Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% – Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum for Face

Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% packs a high-strength dose of pure L-Ascorbic Acid into a fast-absorbing formula built for normal to oily skin. This antioxidant serum works to brighten skin's appearance, even out tone, and fade the look of dark spots while helping guard against free-radical damage. Sodium Hyaluronate brings in light hydration so the potent vitamin C stays comfortable on skin. Apply each morning as your first step after cleansing. Browse more targeted picks in our Skin Care collection.

Product Overview

Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% is a medical-grade antioxidant serum built on 20% L-Ascorbic Acid — the purest form vitamin C comes in. It's made for people with normal to oily or combination skin who want visible brightening along with stronger daily defense against environmental stressors.

The texture is light and fast-absorbing, so it sinks in quickly and layers well under moisturizer and sunscreen. Used every morning, it helps support a more even-looking complexion, fades the appearance of dark spots, and softens fine lines over time. Sodium Hyaluronate keeps hydration in check so the high vitamin C concentration doesn't feel harsh.

It fits easily into a simple morning routine: cleanse, tone if you like, apply the serum, follow with moisturizer, then finish with broad-spectrum SPF. This is one of the stronger options in the Professional-C lineup, best suited for skin that already handles vitamin C well.

Key Features

• 20% L-Ascorbic Acid — the highest concentration in the Professional-C range
• Sodium Hyaluronate for added hydration alongside the potent vitamin C
• Ascorbyl glucoside, a stabilized vitamin C derivative, for extra antioxidant support
• Lightweight, oil-free texture that absorbs quickly
• Glass bottle with a precision dropper for controlled application
• Available in 1 fl oz (30 ml) or 0.42 fl oz (12.5 ml)
• Formulated for normal to oily and combination skin
• Built for morning use in an antioxidant-focused routine

How It Works

L-Ascorbic Acid is vitamin C in its pure, active form. At 20%, it helps neutralize the free radicals behind dullness, uneven tone, and early signs of aging. With regular use, the formula also supports a brighter, more even complexion and can soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Sodium Hyaluronate works as a humectant, pulling moisture into the skin to help balance out any dryness the high-strength vitamin C might otherwise cause. Since the serum absorbs fast, the active ingredients stay available where the skin can use them. Always pair it with sunscreen — antioxidant support and daily UV protection go hand in hand.

Who It's For

This serum suits adults with normal to oily or combination skin who want a high-strength vitamin C treatment. It's aimed at anyone dealing with uneven tone, dark spots, dullness, or early fine lines — provided they already tolerate vitamin C products well.

It's not the best starting point for very dry, sensitive, or barrier-compromised skin. If you're new to vitamin C, a lower concentration (10% or 15%) is a better place to begin. Patch testing is recommended before regular use. This product is for external, cosmetic use only and isn't intended to treat any medical skin condition.

Why Choose This Product

Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% offers one of the highest concentrations of pure L-Ascorbic Acid in the Professional-C line, paired with Sodium Hyaluronate for comfort and a fast-absorbing texture that layers well under daytime products.

It's built specifically for normal to oily skin, so it avoids feeling heavy or greasy. The dropper packaging makes dosing precise, and the formula reflects Obagi's long-standing focus on professional-grade skincare. For anyone after a potent, straightforward vitamin C serum with clear usage guidance, this delivers exactly that when used as directed.