Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex Review

Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex
3.3
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.1 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.3 out of 10.

Key Benefits of Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex:
 

Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.3 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a low humectancy of 2.1 out of 10 and a moderate occlusivity of 4.5 out of 10, due to the high content of Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil (est. ≈6.0%) and Stearic Acid (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide some occlusive moisturizing that is adequate for normal skin.

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 Professional-C Peptide Complex

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It’s Better When Paired with Some Humectants

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex contains a relatively low level of humectants.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their 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, these ingredients do 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 Professional-C Peptide Complex

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal skin
  • Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
  • Can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of a skincare routine for dry skin

Cons: 

  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
  • 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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
PEG-12 Glyceryl Dimyristate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Ethoxydiglycol
Function:
Origin:
Polyaminopropyl Biguanide
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Kinetin
Function:
Origin:
Zeatin
Function:
Origin:
Polyurethane-40
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Function:
Origin:
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrochloric Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
9.0
6.0
3.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.1 10
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 9.0 20
4.5
6.0
3.0
Moisturizing rating
3.3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.1 10
2.1
All humectants
2.1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
3
All occlusives 9.0 20
4.5
All occlusives
9.0
6.0
3.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis 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
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
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.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) OilAn emollient and occlusive oil derived from sweet almonds. It has a favorable fatty acid composition (mainly oleic and linoleic acids), and a high content of vitamin E. Almond oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Caprylic Acid
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Caprylic Acid
Stearic Acid
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
PEG-12 Glyceryl Dimyristate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PEG-12 Glyceryl Dimyristate
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1.5
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.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Silica
Est. %1
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
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.
Triethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Ethoxydiglycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthoxydiglycolA type of alcohol with humectant moisturizing properties. It also acts as a solvent, since it mixes well with a variety of other compounds, including water and even some oils.
Polyaminopropyl Biguanide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyaminopropyl BiguanideAn antimicrobial agent.
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.
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Kinetin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Kinetin
Zeatin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zeatin
Polyurethane-40
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyurethane-40
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.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil

An essential oil derived from the peels of the sweet orange. It is commonly used as a fragrance because of its pleasant, citrusy scent. The main constituent of the essential oil is limonene (up to 96%).

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 Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Octapeptide-3

A synthetically made peptide with an effect similar to Botox - it relaxes the facial muscles and temporarily reduces the appearance of mimic wrinkles.

Imidazolidinyl Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Imidazolidinyl UreaAn antimicrobial agent that provides broad spectrum protection.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Hydrochloric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrochloric Acid