Obagi Soothing Complex Calming Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 25

Obagi Soothing Complex Calming Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 25
5.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
6.1 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
25
SPF icon
SPF

Review

Does Obagi Soothing Complex Calming Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 25 work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Obagi Soothing Complex Calming Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 25:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10.
  • Moderate sun protection for most daily activities or short periods spent outdoors.

Moisturizer with the right occlusivity for normal to dry skin, ideally to be used with extra humectants

According to CreamScan analysis, Obagi Soothing Complex Calming Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 25 is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a moderate humectancy of 5.7 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%), and a high occlusivity of 6.1 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈9.0%) and Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate (est. ≈2.5%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide a significant level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for normal to dry skin.

However, it contains a moderate level of humectants, and 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.

The occlusive profile of Obagi Soothing Complex Calming Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 25 suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

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

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Obagi Soothing Complex Calming Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 25 has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

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

Moderate sun protection for short outdoor activities

 

Obagi Soothing Complex Calming Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 25 has an SPF of 25 and provides moderate sun protection. It is suitable for individuals with medium to darker skin tones who are less prone to sunburn and those engaging in short outdoor activities such as walking or brief errands, as well as cloudy days when UV exposure is less intense.

It helps protect against UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer by damaging the outer layers of the skin. When labeled as broad-spectrum, it also defends against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and long-term cellular damage.

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.

However, if you spend a substantial amount of time outdoors, it is better to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
9
6
3
2.5
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
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:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Cyclohexasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ranunculus Ficaria Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Phytonadione
Function:
Origin:
Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Juice
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Methylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Aluminum Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Benzoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose Gum
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Bioflavonoids
Function:
Origin:
Chondrus Crispus
Function:
Origin:
Sorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Bromelain
Function:
Origin:
Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Honey Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tetrapeptide-14
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.7
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
12.1
9.0
2.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.7 10
5.7
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 12.1 20
6.1
9.0
2.5
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.7 10
5.7
All humectants
5.7
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
2.5
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 12.1 20
6.1
All occlusives
12.1
9.0
2.5
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
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