Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Obagi Retinol 0.5 versus ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener .
Last updated on March 04, 2024. Published on March 31, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 10 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances, oils and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Night Moisturizer
Night Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin overnight.
Serum
Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Ingredient Info
Obagi Retinol 0.5 35 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener 49 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
Contains EU Allergens
Ingredients in this product that are EU allergens:
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Obagi Retinol 0.5 35 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener 49 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Obagi Retinol 0.5 35 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener 49 ingredients
Water • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Glyceryl Stearate • Cyclopentasiloxane • Butylene Glycol • Stearic Acid • Polysorbate 60 • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Glycerin • Stearyl Alcohol • Cyclohexasiloxane • Dimethicone • Retinol • Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract • Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract • Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract • Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Tocopheryl Acetate • Bisabolol • Ascorbic Acid • Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil • Sorbitol • Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer • Caprylyl Glycol • Ethylhexylglycerin • Hexylene Glycol • Polysorbate 20 • Carbomer • Disodium EDTA • Triethanolamine • BHT • Phenoxyethanol
Water • Dimethicone • Cetearyl Isononanoate • Glycerin • Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil • Cetearyl Alcohol • Cetyl Alcohol • Steareth-20 • Pentylene Glycol • Ascorbyl Glucoside • Acrylamide/Ammonium Acrylate Copolymer • Polysorbate 20 • Retinol • Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil • Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil • Lavandula Angustifolia Oil • Propylheptyl Caprylate • Bakuchiol • Acetyl Glucosamine • Cetearyl Glucoside • Lecithin • Polyisobutene • Alcohol • Glutathione • Carbomer • Caprylyl Glycol • Bisabolol • 1,2-Hexanediol • Silica • Polysorbate 80 • BHA • Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate • Disodium EDTA • Sorbitan Isostearate • Gluconolactone • Tocopheryl Acetate • Sodium Sulfite • Sodium Metabisulfite • Ascorbyl Palmitate • Soy Isoflavones • Sodium Hydroxide • Potassium Sorbate • Sodium Benzoate • Linalool • Citronellol • Geraniol • Limonene • Citral • Coumarin
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterObagi Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 1.
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener contains this as ingredient number 1.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinObagi Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 9.
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener contains this as ingredient number 4.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
Obagi Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 12.
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener contains this as ingredient number 2.
Retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolObagi Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 13.
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener contains this as ingredient number 13.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateObagi Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 19.
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener contains this as ingredient number 36.
Bisabolol is pimarily used to add fragrance to a product. However, it is also famous for helping soothe skin.
Bisabolol comes from German chamomile essential oil. Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Bisabolol helps soothe skin. It does this by blocking the inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
Bisabolol also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Learn more about BisabololObagi Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 20.
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener contains this as ingredient number 27.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolObagi Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 27.
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener contains this as ingredient number 26.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Obagi Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 30.
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener contains this as ingredient number 12.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
Obagi Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 31.
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener contains this as ingredient number 25.
Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAObagi Retinol 0.5 contains this as ingredient number 32.
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener contains this as ingredient number 33.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Obagi Retinol 0.5 35 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener 49 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Obagi Retinol 0.5 35 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener 49 ingredients
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Obagi Retinol 0.5.
See 50 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 1 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to ZO Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener.
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