Obagi360 Retinol 1.0 — High‑Strength Retinol Night Treatment for Aging, Texture & Tone

 

What Is It & Why It’s Considered “Serious” Retinol

Obagi360 Retinol 1.0 is a potent anti‑aging serum/cream combining a high‑concentration retinol with supportive moisturizing and skin‑barrier ingredients. According to the brand, it uses a “slow‑release, entrapped” retinol formula designed to gradually deliver retinol’s benefits (cell turnover, collagen stimulation, skin renewal) — aiming to minimize common retinol irritation.

Obagi positions this product for users looking to address:

  • Fine lines & wrinkles

  • Uneven skin tone or discoloration / pigmentation

  • Dullness, rough texture, loss of elasticity or firmness

  • Signs of aging — sagging, tired skin, uneven skin barrier, sun damage over time. 

Because of its strength, many skincare enthusiasts consider it an “upgrade” from basic moisturizers or gentle serums — closer to a dermatologist-grade anti-aging treatment that still sells without prescription.

$85.00 / $161.00

What the Product Does — Benefits & Expected Results

With consistent use (nightly to a few nights per week, depending on tolerance), users of Obagi360 Retinol 1.0 commonly experience:

  • Smoother, softer skin texture — fine lines and wrinkles gradually soften, skin feels more supple.

  • Improved skin tone and brightness — dullness, uneven tone, discoloration or sun‑induced pigmentation may fade or become lighter over months. 

  • Increased firmness and elasticity over time — collagen stimulation helps skin feel tighter and more resilient. 

  • Refined pores and fewer blemishes/acne marks — because retinol accelerates turnover, old marks fade and skin regeneration speeds up (though results vary).

  • Better absorption of other skincare products — clean, renewed skin allows serums and moisturizers to penetrate more effectively. Many users report enhanced performance of their routine when using retinol.

According to Obagi’s internal data: after 3 weeks of use, 79% of testers said fine lines and wrinkles looked less visible; 82% saw improved skin tone/brightness; and 88% reported better skin texture.

Key Ingredient Science & Why It Works

Obagi360 Retinol 1.0 combines retinol with moisturizing, soothing, and supportive ingredients to maximize benefits and mitigate side effects.

Retinol (Vitamin A derivative)

The main active. Retinol promotes skin-cell turnover, helps stimulate collagen and elastin production, improves skin texture, reduces fine lines, and can fade pigmentation over time.

Jojoba Oil & Shea Butter

Hydrating and emollient ingredients that help maintain skin barrier integrity and prevent excessive dryness often triggered by retinol.

Antioxidants (e.g. Vitamin E / Tocopherol, possibly others)

Help fight free radicals, support skin repair, and protect against environmental stress — enhancing overall skin health and resilience.

Humectants & Moisture‑Support Agents

Ingredients that draw water into the skin to keep it hydrated, reduce dryness, and support smoothness while retinol does its work.

What to Know — Side Effects & How to Use Safely

Because retinol is powerful, there are trade‑offs. Common side effects or adjustment issues with this product include:

  • Mild dryness, peeling, irritation, or flaking — especially during the first 2–4 weeks (skin’s adaptation phase) 

  • Increased sensitivity to sun (UV sensitivity) — must use a broad‑spectrum sunscreen daily when using retinol. 

  • Possible transient redness or tightness. 

  • Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals (retinol / vitamin A derivatives) — standard safety precaution. 

How to use safely:

  • Use once nightly (pearl‑sized amount) on dry skin after cleansing & before moisturizer. 

  • If you’re new to retinol — start 2–3 nights per week, then gradually increase frequency as skin adjusts.

  • Always follow with a gentle moisturizer.

  • Use daily SPF 30+ (or higher) during the day.

  • Avoid layering with other strong actives (AHAs, BHAs, strong acids, etc.) — rotate or use on separate nights to prevent over‑exfoliation.

Who It’s Best For — Skin Types & Skin Concerns

Great fit for:

  • People aged ~30+ who want to tackle early to moderate signs of aging (fine lines, uneven tone, dullness, early wrinkles)

  • Skin types: normal, combination, dry, slightly oilier skin — retinol serum is formulated to be balanced enough for many skin types. 

  • People willing to commit — results from retinol take time (weeks to months) but pay off with visible skin renewal and anti‑aging benefits

  • Users with sun damage / pigmentation / uneven tone / post-acne marks — retinol’s regenerative action helps fade discoloration over time

Less ideal for:

  • Extremely sensitive or reactive skin — may cause too much irritation or dryness, especially if used too frequently

  • People not wanting to deal with the “retinol adjustment phase” (peeling, dryness)

  • Those not willing to use sun protection daily — using retinol without SPF can increase sun damage risk

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding — retinoids typically advised against during pregnancy

Pure Skin Source Recommended

Obagi360 Retinol 1.0 is one of the strongest over‑the‑counter retinol treatments you can include in a premium skincare lineup. It’s not a “quick fix,” but for users prepared to commit — and willing to support their skin with proper hydration and sun protection — it delivers serious results: smoother texture, improved tone, fewer fine lines, and a more youthful complexion.

Obagi: Medical-Grade Skincare Backed by Dermatological Science

Obagi is a globally respected medical-grade skincare brand known for its powerful, dermatologist-developed formulas that target real skin concerns at a clinical level.