AD – GIFTED | One of the best things about working from home is that I don’t have to wear make up every day. Only for Zoom meetings, so I don’t frighten my colleagues… But going bare-faced is only an option for me if my skin looks good. So I was thrilled to receive the Obagi Daily Hydro Drops™, a lightweight, non-comedogenic, hydrating serum* that claims to leave skin feeling fresh, smooth and hydrated. Backed by science, and specifically designed to address a myriad of skin concerns, it sounds and looks amazing – but does it work?
Who are Obagi?
Founded in the US in 1988, Obagi creates skincare products to target the visible signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and hyper-pigmentation, as well as specific treatments for acne and sun protection. The company says, Our products are not tested on animals, and all Obagi products that are not prescription-strength are cruelty free.” And this includes one of their newest and most popular products, the Obagi Daily Hydro Drops.*
What are the Obagi Daily Hydro Drops?
Pure Obagi, the non-prescription arm of Obagi, believes that skincare is more than just correcting or preventing, it’s about unleashing your skin’s full potential. And this is reflected in their range of skincare products supporting different skin types (acne-prone, combination, dry, mature, oily, sensitive). With this in mind, their Daily Hydro Drops face serum uses Isoplentix microfluid technology to suspend the purest forms of Vitamin B3, Abyssinian oil and Hibiscus oils separately in a fluid serum.
What are face serum benefits? Well, because they’re made with very small molecules in a high concentration fluid of active ingredients, your skin absorbs a face serum much faster and more efficiently than even the lightest moisturiser. And these little floating golden spheres of oil burst upon contact with your skin, allowing for instant absorption for a more radiant, healthy-looking glow with continued use. Hypoallergenic, dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, the Obagi Daily Hydro Drops are free from emulsifiers, which means they’re suitable for sensitive or irritated skin too.
Obagi Daily Hydro Drops benefits and ingredients
The three ingredients that make the real difference in this cocktail of beneficial fluid are Hibiscus Oil, Abyssinian Oil, and Meadowfoam Seed Oil.
- Hibiscus oil is rich in anti-ageing and free radical-fighting antioxidants. The native flower of Malaysia, Hibiscus is incredibly moisturising, leaving skin feeling hydrated and looking radiant. Hibiscus oil is also rich in natural acids that gently exfoliate your skin and boost cell renewal.
- Abyssinian oil contains an abundance of beneficial nutrients, including Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, plus Vitamins A, B, C and E which help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. Lightweight in texture, Abyssinian Oil provides intense hydration without feeling greasy or blocking pores, thanks to its non-comedogenic properties.
- Non-greasy Meadowfoam seed oil creates a protective seal when applied topically, smoothing skin and locking in moisture, without blocking pores, It’s rich in the beneficial long-chain fatty acids that support the skin’s natural barrier function, retaining moisture, as well as protecting against free radicals, UV damage and other environmental factors.
I’m not going to pretend to understand all the other ingredients but, in the interests of a thorough review, here’s the full list:
- Water (aqua), Propanediol, Glycerin, Isononyl isononanoate, Butylene glycol, Betaine, Niacinamide, Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) seed oil, Pentylene glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Castor oil/IPDI copolymer, Parfum, Carbomer, Caprylic/Capric triglyceride, Crambe abyssinica seed oil, Hibiscus sabdariffa seed oil, Octocrylene, Disodium EDTA, Sodium hydroxide, Cellulose gum, Homosalate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, Tocopherol, Amodimethicone, Beta-carotene (CI 40800), Green 6 (CI 61565), Violet 2 (CI 60725).
Obagi Daily Hydro Drops – how to use
I’ve written before about why using oil for all skin types, including oily skin, makes perfect sense. Oil treats oil, so the right oils can actually help, especially when contained in a higher water content fluid. Anyway, Obagi recommend using their Daily Hydro Drops morning and evening after cleansing.
Thanks to the innovative pump action dispenser, you are in control of the exact amount of fluid that you need. Personally, I’ve found one pump sufficient to cover my entire face, neck and décolletage as it disperses so easily. As with previous serums, I’ve found the Daily Hydro Drops work best on damp skin, after I’ve used my beloved PMD Clean PRO facial cleansing brush.
