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Obagi skincare

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Obagi is an American skincare brand founded in 1988 and owned by Bridgepoint Group plc since 2026.

en.wikipedia.org

Skincare enthusiasts love Obagi for its targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, and clarifying toners, all driven by high-performance formulas. Its products suit mature skin and skin with dark spots best. For particular concerns, the standout products are the Hydrate Luxe for acne-prone skin, the Retinol 0.5 for skin with dark spots, and the Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream for mature skin. Through consistent use, the brand helps maintain a refined, radiant complexion.

This page covers some of the most popular Obagi products; for the whole Obagi range, with a fit score for every product, use the Lovi app.

Other Obagi products

People Say

★4.7Overall rating based on 6.3k+ reviews

Reviewers most often praise Obagi for improving skin texture, deep hydration, and reducing fine lines. The most common complaints are irritation and high price points.

Highlights

  • Deeply hydrating and soothing moisturizers Mostly Mentioned
    • “hydrating for super-dry skin — Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream”
    • “Users report it "stops flaking," "quenches dry skin," and provides "moisture that lasts all day." — Hydrate Luxe”
    • “reduces redness — Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream”
  • Fast-absorbing and improving serums Mostly Mentioned
    • “smooth as a baby — Tretinoin Cream 0.05%”
    • “Does seem to keep my skin smooth. — Retinol 0.5”
    • “keeps pores cleared — Tretinoin Cream 0.05%”
  • Lightweight and textured moisturizers Mostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly — Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream”
    • “Described as "whipped butter," "rich but non-greasy," and "silky," absorbing well despite its thickness. — Hydrate Luxe”
    • “skin younger looking — Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream”
  • Brightening and anti-aging serums Mostly Mentioned
    • “instantly brightens face — Vitamin C Serum”
    • “lightened age spots — Vitamin C Serum”
    • “diminished fine lines — Tretinoin Cream 0.05%”
  • High price Often Mentioned
    • “very expensive — Vitamin C Serum”
    • “expensive — Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream”
    • “Users note it is "expensive," "pricey," or a "splurge" compared to other moisturizers. — Hydrate Luxe”
  • Skin irritation and dryness Often Mentioned
    • “shedding like a snake — Tretinoin Cream 0.05%”
    • “redness and burning — Tretinoin Cream 0.05%”
    • “sucked moisture out — Tretinoin Cream 0.05%”
  • Packaging and dispenser issues Sometimes Noted
    • “pump does not work — Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream”
    • “dropper leaks — Vitamin C Serum”
    • “Complaints about the "unhygienic jar" and a preference for a "pump dispenser." — Hydrate Luxe”
  • Texture and formula complaints Sometimes Noted
    • “turned orange fast — Vitamin C Serum”
    • “feels tacky — Vitamin C Serum”
    • “too thick — Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream”

Sources: lovi.care, lovelyskin.com, dermstore.com, walmart.com, skincareessentials.com, influenster.com, and more

Questions and answers

Is Obagi good for dry skin?

Yes, Obagi is good for dry skin because Lovi rates the brand-focused routine High for dry skin. Reviewers mostly mention deep hydration and soothing effects from its moisturizers, and the Obagi products on this page are generally fragrance-free except for the Nu-Derm Toner.

Is Obagi worth it?

Obagi is worth it for shoppers looking for deep hydration and anti-aging benefits, as Lovi rates the brand-focused routine High for dry skin. Reviewers often mention deeply hydrating moisturizers and brightening serums, though high prices and occasional skin irritation are noted. The Obagi products on this page are mostly fragrance-free, with only the Nu-Derm Toner listing a fragrance.

What are Obagi's best products?

Obagi's best products are the moisturizers Hydrate Luxe, which Lovi rates Superior for dry skin, and Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream, which Lovi rates High for dry skin. Reviewers mostly mention that these moisturizers leave the skin deeply hydrated and soothing.

Which Obagi moisturizer is best for dry skin?

Hydrate Luxe is the best moisturizer for dry skin, followed by Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream and Rebalance Skin Barrier Recovery Cream. Lovi rates Hydrate Luxe as Superior for dry skin, while Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream and Rebalance Skin Barrier Recovery Cream both rate High.

Does Obagi cause breakouts?

Obagi is unlikely to cause breakouts for most users, as the brand-focused routine for acne-prone skin rates High on Lovi. Reviewers frequently note that the serums are fast-absorbing, though skin irritation and dryness are also commonly mentioned.

Is Obagi fragrance-free?

Most of the Obagi products on this page are fragrance-free, as 7 out of 8 items list no fragrance. Only the Nu-Derm Toner includes fragrance.

What are the key ingredients in Obagi products?

Obagi features active ingredients such as retinol, tretinoin, and vitamin C across its serums and treatments to help smooth texture and brighten skin. Reviewers often mention fast-absorbing serums and deeply hydrating moisturizers, though some note skin irritation and dryness.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993

How do I build a Obagi skincare routine?

To build an Obagi routine for dry skin, start your morning with a cleanser, a hydrating toner, the Hydrate Luxe moisturizer, and an SPF. In the evening, use a pre-cleanser, a cleanser, the Vitamin C Serum, and the Hydrate Luxe moisturizer. Once a week, add a nourishing mask into your evening steps before applying the serum and moisturizer.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020

Where can I buy Obagi, and how much does it cost?

Obagi can be bought on Lovi from United Kingdom stores, with prices starting at £51.50 and most falling between £51.50 and £76.00.

What are good alternatives to Obagi?

Good alternatives to Obagi with pages on Lovi include CeraVe, Cetaphil, Paula's Choice, Neutrogena, Kiehl's, and Dermalogica. These similar brands offer a wide range of skincare products that may help you achieve your skin goals.

Obagi vs CeraVe: which is better?

For dry skin, Obagi and CeraVe are both a High fit, while CeraVe is a Superior fit for oily, sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin. The Obagi products on this page are mostly priced from £51.50 to £76.00.

Who owns Obagi, and where is it from?

Obagi is an American brand founded in 1988, owned by Bridgepoint Group plc since 2026.

en.wikipedia.org

Is Obagi cruelty-free?

PETA, Leaping Bunny, and Cruelty Free International, the registries Lovi checks, do not list Obagi as cruelty-free.

Is Obagi good for sensitive skin?

Obagi is a good fit for sensitive skin, with Lovi rating Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream High and Hydrate Luxe High for this skin type. Reviewers mostly mention that these moisturizers are deeply hydrating and soothing. However, users should note that the Obagi products on this page have a high price and may sometimes cause skin irritation and dryness.

Is Obagi good for skin with dark spots?

Yes, Obagi is good for skin with dark spots, as the brand-focused routines fit this skin type well. Products such as Retinol 0.5 and Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream help with brightening and anti-aging, although shoppers often mention a high price.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

Is Obagi good for mature skin?

Yes, Obagi is good for mature skin because Lovi rates moisturizers like Hydrate Luxe and Kinetin+ Hydrating Cream High for mature skin. Retinol helps reduce signs of aging in mature skin by supporting collagen production.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

Research behind Obagi's key ingredients

Behind these ratings

Lovi rates every product from its full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our 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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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