The original, what makes it special, the shelf parts we use and how to get closer. Add or swap parts and the score updates.
The original · Obagi
$115 · 1.0 fl oz (30 ml)
A short formula of 10% L-ascorbic acid dissolved in a propylene glycol and water base.
Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.
Step 2 · The build
CeraVe
Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.
The 100 points
We split Professional-C Serum 10% into 3 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.
Pure vitamin C at a moderate strength. It brightens, helps with fine lines and adds antioxidant defense.
Propylene glycol and similar solvents carry the acidic vitamin C into the skin and keep the formula light.
The 10% level is pitched at skin that stings with stronger vitamin C.
Optional
85 / 100. We have not found a shelf product that closes more of the gap yet.
Step 3 · Buy
One link per part. Each opens the retailer in a new tab.
Your build
Running total $28.99
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)Snapshot prices. Each link shows today's price.
One bottle instead of a build. Sorted by match score; scores use the same standouts as above.
CeraVe
Why it is close. Same 10% L-ascorbic acid level in a water-based serum with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It uses dimethicone and glycerin instead of a glycol base, and it is fragrance free.
La Roche-Posay
Why it is close. Pure vitamin C at 12%, close to the 10% strength, in a silicone serum with hyaluronic acid and a little salicylic acid. It contains fragrance, like the Obagi serum.
Not an affiliate link.
Naturium
Why it is close. A gentle vitamin C serum led by sodium ascorbyl phosphate with a smaller amount of L-ascorbic acid. It is milder and cheaper but delivers less pure vitamin C.
Not an affiliate link.
CeraVe
Running total
Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)No gain nowCeraVe
Naturium
Running total
View product (opens in new tab)Not an affiliate link.
No gain nowNaturium
La Roche-Posay
Running total
View product (opens in new tab)Not an affiliate link.
No gain nowLa Roche-Posay
Topical L-ascorbic acid absorbs into skin only at a low pH (below 3.5).
Pinnell 2001 · Dermatol SurgA 10% ascorbic acid serum improved photoaging scores in a 12-week half-face trial.
Fitzpatrick 2002 · Dermatol SurgReviews find topical vitamin C smooths skin and lightens melasma and photoaging with long-term use.
Correia 2023 · J Cosmet DermatolPropylene glycol, aqua/water/eau, ascorbic acid, propylene carbonate, fragrance (parfum), benzyl benzoate, amyl cinnamal, hexyl cinnamal.
We split Professional-C Serum 10% into 3 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 85 of a possible 100. A full 100 needs every standout fully covered.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum by CeraVe is our closest single-product match at 85 out of 100 for $28.99 (1 fl oz (30 ml)). It shares L-ascorbic acid 10%.
Professional-C Serum 10% costs $115 for 1.0 fl oz (30 ml). The closest dupe costs $28.99, a saving of about $86.01. Prices change, so check the seller page.
No. Dupes share the key actives but can differ in concentration, vehicle and supporting ingredients. Missing from this one: Propylene glycol solvent base. See our methodology for how we score.
SkinBetter Science · serum
~$52.98 + check priceour build, 4 partsOriginal ~$195, build ~$52.98 + check price.
CeraVe + The Ordinary + Vanicream + Paula's Choice
Obagi · serum
$38.69 + check priceour build, 3 partsOriginal $158, build $38.69 + check price.
CeraVe + The Ordinary + Paula's Choice
SkinBetter Science · exfoliant
~$37our build, 4 partsOriginal $125, build ~$37.
The Ordinary