OBAGI - Retinol + PHA

Advanced Retinol Night Cream for Smoother, Brighter Skin

The Obagi Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream is a dermatologist-developed overnight treatment designed to visibly refine skin texture, smooth fine lines and improve uneven tone while you sleep.

Combining slow-release retinol with gentle polyhydroxy acid (PHA), this advanced night cream resurfaces the skin while maintaining hydration and barrier comfort. The result is smoother, clearer and more radiant skin with improved tone and texture.

Clinical studies show the formula can improve skin smoothness by 29% and enhance tone evenness by 10% after 8 weeks, while remaining well-tolerated by most skin types.

Key Benefits

• Refines uneven skin texture and visible pores
• Softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Helps reduce the look of blemishes and congestion
• Improves overall skin tone and radiance
• Provides gentle overnight exfoliation without excessive irritation
• Hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier

This multitasking formula works overnight to reveal visibly smoother, clearer and more refined skin in as little as four weeks.

How Retinol + PHA Works

Encapsulated Retinol (Vitamin A)

Retinol is widely considered the gold-standard ingredient for skin renewal. In this formula, retinol is delivered using a slow-release encapsulated system that gradually penetrates the skin for improved stability and reduced irritation.

Retinol helps to:

• Accelerate skin cell turnover
• Unclog pores and reduce excess oil
• Improve rough texture and uneven tone
• Support smoother, brighter-looking skin

Encapsulation technology protects retinol from light and oxygen while ensuring controlled release into deeper layers of the skin.

Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA – Gluconolactone)

PHA is a next-generation exfoliating acid known for delivering gentle resurfacing with less irritation than traditional AHAs.

Benefits include:

• Removing dull surface cells
• Smoothing rough skin texture
• Improving skin tone clarity
• Supporting hydration

PHAs also attract moisture to the skin, helping maintain hydration while exfoliating.

Hydration & Barrier Support

The formula also contains dermatologist-recognised moisturising and antioxidant ingredients to support skin comfort and resilience.

• Sodium Hyaluronate — Deeply hydrates and plumps skin
• Squalane — Reinforces the skin barrier and improves softness
• Vitamin E — Protects against oxidative stress
• Glycerin — Helps maintain optimal moisture levels

Who Is It For?

Obagi Retinol + PHA is ideal for:

• Dull or uneven skin tone
• Rough or textured skin
• Visible pores
• Fine lines and early signs of ageing
• Blemish-prone or congested skin

The slow-release retinol delivery system makes this formula suitable for many skin types, including those newer to retinoids.

How to Use

1. Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin in the evening.
2. Avoid the eye area.
3. Begin using 2–3 nights per week, gradually increasing as tolerated.
4. Always apply broad-spectrum SPF during the day, as retinol can increase sun sensitivity.

Product Details

• Size: 50ml
• Use: Evening treatment
• Skin Types: Normal, combination, blemish-prone, textured skin

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Obagi Retinol + PHA and Obagi Retinol 1.0?

Retinol + PHA combines retinol with a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) for dual-action resurfacing and exfoliation, making it particularly effective for texture, pores, and tone. Retinol 1.0 is a pure 1% retinol cream focused on anti-ageing and renewal without the added exfoliant. Retinol + PHA is a good choice if you want to address texture and congestion alongside ageing.

Is Obagi Retinol + PHA suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes — the slow-release encapsulated retinol and gentle PHA (gluconolactone) are specifically chosen to minimise irritation. Clinical studies show it is well-tolerated by most skin types. Start with 2–3 nights per week and build up gradually.

How quickly will I see results?

Clinical studies show visible improvements in skin smoothness (29%) and tone evenness (10%) after 8 weeks of consistent use. Many users notice smoother, clearer skin in as little as 4 weeks.

Can I use this with other actives like vitamin C or niacinamide?

Apply Retinol + PHA in the evening and vitamin C in the morning. Niacinamide can be used in the same routine. Avoid combining with other exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs) on the same night without professional guidance.

Do I need a prescription for Obagi Retinol + PHA?

No — this is an over-the-counter retinol product and does not require a prescription. It is available for purchase without a clinical consultation.