Although the Obagi Daily Hydro Drops offer gentle all-day hydration, they don’t contain a sunscreen, so you need to let the serum absorb before applying sunscreen in the morning. And although serums aren’t designed to replace a moisturiser, you may find you don’t need to use a moisturiser after the Drops – I don’t use one in the mornings now, just at night.
Obagi Daily Hydro Drops face serum – does it work?
The Daily Hydro Drops face serum claims to provide a “pick-me-up” from a dull, lacklustre complexion, firming, lifting and softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for hydrated, healthy-looking skin. Before I talk about whether or not it works, can we please take a moment to admire the gorgeous glass bottle and how pretty the suspended oil droplets look? (Flora thought they looked like fish eggs, but she’s still young so…)
As previously mentioned, the pump action dropper allows you to dispense as much or as little of the 30ml fluid as you need. And I have to confess, when I tried the serum for the first time I was completely wowed. It has a delicate, fresh, slightly floral fragrance that smells wonderful. And the fluid glides over my skin, absorbing quickly with no tacky feeling afterwards. My skin still feels like my skin, only better. Silkier, smoother, and plumper.
Not only that, but it actually looks healthier, brighter, and more glowy. There’s no doubt that this is the best serum for glowing skin, improving my skin texture, and making my make-up free days easier than ever. If you’re looking for an easy glow up, this gorgeous serum is an incredible addition to any daily skincare routine. And with Skinimalism the new and upcoming beauty trend, it’s great timing too.
Obagi Daily Hydro Drops face serum – worth it?
The full range of Obagi non-prescriptive products are available to buy from Pure Obagi and selected online stores. And the price tag for the Obagi Daily Hydro Drops face serum is around £70.00. If you think that’s expensive, can I posit that you could pay that for a pair of shoes to wear once or twice a week. But you wear your skin every day.
Putting this into more perspective, I’ve been using the Obagi Daily Hydro Drops twice daily for four weeks now and you can clearly see how much product is left in the bottle. A little goes a very long way. (Also, please excuse the elementary blogging fail of not taking pictures BEFORE I started using the product!) So yes, I believe it’s affordable luxury skincare that’s worth every penny. And more importantly, I think you’re worth it too, don’t you?
Have you ever tried a face serum as part of your skincare routine? Do you think you’d like to try one now? What are your skincare go-tos and must-haves that you can’t face the day without?
* This post features gifted items but all opinions are my own. Please see my Disclaimer for more details.
Wow! I love the look and sound of this product. I’m the same as you, I very rarely wear makeup these days as I’m just at home more, so I don’t really feel the need (or the want) to wear it nowadays. This product looks super luxe! It looks incredible.
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
It’s such an amazing serum, my skin has been LOVING it! And loving not having to wear make up every day as well 🙂
This serum looks amazing. I’ve never heard about Obagi. I’m definitely going to check its serum as my skin has been acting up.
Antonia || Sweet Passions
It’s a really beautiful texture, I absolutely love it.
I do love a face serum, I find they work wonders! I’ve not tried this one but it sounds incredibly luxurious, great review x
Thank you – and yes, this is very luxe but actually still affordable for what you get, I think x
Oh, this product sounds amazing. It is new for me 😘
Thanks for sharing
https://uncuaderno4cero.wordpress.com
It really is – glad you enjoyed the post.
I recently took part in an online spa night where we were sent products to try out and use with instruction, it was an incredible experience and one that has prompted me to really think about what I am doing with my skin.
I actually liked the serum best in the products I tried and have been looking for one since. Good skin products should definitely be seen as an investment though, that is what I have been telling myself recently anyway!
Great post x
An online spa night sounds like a lot of fun – and I’m glad you agree about the serum being the best product. Also that good skin is worth the investment, and because we are worth it! x
Oooh this sounds lovely. I am such a serum girl, it’s such a quick way to get your skin clear and ready for the day. Also, a pipette is by far my favourite applicator tool!
Rosie
It’s gorgeous – and hello fellow serum fan! Yes, I agree, pipettes are so much easier to use as well as hygienic!
