Obagi’s Serums Help Skin Absorb Vitamin C

Obagi Medical Products, Inc. announced the results of an in vitro study of its Obagi Professional-C and Obagi-C Rx Serums at the American Academy of Dermatology’s Summer Academy Meeting in Chicago in July. The data showed that Obagi-C Rx Serum (4% hydroquinone, 10% L-ascorbic acid) provided a more than 10-fold greater absorption of vitamin C than the leading competitive product. The Obagi Professional-C Serum (20%) resulted in a more than five-fold greater absorption of vitamin C than the leading competitive product, according to the company.

In addition, both Obagi Medical Vitamin C Serums were proven to have greater stability than the leading competitor, which is important given that topical Vitamin C products can be unstable thus potentially making them less efficacious.

“Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and is essential for collagen production, which keeps skin looking young and healthy. It’s also very sensitive to numerous external conditions, so it’s important to use a formulation that has a high level of penetration and is stable,” said Harry Agahigian, lead investigator of the study. “The studies showed that the Obagi Medical Vitamin C formulations provide much better absorption and greater stability versus the competitive product.”

The patented Obagi-C Rx Early Intervention System is a complete skin care program that corrects the early signs of damage to help restore and maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin. Available through physicians, including dermatologists and plastic surgeons, it is billed as the first and only regimen offering the benefits of both prescription strength hydroquinone and stable Vitamin C in one comprehensive system.

Obagi Professional C Serums use stabilized ascorbic acid, the only form of Vitamin C that can be readily absorbed by the skin. Patients may choose from four different concentrations: 20%, 15% or 10% concentrations for the skin and a 5% concentration for around the eyes.