# Obagi Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/kinetin-hydrating-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent moisturizing for your oily skin due to kinetin and panthenol, which hydrate and enhance barrier resilience, but lacks targeted ingredients for your primary concerns of acne and oiliness.
- Dimethicone provides emollient action suitable for oily skin, though stronger seboregulation ingredients are absent.
- The product is safe for your oily skin, with no risks of irritation from harsh or prohibited ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

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

## 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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 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/))
- 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/))
- Formulations containing 0.10%, 0.25%, and 0.50% freeze-dried Aloe vera extract increased stratum corneum water content compared with the vehicle in 20 female subjects, while transepidermal water loss was not modified. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17026654/))
- 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/))

## Why other moisturizers fit oily acne-prone skin better

- Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components. ([Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/))
- A peel-off facial mask containing myoinositol and trehalose-loaded liposomes improved adult female acne by decreasing lesion counts, sebum production, GAGS scores, and local androgen levels while increasing beclin-1 levels. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28342238/))
- A facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesions compared to placebo in 66 participants with mild-to-moderate maskne over 12 weeks. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35763437/))

## 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 AM and PM routine every day to help clear your skin. Always remember to finish with SPF in the morning.
- Apply the moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your SPF during the day.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and avoid rubbing to keep pores clear.
- Apply on clean, slightly damp skin to help the product absorb better and control oil.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a simple 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 oily acne-prone skin?

This cream provides good moisture and is safe for your oily skin, but it does not treat acne or control oiliness. To work best for this skin type, a product of this kind needs ingredients that target blemishes, clear excess oil, and keep pores clear without feeling heavy.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Kinetin and panthenol make this cream a good fit by hydrating your skin and strengthening its protective barrier. To work best for oily acne-prone skin, a product of this type needs acne-clearing ingredients, oil-control agents, and lightweight, non-clogging hydration.
Sources: [Annals of Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28223740/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/)

### What does Kinetin do for oily acne-prone skin?

Kinetin helps keep skin moisturized and may improve skin barrier function, but it lacks strong clinical evidence for treating acne itself. Oily acne-prone skin needs lightweight ingredients that balance oil and soothe irritation without clogging pores.
Sources: [Annals of Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28223740/)

### What does Zeatin do for oily acne-prone skin?

Zeatin helps improve skin cell health and water balance, which may benefit oily and acne-prone skin by supporting skin recovery and moisture levels. However, managing acne-prone skin effectively often requires ingredients that regulate oil production and calm inflammation.
Sources: [International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20596606/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This cream goes as the moisturizer step in your morning routine, and as the final step after your treatment in your evening routine. While it offers good hydration, oily acne-prone skin also needs targeted acne-fighting and oil-controlling ingredients.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/)

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

You can use this cream with retinol by applying it after your retinol treatment to help keep your skin comfortable and reduce dryness. Using a moisturizer alongside stronger treatments is unlikely to cause irritation and supports your skin barrier while you use retinol.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/), [The Journal of Dermatology, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24930436/)

### How often should I use this cream?

Use this cream twice a day to keep your skin hydrated and maintain a strong skin barrier, as it is safe for oily skin and unlikely to cause irritation. To properly care for oily acne-prone skin, a moisturizer of this type needs added ingredients that specifically target acne and excess oil.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32141711/), [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/)

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This cream is unlikely to cause irritation or breakouts on your oily skin, though some reviewers mention low rates of acne. A product for this skin needs targeted ingredients to control oil and clear blemishes.

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

This cream is safe to use around the eyes, where the skin is particularly thin, and on the body. It provides good moisture and is unlikely to cause irritation, though body skin and the periorbital area may benefit from targeted treatments depending on specific needs.
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 oily acne-prone skin

- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €13.67 at Amazon
- [Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/torriden/dive-in-low-molecular-hyaluronic-acid-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €15.99 at Amazon
- [belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/belif/the-true-cream-aqua-bomb/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €36.14 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €11.75 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €36.00 at Amazon
- SPF: [Dear, Klairs All-day Airy Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/dear-klairs/all-day-airy-sunscreen/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €21.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

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

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