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Description
Rohto Obagi C10 Vitamin C Serum 12ml — Pure Vitamin C + Vitamin E Japanese Skincare
Overview
Obagi C10 is a daily-use vitamin C beauty serum made in Japan by Rohto under the Obagi licence. The 12ml glass bottle with dropper is the trial size of Rohto's bestselling C10 family — built around a dual-stability vitamin C system: pure L-ascorbic acid for immediate antioxidant activity and 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid as the stable derivative that keeps working as the unstable L-form oxidises. Vitamin E (tocopherol) is added as the lipid-soluble partner that recycles the C system and shields cell membranes.
See also: Japanese Serums, Japanese Vitamin C Skincare, Melano CC vs Obagi C10 — Which Japanese Vitamin C Serum Wins.
Key Benefits
- ✓ Dual vitamin C system — pure L-ascorbic acid (immediate) + 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid (stable derivative) for continuous antioxidant action
- ✓ Lipid-soluble vitamin E (Tocopherol) recycles vitamin C and reinforces the skin barrier
- ✓ Botanical pore-care complex: artichoke leaf extract, yeast extract, akeshisou (Persicaria tinctoria) extract for visibly tighter pore appearance
- ✓ Oil-free, light fluid texture — absorbs in seconds, layers under sunscreen and makeup
- ✓ Glass bottle with dropper — protects unstable vitamin C from light and air
- ✓ Authentic Japan-domestic formulation by Rohto Pharmaceutical, shipped from Kobe
Product Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Obagi (Rohto Pharmaceutical, Japan) |
| Product Name (EN) | Obagi C10 Vitamin C Serum |
| Product Name (JP) | オバジC10セラム |
| Category | Skincare |
| Subcategory | Serum |
| Product Type | Vitamin C beauty serum (oil-free) |
| Size / Net Content | 12 ml (trial size) |
| Form | Light fluid serum |
| Fragrance / Scent | Light grapefruit / orange |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Skin Type / Target User | All skin types; dull, uneven tone, visible pores, early signs of ageing |
| Main Concerns | Dullness, uneven skin tone, visible pores, post-acne marks, antioxidant defence |
| Key Ingredients | Ascorbic acid (Vit C), 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol (Vit E), Artichoke Leaf Extract, Yeast Extract |
Who Is This For?
- Anyone wanting to introduce vitamin C into a Japanese skincare routine without committing to a full-size bottle
- Adults aged 20+ with dullness, visible pores, post-acne marks, or sun-related uneven tone
- Combination and oily skin (oil-free, alcohol-based base)
- Travellers — 12ml glass bottle is a good carry-on size
- Users layering vitamin C with niacinamide (Melano CC) or sunscreen routines
How to Use
- Cleanse and apply your usual hydrating lotion (toner) first.
- Dispense 3–4 drops onto fingertips.
- Smooth over the entire face, focusing on pores around the nose, cheeks and forehead.
- Follow with moisturiser. In the morning, follow with SPF 30+ sunscreen — non-negotiable.
Frequency: Morning and evening. The 12ml bottle lasts ~40 days at twice-daily use.
Tip: Vitamin C is most active on slightly damp skin. Apply within ~1 minute of toner, before it fully evaporates.
Full Ingredients
Propanediol, Ethanol, Water, Ascorbic Acid, PG, Tocopherol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tubaxa (Tubocapsicum) Extract, Artichoke Leaf Extract, Yeast Extract, Akeshisou (Persicaria Tinctoria) Extract, Serine, Grapefruit Fruit Extract, Betaine, Glycerin, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, BG, PPG-6 Decyltetradeceth-30, Fragrance.
Cautions
- Contains Ethanol high in the INCI list — patch-test on the inner arm for 48 hours before first use. If you have very dry, eczema-prone or rosacea-prone skin, please reconsider.
- Contains Fragrance and a grapefruit-derived extract — discontinue use if redness, stinging or itching occurs.
- Vitamin C can slightly increase photosensitivity. Daily SPF 30+ sunscreen is required during use.
- If white sediment or significant yellowing appears, the active vitamin C has oxidised — discard.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat. Store the glass bottle upright with the cap tightened.
- Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. Discontinue use if irritation occurs and consult a dermatologist.
Package Contents
- 1 × Obagi C10 Serum 12 ml glass bottle with dropper
- Outer carton and Japanese product leaflet
Shipping & Store Notes
- Ships directly from Japan (Kobe)
- Processing time: 2–6 business days
- Tracking number provided after dispatch
- Import duties and taxes may apply depending on destination country
- Opened cosmetics cannot be returned for hygiene and safety reasons
Authenticity Guarantee
Every product at Tsujimoto Market is sourced directly from Japan and verified for authenticity. We never sell fakes or grey-market goods. Each order is carefully packed and dispatched with full tracking from our warehouse in Kobe.
FAQ
Q: How is Obagi C10 different from Melano CC?
A: Both are Rohto-made vitamin C serums in dropper bottles, but the chemistry differs. Melano CC's hero is 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid plus arbutin and tocopherol — positioned for dark-spot care under Japan's quasi-drug framework. Obagi C10 stacks pure L-ascorbic acid with 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid plus a botanical pore-care complex — positioned as a general vitamin C antioxidant serum. Obagi C10 is the stronger antioxidant; Melano CC is the more focused dark-spot product.
Q: Will the formula tingle? Is that normal?
A: A brief, mild tingle on the first few uses is normal due to ethanol and the acidic pH of L-ascorbic acid. Persistent burning, redness or peeling is not — discontinue and consult a dermatologist.
Q: Can I use Obagi C10 with niacinamide, retinol or AHA?
A: Yes. The old "vitamin C + niacinamide" warning is outdated chemistry. With retinol, alternate evenings rather than layering. With AHAs/BHAs, allow 10–15 minutes between layers and don't combine acids in the same routine if your skin is sensitive.
Q: Is the 12ml size enough for a full review?
A: At 3–4 drops twice daily, 12ml lasts about 40 days — enough to assess tolerability and early brightening effect. Most visible improvement on tone and texture takes 8–12 weeks of consistent daily SPF + serum use.
Q: Is this the Japan version of Obagi or the US prescription line?
A: This is the Japan-domestic Obagi line, manufactured and distributed by Rohto Pharmaceutical under licence. It is the over-the-counter Japanese formula — different SKU and packaging from the US Obagi Medical prescription range.
Q: How long will shipping take and will I pay customs?
A: We ship from Kobe, Japan within 2–6 business days. Transit time depends on the carrier and destination — typically 4–10 days for express, longer for surface mail. Import duties and VAT may apply depending on your country.