My skin is really sensitive so trying out new products is always a bit of a worry! But I have been gifted previously some vitamin C serum from Dermalogica which is amazing and works well with my skin, i love that a serum feels so refreshing!
Agreed about your comment on the price yeah it does seem expensive but these days you can buy clothing that’s double the price and only get a little bit of wear out of it!
The Dermalogica serum sounds lovely too, they’re such a good brand. And glad you agree about the price – we’re worth it! x
I’ve actually never heard of hydro drops or serum, and I enjoyed reading your review 🙂 gorgeous images, I love trying out new face products and serums, and it’s always a good idea to read a review by someone you trust x
Oh wow, thank you, Eleanor, that’s so kind of you to say so, I’m really thrilled you feel that way! x
Great review of this product. I will definitely look for it here in Canada and give it a try. Thanks for sharing!
Obagi is an US company so you’ll almost certainly find it in Canada, I’m sure!
It looks so cool with those drops dispersed in the liquid. I have loads of moisturisers right now (two still unopened), but I will keep this in mind for the future.
It looks amazing, doesn’t it? I know what you mean about unopened products still to use thought!
This sounds great! I never heard of the company or of hydro drops. To be honest, as you said, I find it better to invest in my skin than some clothes! Thank you for sharing your review x
Absolutely, I can’t understand why someone would spend a fortune on something you wear once in a while when we wear our skin every day! x
This is some high praise, Lisa! I’ve always been wary of oils, having oily and acne prone skin but as you say, oils can help those things so I think it’s definitely time I look into adding a really good one into my routine. This packaging is definitely beautiful and sounds just what my skin needs right now. I need a good glow! xxx
I know, I don’t often praise a face serum this much but it’s so gorgeous! And yes, if you pick the right oils, they can help rebalance your skin as well as offer concentrated protection. Look for ones in a fluid gel rather than a cream as they’re lighter and will absorb better xx
I’ve never heard of hydro drops before. It definitely sounds worth the money, I’ve been struggling so much with keeping my skin nice during lockdown so I’ll have to look into this.
Neither had I TBH but I’m very glad to have had the chance to try these – they’re so light but amazingly effective!
Great post Lisa! I have enjoyed not wearing makeup much in lockdown too- my skin is thanking me for it too! I’ve never heard of Obagi before but they look like a fantastic brand. It’s pretty expensive, but as only a few drops are needed each time, it’ll last a while and be worth the money.
Eve x
It’s been so lovely not wearing make up every day, hasn’t it? Yes, the serum may seem pricey but it lasts for AGES so I do think, as it’s so effective, it’s a worthwhile investment 🙂 x
I’ve never heard of this brand before, but this sounds like such a wonderful product! I love that it’s not greasy and doesn’t leave that tacky feeling that a lot of serums do. I’ll definitely have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, exactly, lots of serums do leave a tacky feeling but this leaves my skin so fresh – glad you liked the review!
This sounds like a lovely serum! I have been obsessed with my skin ever since lockdown and I’ve loved have makeup free days. This sounds like a serum I would definitely enjoy! X
I think you’d love this one, Aaliyah, it’s got the most gorgeous feel x
I love the look and sound of this serum, it sounds like it gives your skin a real boost! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
It really does – I’m so happy with my skin right now! x
I’ve actually been searching for a new good facial serum recently, so this seems like the perfect choice! Such a fab review, Lisa. I may have to purchase to try it out for myself soon! xx
Good serums are just magical, I think you’d love this one, Soph, it’s really transformed my skin! x
A beautiful review! I love the sounds of this face serum and that is so smooth and non-greasy. The fish egg observation is not half wrong, yet I still find the bottle attractive and the color of the serum quite refreshing. Something about a golden yellow is always reminds me of buttercups!
I agree good skincare products are worth the money! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I was in two minds over to include the fish eggs observation, but Flora was so keen! That’s a lovely analogy about buttercups, Jaya, thank you – glad you enjoyed the review 🙂
I actually haven’t even heard of this brand before. Before I started experimenting with skincare products I use to think putting an oil based product on your skin would make your skin oily and horrible and that is not the case at all (very very late to the party!) Having used a retin c vitamin oil. It lasts so long! So I can see this product lasting a long time! Thank you for sharing this product! Looking forward to trying new products when my current ones run out.
