After I last shared with you about one of my favourite (and affordable) Vitamin C serums from Japan, we quickly saw it appear in our local pharmacies! I take no credit for it (I’m not THAT influential), but it was fortuitous! LOL!
Now, I’m hoping for another miracle to happen with the Obagi C10 Vitamin C Serum.
As you have correctly guessed, this too is another well-rated and well-performing Vitamin C serum for me. I remembered reading about it for so long that when I headed to Japan earlier this year, I only had one item on my shopping list – the Obagi Vitamin C serum.
Happily (or unhappily), this turned out to be another winner in my books! But not for the wallet as you will soon see.
You may find the name Obagi familiar. It is a range of active and effective skincare favoured by aesthetics doctors and dermatologists. It is also quite an expensive brand. Many years ago, I was prescribed one product that contained hydroquinone, ostensibly to lighten my pigmentation, but it left my skin looking so sallow and horrible (without doing anything for my pigmentation), I threw it out and never went back to the doctor.
I have a healthy distrust of doctors – no disrespect intended to the many doctors I know who are reading 😛 I hardly even go to the doctor when I’m not feeling well, unless I absolutely have to. With skin, as long as it’s not life-threatening, I’ll just deal with it myself 😛
What is the Obagi C10 Vitamin C serum?
With that background, the reason I hunted high and low for the Obagi C10 Vitamin C serum is simply due to how highly rated it was. Those of you who have been reading my blog know that I’m a big fan and proponent of Vitamin C serum for overall skin brightening, clarity and health. Here was my chance to add another serum to my list.
From what I understand, the Obagi C10 Vitamin C serum is made for the Japan market and only sold in Japan. These days, there are ways you can buy it online but at a premium markup.
It is sold at the pharmacies (drugstores) in Japan and it can be hard to find among the mass of foreign looking products on the shelf. If unsure, ask one of the sales assistants. I find it most helpful to just show them a picture.
There are 3 different strengths of the Obagi Vitamin C serum available – C5 with 5%, C10 with 10% and C20 with 20%.
C5 and C20 come in small sized 12ml bottles. C10 is the only one that comes in 2 sizes – a 12ml bottle and a 26ml bottle. In the pamphlet in the box, they helpfully tell you that the small bottle will last you about 40 days, while the large bottle will last you about 80 days – 3-4 drops each use.
So why did I end up with the Obagi C10 instead of the Obagi C20 Vitamin C serum? Simple.
Cost.
The Obagi C20 serum was going to cost almost RM320 for 12ml. The C10 serum cost me about RM290 for the large 26ml bottle. It was a no-brainer decision.
Packaging and contents of the Obagi C10 Vitamin C serum
The packaging is your usual dropper style packaging. While this is not my favoured packaging for a serum containing Ascorbic Acid that is very reactive, it really is the most common found. The product comes with a light yellow tint. While I have not stored mine in the fridge (It’s too cumbersome to use this way) I have only just started noticing a slight darkening after about 2 months of daily use.
What I like very much is the little plastic stand that comes with the product. The bottle fits nicely in it, and keeps it stable so you don’t risk toppling it from your dresser! How bloody clever is that?! 😀
The texture is very liquid, with a slightly oily feel to it. I’m happy with it, because I’m used to using facial oils. But if you aren’t, then do note the slight oily feel. A spritz of facial mist will solve that problem for you.
The other thing to note is the scent. Rather, the pong 😛 I detest the scent, which is a light chemical floral scent, if that even makes sense? It is like florals with a metallic edge and I abhor it. It isn’t bad, but I don’t like it. I do realise that Vitamin C serums tend to have a metallic smell, which I’m OK with. But the addition of floral fragrance is a no-no. Just take it out and leave it be!
The Obagi C10 Vitamin C serum is a star product!
I tend to only use Vitamin C serums in the day, as I use retinol and AHA-peel type products in the evening. But as I always do, when testing a new Vitamin C serum, I use it day and night for a spell.
And you know what? I was blown away.
I was already quite happy with the clarity of my skin after the Melano CC essence. But within a week of using the Obagi C10 Vitamin C serum, my skin was noticeably clearer. How?! I thought I was already at maximum brightness LOL! 😀
I guess it turned out that I could still dial it up a notch.
I later switched back to just once a day use, and I think it’s preferable for me this way LOL! It’s not that I don’t appreciate brighter skin, I want it to last longer! And I only have the one bottle of Obagi C10! 😛
I have about a quarter of the bottle left, and I am savouring its use. I am generous – 3-4 drops each use which is more than enough for me to take down to my neck and chest area. My skin retains its clarity which I like, and I find my skin to be less reactive to the sun and to heat.
I hesitate however to give credit 100% to the Obagi C10 Vitamin C serum for my new makeup base routine, which uses very thin layers of base and just a touch of concealer. The reason is because I am just as diligent with my evening routine that sees the retinols and AHA acids come out to play and those have a role to play in strengthening and clarifying the skin as well.
All said, I am a fan of the Obagi C10 Vitamin C serum, and I do wish it was easier to get hold of it. However, because it is rather pricey, and Vitamin C is so reactive even when stored unopened, I am a little wary about buying it online.
