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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Obagi Retinol 1.0 versus SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 .

Last updated on February 16, 2024. Published on September 07, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe facial treatments. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain retinoid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Facial Treatment American Brand United States
Facial Treatment American Brand United States

Facial Treatment

Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.

Facial Treatment

Facial treatments are specially designed to treat a skin concern. Acne treatments and anti-aging products are common examples of facial treatments.

Price

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Buy Retinol 1.0

Starts at $79.00
Shop

Buy Retinol 0.3

Starts at $78.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.

Obagi Retinol 1.0 39 ingredients

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients

alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Obagi Retinol 1.0 39 ingredients

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Skin Texture (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots (3)
Scar Healing (2)
Acne Fighting
Brightening (4)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Irritating
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

Drying (2)
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Obagi Retinol 1.0 39 ingredients

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 1.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising

We don't have a description for Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer.

Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 11.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 9.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Retinol

Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 12.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 13.

4
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 20

Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 13.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 14.

5
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 14.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 3.

6
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
Community Rating: Loved

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 Bisabolol

Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 29.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 19.

7
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 Glycol

Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 36.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 11.

8
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Obagi Retinol 1.0 contains this as ingredient number 39.

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 contains this as ingredient number 10.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Obagi Retinol 1.0 39 ingredients

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients

33% are loved or liked
10% have mixed ratings
44% are disliked or very disliked
13% have no rating yet
36% are loved or liked
5% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
9% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

Obagi Retinol 1.0 39 ingredients

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Obagi Retinol 1.0 39 ingredients

Retinol 1.0 hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 22 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating

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Our Dupe Finder has found 3 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3.

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