Obagi Environmental Defense Radiance Boosting Serum Review

Obagi Environmental Defense Radiance Boosting Serum
5.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.4 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does Obagi Environmental Defense Radiance Boosting Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Obagi Environmental Defense Radiance Boosting Serum has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Key Benefits of Obagi Environmental Defense Radiance Boosting Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Obagi Environmental Defense Radiance Boosting Serum:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Obagi Environmental Defense Radiance Boosting Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.4 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%) and Pentaerythritol (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Obagi Environmental Defense Radiance Boosting Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Obagi Environmental Defense Radiance Boosting Serum to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Obagi Environmental Defense Radiance Boosting Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Obagi Environmental Defense Radiance Boosting Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Obagi Environmental Defense Radiance Boosting Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Pentaerythritol
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Ethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl PCA
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine Triphosphate
Function:
Origin:
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dioscorea Opposita Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
HEMA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
PVP
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Dehydroacetic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
13.2
6
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 13.2 10
10.0
6
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 13.2 10
10
All humectants
13.2
6
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.9 20
0.4
All occlusives
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.6 3 No
All antioxidants
0.6
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Pentaerythritol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Pentaerythritol
Ethyl Ethylhexanoate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Ethyl Ethylhexanoate
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Behenyl PCA
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Behenyl PCA
Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf ExtractA prospective anti-wrinkle extract derived from a rare plant – the Orpheus flower. Studies have shown that it increases skin elasticity and promotes collagen production. It also contains moisturizing polysaccharides.
Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chondroitin SulfateA compound related to hyaluronic acid. It can create a film on the skin that binds and retains a lot of water, thereby keeping the skin hydrated. It also has additional antioxidant and soothing properties.
Adenosine Triphosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine TriphosphateA cellular energy source that is thought to revitalize skin cells.
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cordyceps Sinensis ExtractAn ingredient obtained by powdering caterpillars along with a parasitic fungus that grows on their heads. One study suggests that this ingredient has antioxidant and anti-aging activity.
Dioscorea Opposita Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dioscorea Opposita Root Extract
HEMA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HEMA
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerA multi-functional ingredient that forms a polymeric network, thereby thickening the formula and preventing other ingredients from shifting around.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateA useful ingredient for both cleansing and emulsifying purposes. It is a powerful agent for washing away dirt and oils from the skin.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Vegetable ProteinA blanket term used for plant-based proteins that have been processed into smaller chunks. They add to the skincare product's film-forming and water-binding properties.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
PVP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PVPAn excellent film-former used in hairsprays, peel-off masks, and even some self-tanning products. These films are strong and hold onto the skin.
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

Dehydroacetic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dehydroacetic AcidA globally approved preservative ingredient. It is a powerful fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it a broad-spectrum preservative. Because it is mildly effective against bacteria, it is often paired with stronger bactericides.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.