Obagi Retinol — Smoothing Retinol Cream (0.5 & 1.0)

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£85.00

£58.00

Choose your strength

Retinol 0.5

Retinol 1.0

Obagi Retinol is one of the most trusted over-the-counter retinol creams in medical-grade skincare — an emollient, cream-based vitamin A treatment that delivers visible anti-ageing results without the harshness most retinols are known for.

It's built around Obagi's slow-release delivery system, which releases retinol into the skin gradually rather than all at once. That steady release is the difference: your skin gets the full resurfacing, line-smoothing benefit of retinol with far less of the irritation, peeling, flaking and redness that put so many people off using it.

Retinol is the most well-evidenced anti-ageing ingredient available without a prescription. It works by accelerating cell turnover and stimulating collagen — effectively retraining tired, sluggish skin to behave like younger skin. Over consistent use that means softer lines, a smoother and more even surface, refined texture, brighter tone and a visibly fresher, healthier-looking complexion.

Because it speeds up how quickly skin renews itself, it's also a genuinely useful step for blemish-prone skin, helping keep pores clear and fade the marks left behind by past breakouts.

What sets this formula apart is that it's been built to protect the skin barrier while it works. Alongside the retinol, it's enriched with shea butter and jojoba oil to nourish and condition, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump, and chamomile to calm and soothe — so skin stays comfortable rather than stripped and sensitised. The result is a retinol you can actually stay consistent with, which is exactly what delivers results.

Available in two strengths — 0.5 for beginners and sensitive skin, and 1.0 for experienced users or anyone wanting faster, more accelerated results. Select your strength at checkout.

28g | Genuine UK-sourced product | Official authorised Obagi stockist

- Fine lines, wrinkles and early signs of ageing
- Uneven texture and rough, dull-looking skin
- Loss of firmness and radiance
- Early pigmentation and post-acne marks
- Blemish-prone skin needing clearer, more refined results
- First-time retinol users (0.5) and experienced users (1.0)

Suitable for normal, dry, oily and combination skin. Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin in the evening only, avoiding the eye area. Follow with moisturiser if needed.

Start with 2–3 nights per week and gradually increase frequency as your skin adjusts and builds tolerance. Some mild dryness as your skin acclimatises is normal in the first few weeks.

Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher the following morning — retinol increases sun sensitivity, and daily SPF is essential to both protect your skin and maintain your results.
0.5 — Choose this if you're new to retinol, have sensitive skin, or are using retinol for the first time. Start here and build up.

1.0 — Choose this if you've used retinol before without significant irritation, or want a stronger, more accelerated anti-ageing result.

Both strengths use the same formula and slow-release delivery system — 1.0 simply contains a higher concentration of retinol. If in doubt, start low: you can always progress to 1.0 once your skin is comfortable.
Retinol (Vitamin A) — in Obagi's slow-release delivery system, releasing gradually into the skin to maximise results while minimising irritation, peeling and redness.

Shea Butter & Jojoba Oil — nourish and condition, keeping skin supple.

Hyaluronic Acid — draws in moisture to hydrate and plump.

Chamomile — calms and soothes to keep skin comfortable.

An over-the-counter cosmeceutical — no prescription required.
Retinol works gradually, not overnight. Most people notice smoother, softer-feeling skin within the first 2–4 weeks, with visible improvements in fine lines, texture and tone building over 8–12 weeks of consistent evening use.

Results depend on consistency — using it regularly at a strength your skin tolerates will always outperform using a higher strength sporadically. Stick with it, protect with daily SPF, and the improvements continue to build over time.
Does Obagi Retinol need a prescription?
No. This is an over-the-counter retinol cream you can buy and start using straight away. For prescription-strength tretinoin, complete our skin assessment for prescriber review.

What's the difference between Obagi Retinol 0.5 and 1.0?
Both use the same formula and slow-release delivery system — 1.0 simply has a higher concentration of retinol. Begin with 0.5 if you're new to retinol or have sensitive skin; choose 1.0 if you already tolerate retinol well or want faster results.

How is this different from a high-street retinol?
Obagi Retinol is a medical-grade formulation with a slow-release delivery system designed to give you the full benefit of retinol with less irritation than many standard retinols, supported by barrier-conditioning ingredients to keep skin comfortable.

How long until I see results?
Smoother texture is often noticeable within 2–4 weeks, with improvements in fine lines and tone building over 8–12 weeks of consistent evening use.

What if my skin gets dry or flaky?
Mild dryness is common as skin adjusts. Reduce to every other night, keep moisturising, and build frequency back up gradually. If irritation persists, pause and reintroduce more slowly.

Can I use it with other active ingredients?
Yes — pair it with vitamin C and SPF in the morning. Avoid layering it with strong exfoliating acids on the same night until your skin is fully comfortable with retinol.

Can I use Obagi Retinol if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — retinol is best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Speak to us about suitable alternatives.

Obagi Retinol — Smoothing Retinol Cream (0.5 & 1.0)

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