dyschromia after 8 and 12 weeks in 48 healthy female subjects, but only hydroquinone also lightened normal skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33098161/))
- 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/))
- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin. ([Cutis, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15027519/))
- Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1597538/))
- A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins. ([The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33178384/))
- Topical application of an antioxidant serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented particulate matter-induced degradation of extracellular matrix components, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skin of 15 female volunteers compared to untreated controls. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40642809/))
- Topical application of an antioxidant mix containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol prevented PM and UV-induced skin barrier perturbation, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers, MMP9 activation, and Type I collagen loss in 15 healthy females compared to untreated exposed skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590207/))
- A topical antioxidant serum significantly reduced air pollution-induced skin pigmentation and proinflammatory gene expression ex vivo, and improved skin aging signs in 40 healthy adult females after 90 days of daily use. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35150043/))

## Why other serums fit dry skin better

- Treatment with cross-linked hyaluronic acid-based microneedle patches combined with acetyl hexapeptide-8 or epidermal growth factor significantly improved wrinkles and skin hydration compared to the patch alone in Korean females over 29 days. ([Annals of Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33911590/))

## How to apply

- Apply this serum PM, starting 3×/week and working up to daily use as your skin adjusts.
- Place the serum after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Obagi Clear work for dry skin?

Obagi Clear works moderately well for dry skin by helping to even skin tone and providing some hydration, but it lacks rich softening and sealing ingredients for optimal comfort. Treatments that fit dry skin better need deeply nourishing and barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, or peptides alongside effective hydrators to keep skin soft and smooth.

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

Glycerin and lactic acid help even your skin tone and provide some hydration, but this cream lacks sufficient softening and sealing ingredients for optimal hydration of dry or flaky skin. A treatment of this type needs rich, soothing ingredients that provide deep hydration and support the skin barrier, such as propolis, niacinamide, ceramides, and peptides.

### What does Hydroquinone do for dry skin?

Hydroquinone is a strong skin-lightening ingredient and does not add moisture or target dryness. Because it may cause irritation, dry skin needs extra soothing hydrators and gentle barrier-repairing ingredients to stay calm and comfortable.

### What does Vitamin C do for dry skin?

Vitamin C helps dry skin by boosting moisture and keeping the surface smooth and soft. It may also improve skin hydration and support the outer protective barrier over time.
Sources: [Skin Research and Technology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19159387/), [Experimental Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18503551/)

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

This treatment goes in the evening routine for dry skin, as treatments with active ingredients are placed at night for simplicity and safety around sun exposure. Because this formula lacks enough rich, sealing ingredients for dry skin, a product of this type needs added heavy, protective creams and soothing oils to deeply lock in moisture.

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

This treatment is safe to use with retinol because it contains no harsh or prohibited ingredients that may cause irritation. To use them together, apply your retinol first, let it absorb, and then apply this treatment as part of your evening routine.

### How often should I use this cream?

You can use this treatment in the evening, starting once a week and using it more often if your skin handles it well. To keep dry skin feeling soft and comfortable, this type of product needs extra rich, soothing ingredients that lock in moisture.

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

This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for dry skin as it contains ingredients with a safe profile for this skin type. However, because it is only an average fit for dry skin, a product of this type needs rich, nourishing oils and heavy moisturizers to properly soothe and protect dry or flaky skin.
Sources: [Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34471722/)

### 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 dry skin

- [KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/kravebeauty/great-barrier-relief/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$40.00 at Amazon
- [Missha The First Essence 5X](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/missha/the-first-essence-5x/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$43.00 at Amazon
- [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-tone-brightening-capsule-ampoule/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$22.49 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.19 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dear-klairs/supple-preparation-unscented-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$27.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tata-harper/repairative-moisturizer/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — CA$162.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Canada has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Hydroquinone Usp, Ascorbic Acid, Bht, Butylparaben, Cetyl Alcohol, Disodium Edta, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Methylparaben, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ppg-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate, Propylparaben, Saponins, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Stearyl Alcohol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Water
## 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/clear/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/obagi/clear/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/obagi/clear/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/clear/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/obagi/clear/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/obagi/clear/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/obagi/clear/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/obagi/clear/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/obagi/clear/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/obagi/clear/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/obagi/clear/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/obagi/clear/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/clear/for/dry-skin