OBAGI - Retinol 1.0

Obagi Retinol 1.0 is a concentrated 1% retinol treatment developed to visibly resurface the complexion, refine uneven texture and reduce prominent signs of skin ageing. It uses Obagi’s slow-release entrapped retinol technology to deliver high-strength vitamin A progressively, combining powerful skin-renewal activity with a carefully formulated cream base.

Designed for established retinol users ready to progress to a more intensive formula, Obagi Retinol 1.0 targets fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, dullness, rough texture, visible pores and blemish-prone skin. Consistent evening use helps create a smoother, brighter and more refined complexion with visibly improved clarity and radiance.

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Why Obagi Retinol 1.0 Stands Out

• High-strength 1% retinol: A concentrated cosmetic retinol treatment for experienced users seeking substantial skin-renewal activity.
• Slow-release delivery: Entrapped retinol is released progressively to optimise performance while helping minimise unnecessary irritation.
• Visible resurfacing: Promotes skin turnover to refine roughness and create a smoother, more polished complexion.
• Targets fine lines and wrinkles: Helps soften visible signs of ageing and improve the appearance of mature or photodamaged skin.
• Improves uneven skin tone: Supports a clearer, brighter and more uniform-looking complexion.
• Refines visible texture: Helps improve roughness, enlarged-looking pores and surface irregularity.
• Supports blemish-prone skin: Retinol-driven renewal helps reduce the accumulation of dead surface cells that can contribute to congestion.
• Antioxidant-supporting formula: Includes vitamin C, vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 alongside the retinol system.
• Conditioning cream base: Shea butter, jojoba oil, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and soothing botanical ingredients support a more comfortable application experience.

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What Does 1% Retinol Do?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative renowned for its ability to accelerate the skin-renewal process. It encourages older surface cells to shed more efficiently while supporting the formation of smoother, more evenly organised skin.

With continued use, this increased renewal can produce visible improvements across several connected concerns:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Rough or uneven skin texture
• Dullness and reduced radiance
• Uneven pigmentation and discolouration
• Visible pores and surface congestion
• Loss of firmness associated with skin ageing
• Post-blemish marks
• Sun-damaged-looking skin

At 1%, Obagi Retinol 1.0 sits at the high-strength end of cosmetic retinol skincare. This makes it an excellent progression option for skin already accustomed to retinol and ready for a more intensive evening treatment.

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Slow-Release Entrapped Retinol Technology

Retinol concentration is only one part of a formula’s performance. Retinol is sensitive to light and air, and the way it is stabilised and delivered can influence both its effectiveness and the way it feels on the skin.

Obagi Retinol 1.0 uses entrapped slow-release retinol. The technology is designed to release retinol progressively rather than delivering the entire concentration to the skin at once. This controlled approach allows Obagi to combine a potent 1% concentration with a sophisticated cream formulation designed for effective, consistent use.

The result is a professional-strength cosmetic retinol that delivers intensive resurfacing while striving to minimise the irritation commonly associated with high-concentration vitamin A treatments.

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Obagi Retinol 1.0 Results

In Obagi’s product evaluation:

• 79% agreed that their fine lines and wrinkles appeared less visible.
• 82% agreed that their skin tone appeared more even and skin brightness had increased.
• 88% agreed that their skin texture had improved.

Results were recorded after three weeks of product use. Individual results can vary. Data on file at Obagi Cosmeceuticals LLC.

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Who Is Obagi Retinol 1.0 Best For?

Obagi Retinol 1.0 is particularly suited to experienced retinol users seeking a high-strength formula for:

• Established fine lines and wrinkles
• Visible signs of premature skin ageing
• Rough or uneven skin texture
• Dull or tired-looking skin
• Uneven tone and visible pigmentation
• Sun-damaged-looking skin
• Enlarged-looking pores
• Blemishes and recurring congestion
• Progression from a lower retinol concentration

The formula can be used by normal-to-dry, normal-to-oily and combination skin types when appropriate for the individual’s retinol experience and routine.

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Obagi Retinol 1.0 and Retinol + PHA

The Obagi range includes different retinol formulations for different skincare objectives.

• Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains 1% slow-release entrapped retinol and provides the more intensive retinol treatment for established users.
• Obagi Retinol + PHA combines 0.3% slow-release retinol with gluconolactone, providing vitamin A renewal alongside polyhydroxy-acid exfoliation and hydration.

Explore Obagi Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream for the 0.3% retinol and PHA formulation.

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Key Ingredients

1% Retinol

A high-strength vitamin A ingredient that promotes skin turnover, refines texture and helps improve fine lines, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and visible congestion.

Shea Butter

A rich emollient that conditions and softens the skin, supporting the cream’s more comfortable application profile.

