NEW Obagi Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream

May 12, 2025 Virginia Gonzales

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is widely celebrated as one of the most effective ingredients in skincare for its transformative benefits on the skin's appearance and health. Its primary power lies in its ability to accelerate cell turnover, meaning it helps shed old, dull skin cells to reveal fresher, more radiant skin underneath. Over time, this leads to a noticeable improvement in skin texture, tone, and clarity. Retinol also stimulates collagen production, which is essential for maintaining the skin's firmness and elasticity, making it an exceptional tool in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, retinol can significantly diminish hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and acne scars by encouraging a more even distribution of melanin and promoting the skin’s natural healing process. For those struggling with breakouts, retinol unclogs pores and prevents the buildup of dead skin cells that can lead to acne, making it a powerful ally for clearer skin. With consistent use and proper application, retinol strengthens the skin barrier, enhances hydration retention, and provides an overall youthful, luminous glow. However, due to its potency, it's important to integrate retinol carefully into a skincare routine, starting with lower concentrations and gradually building up usage to avoid irritation. When used correctly, retinol remains one of the most trusted and scientifically backed ingredients for achieving smoother, firmer, and more resilient skin.

The new Obagi Retinol + PHA represents a thoughtful evolution in retinol-based skincare, combining the proven anti-aging power of retinol with the gentle exfoliating benefits of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) for a uniquely balanced approach to skin renewal. Unlike traditional retinol formulations that can often cause irritation, dryness, or sensitivity — especially for those with delicate or reactive skin — Obagi's innovative formula leverages PHAs to provide a mild exfoliation while enhancing hydration and reinforcing the skin barrier. PHAs, being larger molecular structures than AHAs, penetrate the skin more slowly, minimizing irritation while still promoting cell turnover and improving skin texture. Additionally, Obagi's Retinol + PHA features a gradual-release technology for the retinol itself, ensuring a steady, controlled delivery that maximizes efficacy while minimizing redness and flaking. This makes it an ideal choice for first-time retinol users or those seeking an advanced anti-aging treatment with less downtime. With regular use, it addresses fine lines, uneven tone, and roughness, all while keeping the skin nourished and resilient — setting it apart from harsher, more traditional retinol products currently on the market.

Obagi Retinol + PHA is carefully formulated to deliver powerful skin-renewing benefits with a focus on minimizing irritation, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive, dry, and combination skin. The key active ingredients include retinol, a gold-standard anti-aging molecule that accelerates cell turnover, smooths fine lines, and refines skin texture, and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid. PHAs offer gentle exfoliation while simultaneously attracting moisture, helping to maintain hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. The formula also contains soothing ingredients like bisabolol (derived from chamomile) to calm redness and irritation, and shea butter to lock in moisture and promote softness. Obagi utilizes an encapsulated retinol delivery system to ensure slow, controlled absorption, reducing the risk of the harsh side effects typically associated with retinoid use. This thoughtful combination makes Obagi Retinol + PHA ideal for individuals who want the transformative effects of retinol — like improved tone, texture, and clarity — but with a gentler, more hydrating approach that supports skin health, especially for those new to retinoids or prone to sensitivity.

Description:

Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream works overnight to help refine skin texture and tone while reducing the appearance of blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles for a visibly resurfaced, smoother, clearer, and more even-looking complexion in just 4 weeks*.

Formulated with Entrapped Retinol powered by slow-release technology for optimized delivery into deeper layers of the skin to encourage skin cell turnover, and Polyhydroxy Acid (Gluconolactone) to provide gentle yet effective exfoliation on the surface of the skin, plus eight nourishing ingredients to keep skin hydrated, this overnight cream has the unique ability to help renew and enhance the appearance of your complexion.