If you’re wondering, I did not buy a back up. It was too expensive to, without first trying it. I might beg a favour from friends or family headed to Japan in time to come, but once I’m done with this, I already have another brand lined up so no, I’m not wanting for Vitamin C serums right now LOL! 😀
IN A NUTSHELL
The Obagi C10 Vitamin C serum is a brand made for and found only in the Japan market. There are 3 different percentages available in different sizes. Only C10 comes in 2 sizes – 12ml and 26ml. I bought the 26ml one. It has a dropper delivery system and the product is a clear light yellow when I first bought it. 2 months later, it has not darkened by very much despite daily use. I use the recommended 3-4 drops each time all over. What I noticed was a significant brightening and further clarity of the skin. My skin appears to be less reactive to heat. My pigmentation is still visible, but it just looks clearer, if it makes sense. I don’t like the floral-metallic scent, but I forgive it for the results that you get. Truly stellar product and well deserving of raves.
PROS:
- Clarifies and brightens skin very effectively
- Skin feels healthier and less reactive to heat
- Lightweight texture sinks into skin without leaving any residue
- Does not sting the skin
CONS:
- Pricey
- Floral-metallic scent is not very pleasant
- Hard to find outside of Japan
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who appreciates a good oily feel Vitamin C serum
PRICE: Approx ¥8000 (RM294) or thereabouts for the 26ml bottle. Sometimes on sale in Japanese drugstores if you’re lucky
WHERE TO BUY: Drugstores in Japan – show a picture to the sales people and they can help you, Various websites online that I cannot recommend as I am not familiar with them but a search will show you where you may be able to find them at various price points
I found the English ingredient list for the Obagi C10 Vitamin C Serum online so here it is – pardon if there are any errors as there is no one definitive list.
Ethoxydiglycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Aqua, Ascorbic Acid 10%, Tocopherol, Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Betaine, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Parfum
What I found most interesting is that the manufacturer of the Obagi C10 Vitamin C serum is Rohto. Rohto is one of the largest manufacturers of cosmetics in Japan, and makes familiar brands like Hada Labo and…. Melano CC! 😀
That got me thinking.
Might this explain why the Melano CC essence is so effective for me? (I know many of you have since tried the Melano CC serum with varying results – thank you for sharing with me whether it’s good or bad!)
Granted, the percentage of Vitamin C in that one is decidedly lower than 10% because the results aren’t as drastic and it is significantly cheaper in price. But it makes for a good and affordable maintenance serum for me in between stronger doses, and it has a similar oily texture.
I love it when transfer technology happens in brands 😀
If you want to try this, but have never used a Vitamin C serum before, get the C5 to start with and work your way up. I’ve used varying percentages of Vitamin C in serums so my skin can handle it. I could whack on a 20% Vitamin C and it’d still take it like a champ! And that might just be the next one I break out of my stash – stay tuned 😉
Have you tried the Obagi C10 Vitamin C serum?
If I lived in Japan, I’d just alternate between the Melano CC Essence and this Obagi C10 serum. Maybe I’d do the C20 now and again. Really, there’s no need for any other brand because both of these brands are so effective and so good! Now, I hope magic happens and we see Obagi C Vitamin C serums here LOL! One can hope! 😀
Paris B
I’m at Tokyo now, you want a bottle? Hahaha, I’m so overwhelmed by the choices of drugstore cosmetic products they offer I’m too am tempted to get the obagi vitamin c serum. I bought the vitamin c power wash and don’t know if it’s gonna make the serum more effective when used together
Hey Melvin, thank you so much for the offer but no thank you – I really have to dig into my stash and finish what I have first haha! But I do hope you picked one up for yourself! 😀 I do agree with you about how overwhelming it is in the drugstores. The language barrier doesn’t help too! Still, I hope you picked up something nice, and the Kanebo Allie sunscreen too! That one I love!
I just opened my bottle of this one recently too! My skin seems to like it well enough, fortunately. Japanese skin care products are so hard to find in our neck of the woods! I’m now starting to worry how to restock when I finish this and my stash of sunscreens.
You and I both! LOL! Oh well, I’ll just have to make do with alternatives till I’m able to get my hands on them again. Good, because it lets us play around and try new things. Bad, because, what if the new stuff don’t work as well?! Argh!!
Great! I made a note for my trip to Japan in summer 2019 (my BF has a business trip and I’m going along. My mom is Japanese). 🙂
Ooh nice! and pick up the foundation too. I saw someone posting some stories about it, and it looked so good!I’m sure your shopping list will be a nice long one – and your eating list too hehe…
Obagi has a foundation? *frenetic googling* 🙂
Yes! In Japan under the Obagi line there. Also a loose powder and there’s some other products too 🙂
Darn, your article should have be posted earlier as husband just came back from Japan. I’m so tempted to try out Obagi Vitamin C, hmm, just have to wait, eh. Which local pharmacy carries Melano CC? Thanks for sharing as always.
