Obagi Retinol 1.0 Review

Obagi Retinol 1.0
6.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
7.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
10Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Ingredients

Obagi Retinol 1.0 Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, 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
Review

Does Obagi Retinol 1.0 Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Obagi Retinol 1.0 has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.6 out of 10.
✅ Potent anti-wrinkle effect with the highest possible efficacy rating. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 10 out of 10, Obagi Retinol 1.0 is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.

  

Key Benefits of Obagi Retinol 1.0

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Obagi Retinol 1.0:
 

🔵🔵 Well-Suited Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Obagi Retinol 1.0 is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a high humectancy of 6.3 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Butylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%), and a high occlusivity of 7.0 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈9.0%) and Stearic Acid (est. ≈2.5%).

This type of moisturizer is well-suited for people with normal skin who want significant hydration in a rich yet not overly thick formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants and occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing.

The product’s occlusive profile suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

This product may also be a good choice for people with dry (but not very dry) skin for daily hydration, as it strikes a balance between significant moisturizing potential and a texture that is not too thick.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🟣🟣🟣 Potent Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Obagi Retinol 1.0 has a maximum anti-wrinkle rating of 10 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

1️⃣ Retinol (est. ≈1.0%),
 the most effective non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. Numerous clinical studies have shown its positive effects at concentrations as low as 0.1%. A study with 36 participants (Kafi et al.) confirmed that a lotion containing 0.4% retinol reduced wrinkle severity by 21% after 24 weeks of use, compared to the same formulation without retinol (vehicle).
 
2️⃣ Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
 or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
 
Among others, Obagi Retinol 1.0 also contains Ubiquinone, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Ubiquinone provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Ubiquinone may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.
 
Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Obagi Retinol 1.0

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Obagi Retinol 1.0 to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Retinol

This product contains retinol, which offers powerful anti-wrinkle benefits. The mechanism behind retinol’s action is boosting cell turnover. This process exposes new, more delicate skin, making it more vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with retinol may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To protect the skin, dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment, along with avoiding direct sun exposure. Retinol should be used at night, as it is sensitive to sunlight and can lose its potency when exposed to UV rays.

📌 Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the retinol-containing products, either on their website or product label.

Pros & Cons of Obagi Retinol 1.0

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Obagi Retinol 1.0 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Well-suited for moisturizing normal to dry skin
Rich and creamy texture without being overly thick
Delivers potent anti-wrinkle efficacy with the highest possible rating of 10 out of 10 thanks to Retinol and Ascorbic Acid
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to retinol
   

Summary: Obagi Retinol 1.0

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Obagi Retinol 1.0
 is highly effective in treating wrinkles, featuring ingredients with solid, robust evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy, in concentrations that may deliver a significant anti-wrinkle effect.
 

As a moisturizer, it is well-suited for normal to dry skin, combining a high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients in a rich yet not overly thick formula.

That said, there are some things about Obagi Retinol 1.0 worth noting.
 
This product contains retinol, the most powerful and well-researched non-prescription anti-wrinkle ingredient. However, retinol can make your skin more prone to sun damage and increase sensitivity, so it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the duration of retinol treatment.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1.2
1.1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Stearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Retinol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cyclohexasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Ubiquinone
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
BHT
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.3
3
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
14.1
9.0
2.5
2.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.3 10
6.3
3
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 14.1 20
7.0
9.0
2.5
2.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.3 10
6.3
All humectants
6.3
3
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
2.5
2
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 14.1 20
7.0
All occlusives
14.1
9.0
2.5
2.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
10 /10 0.4 1 10
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
10
Retinol
10
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
10 /10
when present at, %
0.4
in this formula, est. %
1
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ubiquinone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.4 3 No
All antioxidants
2.4
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
0.3
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract
0.3
Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Ubiquinone
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
BHT
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.5 5 No
All soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %4
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Stearic Acid
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Stearyl Alcohol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Stearyl AlcoholA natural fatty alcohol that thickens, stabilizes, and keeps emulsions a bright white color. It has many uses, the main one being as an emulsifier. It also acts as an opacifying agent and emollient.
Glycerin
Est. %1.2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Est. %1.1
Function
Origin
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Retinol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Retinol

One of the most famous and well-researched anti-aging ingredients with a maximum anti-wrinkle power of 10 out of 10. It is proven to decrease wrinkles and help the skin regain its thickness, firmness, and texture. Retinol is also effective in treating pigmentation issues such as dark spots and acne.

Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower ExtractDerived from German chamomile flowers, this extract is especially known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. It contains two soothing compounds called chamazulene and bisabolol, as well as antioxidant flavonoids.
Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hypericum Perforatum Flower Extract
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf ExtractAn extract derived from sage leaves with toning and anti-inflammatory properties. It has a mild sage aroma due to the presence of sage essential oil.
Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sambucus Nigra Flower ExtractDerived from the plant called black elder or elderberry, this extract is an occlusive and soothing ingredient that also contains antioxidant flavonoids.
Cyclohexasiloxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CyclohexasiloxaneA clear silicone fluid with very low viscosity that is commonly used as a solvent and emollient. It has excellent spreadability, rubs in quickly, and leaves a silky smooth after-feel on the skin.
Sorbitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Ubiquinone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
UbiquinoneAlso known as Coenzyme Q10, this bright orange antioxidant supports the skin's energy metabolism. It also offers some anti-pigment action. Dietary supplementation of Ubiquinone improves the appearance of wrinkles.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
BHT
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BHTAn antioxidant ingredient that naturally occurs in green algae and some bacteria or fungi but, for commercial use, is created synthetically. BHT is also used occasionally as a fragrance, where it presents a sweet, camphor-like odor.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.

Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerThis ingredient can refer to several kinds of dimethicone crosspolymers. Like other silicones, it makes products feel slippery and non-greasy but can also increase the thickness or improve the water-resistance of a formula.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Triethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid CopolymerA synthetic humectant moisturizer often paired with glycerin. It also functions as a viscosity-controlling agent that creates gel-like formulas with thicker textures.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.