# Obagi Professional-C Serum 10% for oily acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/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 the United States.

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

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 serums fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate brightening for your oily skin due to 10% ascorbic acid, which is effective for evening skin tone and provides antioxidant activity.
- While it offers general skincare benefits, it lacks specialized ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide to effectively target your acne, blemishes, and breakouts or provide optimal oil control.
- The formula is generally safe for your oily skin, with a low risk of irritation from the ascorbic acid.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Ascorbic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Propylene Carbonate

## What the research says

- A topical serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract improved skin color, elasticity, radiance, smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkles compared to the untreated contralateral side in fifty female volunteers. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/))
- 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 oily acne-prone skin better

- 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/))
- Niacinamide and ferulic acid incorporated in a stable multiple emulsion successfully reduced melanin, sebum, and skin erythema while improving skin elasticity and hydration in human skin compared to a placebo. ([BioMed Research International, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35342760/))

## 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

- Could be used as part of your PM routine. Start 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply your serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2 to 3 drops of the serum into your skin and let it absorb for a minute.
- Apply the serum on clean, dry skin to help manage your blemishes safely.
- Do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Obagi Professional-C Serum 10% work for oily acne-prone skin?

This serum offers moderate brightening for your oily skin, but it lacks specialized ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide to effectively target breakouts and provide optimal oil control. A treatment of this type needs ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, and soothing extracts to control excess oil and clear breakouts without causing irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

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

Ascorbic acid makes this serum a fit for your oily skin by providing moderate brightening and evening your skin tone. However, because it lacks ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide to target breakouts and control excess oil, a treatment for this skin needs ingredients that address blemishes while offering oil control and soothing extracts.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

### What does Vitamin C do for oily acne-prone skin?

Vitamin C helps brighten skin, smooth out texture, and improve uneven spots for oily acne-prone skin. It may also help fade marks left behind by blemishes.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

### What does Propylene Glycol do for oily acne-prone skin?

Propylene glycol may work for oily, acne-prone skin, as it has a very low risk of causing irritation or allergic reactions on healthy skin. However, since this type of skin tends to clog easily, a product here needs ingredients that feel light and do not block pores.

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

Apply this serum in your evening routine, as treatments with active ingredients are placed at night for simplicity and extra safety around sun exposure. While it provides moderate brightening, this skin needs products with ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide to effectively target acne, blemishes, and breakouts and provide optimal oil control.

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

You can use this serum in your routine, but apply it in the morning and your retinol at night to avoid irritation on your oily skin.

### How often should I use this serum?

This serum is used in the evening routine, starting at once a week and gradually increasing only if your skin handles it well. To better manage breakouts and oil on this skin type, a product of this type needs ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide.

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

This serum is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on oily skin, as it has a low risk of irritation and is generally safe for your skin type. However, because it lacks ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide, it does not target acne or control oil the way oily acne-prone skin needs.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [Beauty of Joseon Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/beauty-of-joseon/propolis-niacinamide-glow-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $16.75 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.08 at Amazon
- [NEOGEN DERMALOGY REAL VITA C SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vita-c-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — $25.08 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in United States 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/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/professional-c-serum-10/for/oily-acne-prone-skin