Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% Versus Poems From The Lab Future Focus Vitamin C Serum
Updated on July 03, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe serums. They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% 12 ingredients
Poems From The Lab Future Focus Vitamin C Serum 12 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% 12 ingredients
Poems From The Lab Future Focus Vitamin C Serum 12 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterAscorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.
Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.
Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!
Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.
Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.
The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.
Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.
Learn more about Ascorbic AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% 12 ingredients
Poems From The Lab Future Focus Vitamin C Serum 12 ingredients

Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% 12 ingredients
Poems From The Lab Future Focus Vitamin C Serum 12 ingredients
I’ve had the same tube for about 4 months & have only been using sporadically as I’ve been adjusting to tretinoin. It’s still as clear as the day I opened it. The tube is designed to seal itself after dispensing a drop & this keeps the contents from oxidizing. You can be sure that you are applying an effective Vitamin C. Smells terrible, but kinda par for the course with Vitamin C. Serum is 15% Show more