# Obagi Professional-C Serum 10% for sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for sensitive skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/sensitive-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: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for sensitive skin; other serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for normal skin, as ascorbic acid provides antioxidant protection and helps improve skin tone, but it lacks sufficient humectant or emollient ingredients for optimal hydration and barrier support.
- While the product offers general skincare benefits like cleansing, it does not contain specialized ingredients to address your specific concerns of redness and irritation.
- The formulation is safe for your sensitive skin, with no harsh or prohibited ingredients that could cause irritation.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/oily-skin): Average
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/sensitive-skin): Average (this page)
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Ascorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Propylene Carbonate

## What the research says

- 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/))
- Treatment with a combination of propylene glycol, ethanol, water, and shampoo was found effective, easy to use, and cosmetically attractive with no observed side effects in patients with dandruff. ([Cutis, 1988](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2970946/))
- A moisturizer containing glycerol and propylene glycol reduced transepidermal water loss, decreased epidermal thickness, increased stratum corneum thickness, and reduced dermal inflammatory infiltrate compared to untreated disrupted skin in six healthy beagle dogs. ([Veterinary Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32628309/))

## Why other serums fit sensitive skin better

- Topical application of TAT-SOD significantly suppresses UVB-induced erythema formation, blood flow rise, and apoptotic sunburn cell formation in human volunteers compared to a vehicle control. ([European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27460952/))
- In 50 participants with sensitive skin, a Ceramide NP C15-containing emollient improved skin barrier function with a significant reduction in transepidermal water loss and induced modest changes in skin microbiota compared to the vehicle. ([Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41758783/))

## What reviewers say

This serum is highly favored by users with sensitive or dry skin for its ability to brighten the complexion and smooth texture without causing irritation. While many report a noticeable "glow" and faded dark spots, some users are disappointed by the high price point and occasional issues with the product oxidizing (turning orange) or having faulty packaging.

- Liked: Brightens skin (often mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle formula (often mentioned)
- Liked: Absorbs quickly (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Fades dark spots (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Improves texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: No results (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging problems (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Product oxidation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your serum in the PM routine, starting 3 times a week before building up to daily use if your skin is happy.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏱ for it to soak in.
- Since your skin is sensitive and easily irritated, apply the serum on completely dry skin to help keep it calm.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid getting the serum too close to your eyes .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Obagi Professional-C Serum 10% work for sensitive skin?

Obagi Professional-C Serum 10% works as an average fit for sensitive skin because its vitamin C helps improve skin tone, but it lacks enough hydrating and soothing ingredients to properly calm redness and irritation. A treatment for sensitive skin needs soothing ingredients like niacinamide or snail secretion filtrate alongside gentle hydrators to keep the skin calm and comfortable.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a good fit for sensitive skin?

Ascorbic acid makes this serum a fit by providing antioxidant protection and improving skin tone while remaining safe for sensitive skin. However, it lacks sufficient hydrating and softening ingredients, and a product for this skin needs added calming components like niacinamide or snail secretion filtrate to soothe redness and irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

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

Vitamin C helps brighten skin, smooth out fine lines, and fade dark spots. Clinical studies show it is generally safe and well-tolerated when improving overall skin quality.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

### What does Propylene Glycol do for sensitive skin?

Propylene glycol is unlikely to cause irritation on normal skin, but it may occasionally lead to allergic reactions for sensitive skin types. This ingredient helps keep skin feeling soft and smooth by holding in moisture, though it is an uncommon cause of skin allergies.
Sources: [Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36702195/)

### Where does this serum go in a skincare routine for sensitive skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine for sensitive skin, applied after a soothing toner and before a moisturizer. Because this type of product lacks hydrating ingredients and does not target redness, sensitive skin needs a formula with soothing ingredients and extra moisture to keep the skin calm and soft.

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

You can use this treatment in your evening routine, but a product of this type needs extra moisture-locking ingredients and soothing helpers to keep sensitive skin calm and comfortable.

### How often should I use this serum?

You can use this serum in your evening routine once a week to start, and if your skin feels comfortable you may slowly use it more often. This product is safe for sensitive skin, but to work best for this skin type it needs extra soothing and hydrating ingredients to calm redness and keep your skin soft.

### Can this serum clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for sensitive skin?

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for sensitive skin since it is free of heavy, pore-clogging ingredients. However, it does not include extra soothing ingredients, so a sensitive skin type needs gentle, hydrating extras and skin-calming ingredients to keep redness and irritation away.

## Alternatives for sensitive skin

- [Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/paula-s-choice/resist-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €57.00 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — €169.99 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — €29.76 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €39.99 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [SKIN1004 Centella Asiatica Toning Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/skin1004/centella-asiatica-toning-toner/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €19.89 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [Torriden DIVE-IN Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/torriden/dive-in-mild-sunscreen/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €18.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

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

## Ingredients

Propylene Glycol, Water, Propylene Carbonate, Ascorbic 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/professional-c-serum-10/for/sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/sensitive-skin (this page)
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/sensitive-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/sensitive-skin