Obagi Retinol 0.5 28g

Obagi Retinol 0.5 is a mid-strength retinol formulation using a controlled-release delivery system to minimise irritation while maintaining clinical effectiveness. At 0.5%, this formulation is appropriate for patients who have established retinoid tolerance and are ready to advance beyond starter-level concentrations without transitioning to a prescription product.

What it does:

• Delivers 0.5% retinol via a controlled-release system that slows skin absorption — reducing peak concentration and mitigating retinoid dermatitis risk
• Minimises the appearance of blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles with minimal irritation
• Stimulates fibroblast activity and epidermal cell turnover, targeting fine lines, skin laxity, and surface texture
• Reduces comedone formation and normalises follicular keratinisation — useful for acne-prone or congested skin
• Vitamin E and shea butter buffer dryness and scaling during adaptation

Best for: Retinoid beginners seeking a mid-strength option, or those building tolerance before stepping up to Retinol 1.0 or clinically reviewed retinoid.