Jojoba Seed Oil

A lightweight conditioning oil that helps maintain softness and complements the intensive retinol treatment.

Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate

Moisture-attracting ingredients that help support hydration while the retinol works to renew the skin’s surface.

Vitamins C and E

Antioxidant ingredients that complement retinol by helping protect the formula and support brighter, healthier-looking skin.

Ubiquinone

Also known as coenzyme Q10, ubiquinone provides additional antioxidant support within the formulation.

Bisabolol and Botanical Extracts

Bisabolol is combined with chamomile, mallow, sage and elderflower extracts to complement the active formula with soothing and conditioning properties.

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How to Use Obagi Retinol 1.0

1. Use in the evening after cleansing.
2. Allow the skin to dry before application.
3. Apply one pump or a pearl-sized amount across the face.
4. Massage gently until fully absorbed.
5. Avoid the eyelids, corners of the eyes, lips and broken or irritated skin.
6. Follow with a suitable moisturiser where required.
7. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every morning.

Follow the application frequency recommended during your Skin By Science assessment. Once the skin is accustomed to the formula, Obagi’s standard directions allow once-daily evening application.

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Building Obagi Retinol 1.0 into Your Routine

Evening Routine

1. Cleanse thoroughly.
2. Apply any compatible lightweight serum.
3. Apply Obagi Retinol 1.0 to dry skin.
4. Follow with moisturiser if required.

Morning Routine

1. Cleanse as appropriate.
2. Apply antioxidant or hydrating skincare.
3. Use moisturiser where required.
4. Finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

For lightweight daily hydration, pair it with Obagi Hydrate® Facial Moisturiser. Drier skin may prefer the richer texture of Obagi Hydrate Luxe®, particularly within an evening routine.

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Retinol for Uneven Tone and Hyperpigmentation

Retinol supports a more even-looking complexion by accelerating the removal of older pigmented surface cells and promoting continued skin renewal. It can therefore address visible discolouration while simultaneously refining texture, fine lines and dullness.

Its multi-concern action makes high-strength retinol particularly relevant when uneven pigmentation occurs alongside visible signs of ageing or sun damage.

Read our complete guide to how retinol treats hyperpigmentation and why concentration matters.

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Full Ingredient List

Aqua/Water/Eau, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Polysorbate 60, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer, Retinol, Polysorbate 20, Dimethicone, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sorbitol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Ubiquinone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Propylene Glycol, BHT, Bisabolol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol.

Formulations can be updated. Refer to the packaging received for the current ingredient declaration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Obagi Retinol 1.0 a prescription product?

No. Obagi Retinol 1.0 is a non-prescription cosmetic product. Skin By Science requires a skin assessment before supplying Obagi retinol above 0.3% as part of our clinic’s professional supply policy.

How strong is Obagi Retinol 1.0?

It contains 1% retinol, placing it among the higher-strength cosmetic retinol formulations. Obagi’s entrapped slow-release technology delivers the retinol progressively.

What results does Obagi Retinol 1.0 target?

It targets fine lines, wrinkles, rough texture, uneven tone, dullness, visible pores, discolouration and blemish-related congestion.

Is Obagi Retinol 1.0 suitable for experienced retinol users?

Yes. It is specifically relevant for established retinol users ready to progress to a concentrated 1% formulation.

When should I apply it?

Apply it during the evening. Use one pump or a pearl-sized amount and massage it into clean, dry skin.

Can I use moisturiser with it?

Yes. A compatible moisturiser can be applied after the retinol has absorbed to support hydration and comfort.

Can I use Obagi Retinol 1.0 every evening?

Obagi’s standard directions allow once-daily evening application. Your initial frequency should follow the guidance provided during your assessment and can be increased as the skin becomes accustomed to the formula.

What should I do if mild dryness or flaking develops?

Reduce application to every other evening or the frequency recommended by your skincare professional. Resume more frequent use once the skin has adjusted.

Can it be used during pregnancy?

Topical retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy and when planning pregnancy. Discuss skincare use with an appropriate healthcare professional when breastfeeding.

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High-Performance Retinol from Obagi Medical

Obagi Retinol 1.0 combines a high 1% retinol concentration with advanced slow-release delivery and a carefully constructed cream base. It is a powerful choice for experienced users seeking visible improvement in wrinkles, pigmentation, texture, radiance and overall skin refinement.

Explore the complete Obagi Medical skincare range and our selected professional products for visible skin ageing.

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Precautions

• For external use only.
• Mild temporary redness, peeling or irritation can occur while the skin adjusts.
• If irritation develops, reduce application frequency as directed.
• Avoid contact with the eyes. Rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs.
• Do not apply to broken or irritated skin.
• Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning.
• Avoid use during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and store at 15–25°C.

Looking for something stronger? Learn how prescription tretinoin compares →