Essential Ingredients Glossary
At Obagi, our goal is to create a full spectrum of products to address every skin type and concern. The essential ingredients listed below are the backbone of our product line; you can study up here, and be sure to ask your skin care physician which products and essential ingredients are best for you.
Active and Key Ingredients
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is used to treat mild to moderate acne at the source by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria.1 Find Benzoyl Peroxide in our CLENZIderm M.D.™ products.
Zinc Oxide
A powerful mineral, Zinc Oxide is known for its sun-deflecting ability as well as its non-irritating and non-allergenic properties.2 Used in sunscreen, zinc oxide is often a preferred active ingredient because it provides physical, broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection.
L-Ascorbic Acid
L-Ascorbic Acid, the active form of Vitamin C, may help with the appearance of skin aging. Find L-Ascorbic Acid in Obagi’s Professional-C™ Serums.
Hydromanil
Hydromanil is a cosmetic ingredient derived from the tara seed and is known to be an innovative and potent moisturizer, which is why we made it a key ingredient in both our Obagi Hydrate® and Obagi Hydrate Luxe moisturizers. This advanced moisturizing ingredient captures and retains water and assimilates it into the skin in both an immediate and long-lasting way to enhance your skin’s appearance and texture.3
Retinol
Retinol, another derivative of Vitamin A, is used in cosmetic preparations to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, refine complexion, and smooth the appearance of skin texture with minimal irritation. Retinol is featured in our Obagi360® system, an ideal system for younger patients.
Peptides
The showcase ingredient in Obagi’s Professional-C™ Peptide Complex, Peptides are chains of amino acids that occur in all living organisms4 and some types used in cosmetic products may help your skin appear plump and firm.