# Obagi Vitamin C Serum for combination skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/obagi/vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin

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

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

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.

A weak match for combination skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your combination skin, as ascorbic acid provides antioxidant protection and supports collagen production, but it does not directly address your primary concern of oily shine.
- While the essential oils offer some general skincare benefits, they are not targeted towards managing excess oil or providing the specific hydration balance needed for combination skin.
- The formula is safe for your combination skin, with no harsh ingredients or irritants present.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Ascorbic Acid, Essential Oils

## 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/))

## Why other serums fit combination skin better

- 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/))
- A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users consistently report that this serum effectively brightens dull complexions and fades hyperpigmentation, particularly age spots and acne scars, often delivering a noticeable "glow" within a few weeks. While highly praised for its potent antioxidant benefits and ability to smooth skin texture, some users with sensitive skin experience stinging or find the texture slightly sticky before it fully absorbs.

- Liked: Brightens skin tone (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Fades dark spots (often mentioned)
- Disliked: High price (often mentioned)
- Liked: Fast absorption (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Improves texture (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Oxidizes quickly (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Sticky consistency (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Reduces fine lines (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Skin irritation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your serum as part of your PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and move to daily use if your skin likes it.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toner, and right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏳for it to soak in.
- Apply the serum on clean and dry skin since your skin is not sensitive.
- Always do a patch test before using the serum for the first time, and avoid the eye area .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Obagi Vitamin C Serum a weak match for combination skin?

Obagi Vitamin C Serum is a weak match for combination skin because it does not directly address oily shine or provide the specific hydration balance your skin needs. A treatment for this skin needs ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, and zinc PCA to regulate oiliness and offer optimal hydration without causing excess oiliness or dryness.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052907/)

### Which ingredients make this serum a poor fit for combination skin?

This serum is a weak match for your combination skin because its ingredients do not manage oily shine or provide the specific hydration balance your skin needs. A treatment for combination skin needs ingredients like niacinamide, propolis, or zinc PCA to regulate oiliness and provide balanced hydration.

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

Vitamin C helps brighten dull areas and smooth out uneven texture on combination skin while protecting against daily environmental stress. It may also help keep pores clear and skin firm by supporting collagen production, though drier spots may need an added moisturizer to stay comfortable.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/)

### What do Essential Oils do for combination skin?

Essential oils may help calm irritation and keep skin clear thanks to their natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, because some types can be too strong, combination skin generally needs lightweight, soothing formulas that balance oil without causing dryness.
Sources: [Acta Microbiologica Et Immunologica Hungarica, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20350876/), [Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34707494/)

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

This serum goes in your evening routine as a treatment step, applied after cleansing and toning and before your moisturizer. Combination skin needs a product of this type that also manages excess oil and provides a balanced level of hydration.

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

You can use this serum in your morning routine and retinol at night to keep your skin safe, since combining them at the same time may cause irritation. Combination skin needs products that manage oily shine and provide the right hydration balance with lightweight ingredients.

### How often should I use this serum?

This serum is used in the evening once a week to start, and people who tolerate it well and see good results can carefully use it more often. Combination skin needs a product of this type to include ingredients that help manage excess oil and provide a balanced level of hydration.

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

This serum is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on combination skin because its formula is safe and free of harsh irritants. However, a product for combination skin needs ingredients that target oily shine and balance hydration.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Skin1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/skin1004/probio-cica-intensive-ampoule/for/combination-skin) — High fit — S$28.55 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin) — High fit — S$50.41 at Amazon
- [NEOGEN DERMALOGY REAL VITA C SERUM](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vita-c-serum/for/combination-skin) — High fit — S$50.41 at Amazon

## Routine for combination skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — S$30.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/whamisa/organic-flowers-toner-deep-rich/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — S$64.81 at Amazon
- SPF: [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — S$28.72 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — S$70.21 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — S$30.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad-2-0/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — S$36.48 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — S$63.44 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — S$70.21 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — S$30.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad-2-0/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — S$36.48 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/herbivore-botanicals/blue-tansy-bha-and-enzyme-pore-refining-mask/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — S$89.14 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Whamisa Organic Flowers Toner Deep Rich](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/whamisa/organic-flowers-toner-deep-rich/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — S$64.81 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — S$63.44 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- YesStyle: S$61.72 (https://www.yesstyle.com/en/rohto-mentholatum-obagi-vitamin-c-serum-c10-renewal-12ml/info.html/pid.1137191936?curr=SGD&rco=SG)
Prices checked 13 Oct 2026.

## Ingredients

Ascorbic Acid, Essential Oils
## 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/vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/obagi/vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/obagi/vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/obagi/vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/obagi/vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/obagi/vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/obagi/vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/obagi/vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/obagi/vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/obagi/vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/obagi/vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/obagi/vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/obagi/vitamin-c-serum/for/combination-skin