Lauren
Neither had I, but I believe the brand is better known in the US. And not late to the party at all, it’s a very common perception, but you just need to find the right oils for your skin that balance rather than add to any build up. Glad you enjoyed the review 🙂
Beautiful product presentation! I have not tried this brand. Thank you for posting all of the ingredients.
I love doing a home spa night – it’s so relaxing and rejuvenating to the skin. Serums play an important role in skin care.
Thank you so much, that’s very kind 🙂 And a home spa night sounds dreamy – especially with the right serum!
First sentence — agreed! But for me, even in online classes, I couldn’t care less about my face haha a good shower is enough! Never heard of this serum but by the way it looks and ofc your review, it sounds like it does the job! Also love how specific your review is, from its ingredients to how it’s used! Amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, that’s very kind – I’m glad you found the review useful!
I’ve been looking for a new oil/serum as the one I normally use looks like it’s about to be discontinued. But I am interested in this especially as it’s meant to help with pigmentation and I wonder if it will help with my psoriasis – will definitely be researching more into this so thank you for sharing Lisa! Hopefully, this will be the end of my new serum search!
Oh that’s good timing then! Hibiscus oil is a gentle exfoliator so this serum might well help your psoriasis. But the main Obagi parent company is very medically-inspired so it might be worth emailing them to see what they’d advise too x
This sounds lovely! I love that a little goes a long way too.
I’m about to finish my current serum, so I think I might give this a go. I don’t mind splurging when I know something is going to last ~and~ work well.
Cora | https://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
It’s always a concern when something is more expensive than your usual brand, isn’t it? But this serum really worked for me and I’d honestly recommend it with no hesitation 🙂
I do love a face serum – especially one that is affordable! Fab review lovely!
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it!
I’m not sure if this product and brand is available in Malaysia. But this product sounds good from your review. Thank you for sharing.
I don’t know either, I’m afraid but if it is, I can hand on heart recommend it!
Those ingredients though! Sound amazing! Also, the texture of it in the dropper looks so interesting!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
I know! And it feels soooooo good on my skin 🙂
This looks like such a beautiful and lovely product. I love things like this! The photos make it look really good! Siobhan ♡
Thank you so much – and yes, it’s a fab serum.
Great review! Thank you for sharing this! I love the sound of this product as I need more hydration on my face! Also, it’s really good that it’s affordable!
Thank you so much – I’m glad you enjoyed the review and yes, it’s a gorgeous serum!
I’ve never heard of this brand before but wow, what a glowing recommendation (no pun intended!). It’s such a stylish bottle and it sounds like it’s working great with your skin. I love the pump dispenser idea – can be so frustrating when you get too much all the time! Great review.
I hadn’t come across them either but wow, I really am loving this serum – also that it looks so good on my bathroom shelf too!
This looks and sounds like such a lovely serum. Very similar to my L’occitane one I have!
Isobel x
http://www.fashionistachic.co.uk
Is that the Immortelle one? That’s lovely too!
it’s definitely an expensive serum but it’s good you see the benefits of it and that it works for you! And if you don’t have to follow up with a moisturiser in the morning you’re saving money there, haha! 🙂
Hope you’re having a good weekend 🙂 It’s a relaxing and quiet one here.
It’s a lovely serum, well worth the investment 🙂 And your weekend sounds perfect!
I regularly use a serum as a part of my skincare routine, but mine is going to run out soon & this one sounds amazing! £70 is a lot, but it does seem worth it!
I hope you have a great weekend!
It’s gorgeous, such a lovely texture and my skin feels so fresh – highly recommended! And thank you, Karalee, I hope you had a lovely weekend too x
Sounds lovely!
But, I was wondering why this is used before a moisturiser instead of after?
Aren’t oils used as a last step to seal all the moisture in since nothing will penetrate them?? Wouldn’t it be a waste of product to put a moisturiser over?
As a general rule, face nourishers like serums, moisturisers and oils should be applied starting with the lightest formulas. Serums go before your moisturiser because they’re normally lighter than a face cream, balm, oil, or lotion. Moisturisers do a different job, which is why they tend to be heavier and used last.