Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex Review

Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex
3.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
7.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex has to offer:
 
✅ Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.8 out of 10.
✅ Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy: Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex has an anti-wrinkle rating of 5.0 out of 10, indicating a moderate ability to reduce wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex:
 

🔵🔵 Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal to Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely occlusive. It has zero Humectancy (we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list) and a high Occlusivity of 7.5 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈11.0%) and Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide a significant level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for normal skin.

The occlusive profile of Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex 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.

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

🟣🟣 Considerable Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex has a moderate anti-wrinkle rating of 5.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Retinal (est. ≈0.05%),
 also known as retinaldehyde, is a potent retinoid with anti-wrinkle efficacy confirmed by a single clinical study involving 125 participants (Creidi et al.). This study demonstrated that a cream containing 0.05% retinal reduced the average wrinkle depth by 8% after 18 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without retinal).
 
Among others, Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex also contains contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their 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, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

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

Things to Be Aware Of: Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex contains no humectants at all.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding water-binding humectants to their moisturizing routine for effective dual-action moisturizing. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex

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

🟩 Pros:

Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal to dry skin
Rich and creamy texture without being overly thick
Provides considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy thanks to Retinal
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
   

Summary: Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex
 is specifically effective in treating wrinkles, containing ingredients with solid, robust evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy.
 

As a moisturizer, it provides an adequate level of occlusivity for normal to dry skin, delivered in a rich yet not overly thick formula.

With its high antioxidant content, Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it doesn’t contain any humectants. Regardless of your skin type, humectants are vital for optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, pairing Obagi RETIVANCE Skin Rejuvenating Complex with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, can be highly beneficial for your skincare routine.
 
❗️ 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.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
22
11
6
4
3
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.05
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Retinal
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Spent Grain Wax
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
14.9
11.0
2.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 14.9 20
7.5
11.0
2.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
11
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 14.9 20
7.5
All occlusives
14.9
11.0
2.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
5 /10 0.05 0.05 5
n/a
- 1.5 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
5
Retinal
5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
5 /10
when present at, %
0.05
in this formula, est. %
0.05
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.7
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
2
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
1.5
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
1
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
0.3
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %45
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.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %22
Function
Origin
Dimethicone CrosspolymerA group of ingredients that are typically added to skincare products to adjust the formula. Dimethicone Crosspolymers stabilize a formula, regulate its thickness and consistency and give the product a velvety feel.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %11
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.
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Est. %6
Function
Origin
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract

For the most part, shea butter extract has the same composition and uses as the regular shea butter. It is used in skincare products as an emollient ingredient.

Water
Est. %3
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.
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Argania Spinosa Kernel OilA fatty oil from Moroccan argan tree kernels commonly used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. Its uniqueness comes from its compounds: vitamin E, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, and rare phytosterols with antioxidant and emollient effects.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ OilA fatty emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil obtained from wheat germ. It mainly consists of linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids followed by antioxidant vitamin E, phytosterols, and fatty alcohols.
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.

Retinal
Est. %0.05
Function
Origin
Retinal

A potent ingredient of the retinoid group with confirmed anti-wrinkle capabilities.

Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
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.

Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed OilA fatty oil pressed from safflower seeds that is used as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient. It contains unusually high amounts of linoleic acid (up to 70%), as well as antioxidant compounds such as vitamin E, phytosterols, and phenolics.
Spent Grain Wax
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Spent Grain Wax
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.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

A small synthetic peptide that signals the skin to produce more collagen. It has been clinically tested and proven to reduce skin roughness and the appearance of wrinkles.