Oops sorry! 🙁 But there are some websites like Rakuten that have it. I just haven’t shopped with them so I dare not recommend. Melano CC is at local Watson’s pharmacies 🙂
This is available from Nishino Pharmacy in Isetan Singapore. I chose not to get it because of the added fragrance and citrus oil.
That’s great to know Firn! Singapore is closer to me than Japan after all, even if I visit both just as rarely LOL! 🙂
Hi Paris, is this suitable oily skin?
Hi I believe it should be – the texture is fairly light 🙂
Paris, have you done a roundup review of your top favourite C serums? You’ve tried your share and it would be great to see a list of love and hates.
From what I have tried, my HG is the Melano CC. I’ve been tempted to try this Japanese Obagi but I’ve been holding back for the she reason you expressed about the shipping.
BTW, for anyone looking for an easy and reliable Japanese shopping site/app, I use Dokodemo to get my beauty products from Japan to Australia.
Hi Arcy, I haven’t done a Vitamin C round up yet, but thank you for the idea! It will be something I have to work on 🙂 I think the Obagi C is a good one to get, if you are able to get it in person, or at its source. But otherwise, there are many other options out there – no need to go crazy getting the unattainable 😀 I too enjoy using the Melano CC essence! I just love how well it keeps thanks to its clever packaging 🙂 And thank you for the Dokodemo website recommendation – I must take a look now, don’t I? 😛
Do they ship to Singapore too?
where can i find the app in the iphone app store? doesn’t seem to be there
You are right about buying VIT C serums online… where did you buy yours? I saw this in a Jap pharmacy here and am wondering if it would be better to buy it here than online… though more expensive.
I hate oily or sticky serums/creams and i have sensitive skin. The only Vitamin C serum i have been able to tolerate is the Klairs freshly juiced 5%. It is oily but dries in 10 mins. Does this do the same?
I think i have tried the Obagi 5 long time ago but found it oily and abit irritating to the skin. Bought it online. not sure why. perhaps my skin was a little more sensitive then. I now use my klairs am and pm.
Have you also heard of L’oréal revitalift 10% vitamin c serum? What do you think?
Love your blog btw!
I bought my Rohto Obagi serum in Japan. Naturally, now that I can’t go and we can’t travel, I won’t be able to use it anymore. But I’m happy with other Vitamin C options so I’m not mourning it 🙂 I haven’t tried Klairs so I’m unable to compare. I don’t remember this one being oily, but I always apply all products on damp skin so it always absorbs more quickly and easily, and I have drier skin so I’m happy with a little oil. I have not come across the L’Oreal Vitamin C serum, but it’s intriguing! Perhaps one day I’ll have a go 🙂 Thank you for visiting!
I thought Vitamin C was supposed to be applied on dry skin bc of the PH or something… if you apply it with some water on your face wouldn’t it bring up the PH of the Vit C serum and make it less effective?
And the whole thing about waiting for like 15-20 mins after applying Vit C serums…
Personally, I don’t subscribe to it, and there are reports that waiting or otherwise does not do much more for the skin (this post and this post is useful, and this video is also useful). Of course, there are different schools of thought on this, so I’d suggest reading up on it, and deciding which works better for you. For me, I’m not fussed and in fact, not waiting and misting between layers is helping my skin even more than letting it dry and then applying more product on top of dry skin 🙂
I guess for me the issue is more of whether to apply vitamin c on dry vs damp skin…
I’m not too fussed about the wait times.. it just takes bloody long to sink in (when applied on dry skin). But I always thought that that was the proper thing to do because of the whole water raising the PH thing etc. I think some people even so so far as to apply a ph adjusting toner after cleansing to bring their skin to the right ph.
I have heard of the same, and again, because I’m no expert I cannot claim nor suggest otherwise 🙂
oh i tried the melano cc… found it really oily (but never waited long enough for it to dry). didn’t do anything for me! Klairs has helped with lighten of my pigmentation a little bit not totally. Hence looking at a higher percentage.
It is weird… when i used it in the past there would be a slight warm sensation. Now i feel it only slightly or nothing at all.
Since you’re the skincare guru, does that mean my skin has gotten used to the 5% or my vitamin c serums i have been buying recently is ineffective?
Not a guru haha 🙂 But what I reckon is that your skin is now stronger and more tolerant to the product you’re using so you’re not experiencing sensitivity. A lower percentage is fine for maintenance, but if you want to see more visible results, then a higher percentage is usually more effective. Much depends on what you want and what your skin can tolerate – not everyone’s skin can handle high percentages of an ingredient and often, slow and steady gets the results too.
Hi Paris B, I see some obagi vitamin C serums being sold on Zalora here, though the prices are really quite high. I used to be able to take 10-12% Vitamin C serums on a daily basis but my skin has become quite sensitive post pregnancy and I can only tolerate it on alternate days, and with sufficient hydration.
Hi Tracy, Oh, thanks for letting me know it’s available on Zalora! Unfortunately, the price is very off putting haha! But these days, I have found so many other options, I prefer not to drop that much money on one little bottle of product anymore. Oh and I’m sorry to hear your skin is sensitive now, but always listen to your skin! It’s not made equal 🙂