Obagi Professional-C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen Review

Obagi Professional-C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen
2.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
30
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Obagi Professional-C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Obagi Professional-C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Obagi Professional-C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.
  • Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities

Key Benefits of Obagi Professional-C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Obagi Professional-C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen:
 

Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Obagi Professional-C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely occlusive. It has zero humectancy (we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list) and a moderate occlusivity of 5.5 out of 10, entirely due to the high content of Dimethicone (est. ≈11.0%).

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.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Obagi Professional-C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈45.0%), 
 or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
 
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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Obagi Professional-C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈45.0%) and Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract (est. ≈22.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities

With an SPF of 30, Obagi Professional-C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen provides moderate to high sun protection, making it suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure, such as commuting or light outdoor activities.

This level of SPF offers excellent defense against UVB rays, blocking up to 97% of harmful radiation. When labeled as broad-spectrum, these products also protect against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation.

For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF works well for skin types mildly prone to sunburn. It is particularly suitable for low-to-moderate UV index environments and non-tropical climates. However, it is not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure or intense UV conditions. Reapplication every two hours is essential to maintain effectiveness.

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 Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Obagi Professional-C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen 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 Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen contains no humectants at all.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding water-binding humectants to their moisturizing routine for effective dual-action moisturizing. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Obagi Professional-C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Obagi Professional-C Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen 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
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Provides moderate to high sun protection, suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure and light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates

Cons: 

  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
8
5
3
3
2.79
1
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Oxybenzone
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Octoxynol-10
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
11.0
11.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 11.0 20
5.5
11.0
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
11
All occlusives 11.0 20
5.5
All occlusives
11.0
11.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 45 2.5
Total
2.5
Ascorbic Acid
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
45
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
45
22
All antioxidants 67 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
67
Ascorbic Acid
45
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract
22
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Ascorbic Acid
Est. %45
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract

Obtained from pomelo peels, this extract mainly consists of citrus-scented essential oil, as well as various antioxidant organic acids and flavonoids.

Dimethicone
Est. %11
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.
Homosalate
Est. %8
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Octisalate
Est. %5
Function
Origin
OctisalateA UVB sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl salicylate. It is normally paired with UVA sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection. Octisalate also protects other ingredients, like colorants and antioxidants, from deterioration due to exposure to UV light.
Avobenzone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
AvobenzoneA popular sunscreen that protects against UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer. Avobenzone degrades after about 30 minutes of sun exposure and becomes ineffective. It is therefore often paired with UV-filter stabilizers such as octocrylene.
Oxybenzone
Est. %3
Function
Origin
OxybenzoneA chemical sunscreen that protects against burning caused by UVB radiation.
Octocrylene
Est. %2.79
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Dimethicone CrosspolymerA group of ingredients that are typically added to skincare products to adjust the formula. Dimethicone Crosspolymers stabilize a formula, regulate its thickness and consistency and give the product a velvety feel.
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.
Octoxynol-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Octoxynol-10