Obagi Skincare: Reviews, Complaints, & Alternatives

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Obagi is one of several specialty skincare brands that offers a line of products that is typically sold through dermatology offices. But is it all it’s cracked up to be? Can you afford it? Read on to learn more.

What is Obagi SkinCare?

Similar to other comparative products from leaders in the skincare industry, Obagi’s products are formulated with an impressive list of cutting edge ingredients, like retinoid compounds, such as tretinoin and hydroquinone. Several of these Obagi’s products require a prescription to purchase because they have retinoids and other ingredients in high concentrations, which is why they are often effective in rejuvenating and healing the skin. However, it’s always a good idea to understand a brand and its products before you see a physician about using it. With this in mind, we’re offering an Obagi review for 2019 with some alternatives to Obagi for readers on on a budget. We’ve also included a reputable store where you can buy Obagi without a prescription.

Obagi Kits

Obagi offers several kits that treat multiple skin concerns whether you have acne, an uneven skin tone, signs of aging, or any combination of these issues.

  • Obagi Nu-Derm Fx System – Normal to Dry

    This anti-aging skincare program includes 8 products that cleanse, moisturize, rejuvenate, and replenish the skin. It’s ideal if you have normal or dry skin as well as discoloration, wrinkles, and fine lines. We particularly like that this kit includes everything from a daily cleanser to an SPF cream. (Be sure to comparison shop prices at SkincareRX as well!)

  • Obagi Nu-Derm Fx System – Normal to Oily

    The Obagi Nu-Derm Fx System for normal to oily skin is a great kit that comes with 8 products that cover everything from acne and skin discoloration to preventing and repairing the signs of aging. (Again, SkincareRX typically has a better price, so check there as well)

  • CLENZIderm M.D. Acne Therapeutic System

    This system comes with a therapeutic lotion, daily foaming cleanser, and a pore therapy serum, all of which help resolve the issues acne causes. If you’re looking to treat your acne, minimize pores, and even your skin tone, then CLENZIderm M.D. Acne Therapeutic System might be the skincare program for you.

  • Obagi360 System Kit

    This 3-piece system is best for those who want to get a jump start on preventing fine lines and wrinkles. It comes with an exfoliating cleanser, retinol, and hydrating SPF 30.

  • Obagi-C Fx System – Normal to Oily

    This kit comes with 5 products that help treat skin discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, and many other issues people with oily skin experience. We love that this program includes everything from a night and day treatment as well as an SPF 50 cream.

  • Obagi-C Fx System – Normal to Dry

    It’s the same system as above but for those with dry skin. Among a nighttime and daytime regimen, you also get a clarifying serum that repairs sun damage.

Obagi’s Popular Single Products

In this list, we’re highlighting some of Obagi’s best products that focus on promoting youthful, clear skin and protecting it from further damage.

  • Obagi Professional-C Serum

    Is a high-concentrated serum that treats multiple signs of aging and is available in numerous concentrations. We also like that it helps your skin produce healthier collagen, which is the key to youthful skin.

  • Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Cream

    Helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes, such as crow’s feet. It’s popular for a good reason. It penetrates deep into your skin to support the production of stronger elastin and collagen.

  • Obagi Nu-Derm Toner

    Helps even your complexion while simultaneously preserving your skin’s natural moisture.

  • Obagi Retinol

    Is available in several of the kits we discussed above, but it’s on our favorites list because it treats the signs of aging and makes a great purchase if you want to try just one product.

  • Obagi Sun Shield Mineral Broad-Spectrum SPF 50

    Is on our list because we wouldn’t be a good advice column if we didn’t encourage you to protect your skin!

Cheapest Place to Buy Obagi Skin Care Products

The least expensive way to buy any physician-prescribed skincare brand is to ask what your local dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons because their prices may vary. While you can purchase Obagi products online, Obagi warns consumers to review their unauthorized seller list. We found that since it’s inception Obagi products are now shipped and sold by Amazon. Coincidentally, Amazon is omitted from the list of unauthorized sellers on Obagi’s website. Also, be sure to check out SkincareRx, in doing some comparison shopping, we’ve found that on average, they have much better prices than Amazon.

Who Should Buy Obagi Skin Care?

Many physicians suggest prescription skincare programs for those who want to prolong the need for cosmetic surgery if they’re interested in these procedures in the future, in preparation for cosmetic surgery, and often as a treatment to preserve skin after cosmetic surgery. For those in their early 20s and 30s who may be thinking about procedures to keep their youthful skin, an exceptional skincare program can delay the need for those procedures. In addition, prescription skincare programs are used on patients before cosmetic procedures to achieve the best aesthetic outcomes. Finally, prescription programs are used after surgery or non-surgical services, such as laser face treatments, to help maintain the cosmetic results.

Cost-Efficient Skin Care Alternatives

Let’s face it, not all of us can afford $300 to $400 for a good skin care program, some of us simply do not want to sit in a physician’s office to get skincare products, and we may be planning to age gracefully rather than use cosmetic surgery to improve our features. That’s why we’re offering two alternatives to Obagi’s skincare line.

    • Hylunia

      We absolutely love the Hylunia brand because it’s less expensive than a prescription skin care program, and it was established for people with skin conditions that cause inflammation, irritations, and more. The founder, a rocket scientist, Dr. Lingam and his wife struggled to find a skincare brand that didn’t irritate their baby’s skin. So, Dr. Lingam teamed up with fellow scientists, chemists, and physicians to develop skincare products gentle enough for a baby’s skin. They offer the same products as prescription brands, such as a complex C anti-aging serum, repairing eye cream, and complete anti-aging system. We particularly like that Hylunia develops products for different skin issues, including skincare for sensitive skin from cancer treatments; for those with rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema; and for those with acne.

    • La Roche-Posay

      La Roche-Posay is an affordable skincare brand that originated in France. It made our list because it offers a wide variety of products like retinol and Hyaluronic serums as well as skincare programs based on your skin type and skin concerns.

The Bottom Line

    • In this Obagi review, we would like to remind you that Obagi does have a purpose even though it’s expensive. It can be more effective at treating critical skin problems, serve as a pre and post-treatment for cosmetic procedures, and target specific concerns. On the other hand, Hylunia and La Roche-Posay offer less expensive skincare programs that can also treat acne, signs of aging, and skin discoloration. If you’re dead set on the Obagi brand, you can find several of their consumer-grade products on Amazon. However, for their prescription-grade products, you will need to seek the guidance of a physician. As always, before starting a new skincare routine, we recommend consulting your dermatologist.
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