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How we build 1.0 Smoothing Retinol (Retinol 1.0)

The original, what makes it special, the shelf parts we use and how to get closer. Add or swap parts and the score updates.

10

The original · Obagi

1.0 Smoothing Retinol (Retinol 1.0)

$90 · 1 oz (28 g)

The stronger of Obagi's two entrapped retinol creams: a polymer releases retinol slowly to boost turnover with less irritation.

Official product page (opens in new tab)

Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.

Step 2 · The build

No cheaper rebuild yet 3 parts

1% retinol + ceramide night lotion

  • Illustration of The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

    The Ordinary

    The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

    Retinol 1% (PM)

    ARetinol · 45CCoQ10, vitamin C and vitamin E · 4 of 15EShea, jojoba and hyaluronic acid cream · 8 of 15
    $15.94Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  • Illustration of CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

    CeraVe

    CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

    Ceramide, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid moisturizer (PM, after retinol)

    EShea, jojoba and hyaluronic acid cream · 11 of 15
    $14.99Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  • Illustration of Paula's Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment

    Paula's Choice

    CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment

    Adds: CoQ10, vitamin C and vitamin E; Bisabolol, licorice and flower extracts

    ARetinol · 45CCoQ10, vitamin C and vitamin E · 11 of 15DBisabolol, licorice and flower extracts · 11 of 15EShea, jojoba and hyaluronic acid cream · 8 of 15
    ~$65Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.

No cheaper rebuild yet. The closest match we found costs more than 1.0 Smoothing Retinol (Retinol 1.0), so we show no savings.

The 100 points

What stands out 100 pts

We split 1.0 Smoothing Retinol (Retinol 1.0) into 5 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.

  • ARetinol45 of 45 pts

    The main active: speeds cell turnover to soften lines and even tone.

    Kafi 2007 · Arch DermatolSpierings 2021 · J Clin Aesthet Dermatol
  • BEntrapped slow-release delivery0 of 10 pts

    Gradual release meant to reduce irritation at a higher strength.

  • CCoQ10, vitamin C and vitamin E11 of 15 pts

    Antioxidant support in the cream.

  • DBisabolol, licorice and flower extracts11 of 15 pts

    Calming agents to offset retinol irritation.

  • EShea, jojoba and hyaluronic acid cream11 of 15 pts

    A cushioning, hydrating base for nightly use.

Optional

Get closer score under 80

78 / 100. We have not found a shelf product that closes more of the gap yet.

Step 3 · Buy

Buy the closest match

One link per part. Each opens the retailer in a new tab.

Skincare SuppliesOct 28, 2026

Closest match

  1. 01The OrdinaryThe Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane$15.94

    Running total $15.94

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  2. 02CeraVeCeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion$14.99

    Running total $30.93

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  3. 03Paula's ChoiceCLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment~$65

    Running total ~$95.93

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
Build total~$95.93
The splurge$90
Match78/100
Costs more by$5.93

Snapshot prices. Each link shows today's price.

How to use

  1. Patch test any new active on the inner forearm or behind the ear for 24-48 hours first. PM only. Start 2 nights a week and build up as tolerated. Apply retinol to dry skin, then the lotion. Use SPF 30+ every morning.
  2. Add Paula's Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment: A 1% retinol with vitamin C ester, vitamin E, licorice soothers and hyaluronic acid, which lines up closely with the Obagi formula. It has no slow-release polymer. It saves about $25.

Other single-product swaps

One bottle instead of a build. Sorted by match score; scores use the same standouts as above.

mid Our pick

CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment

Paula's Choice

Match score 75 out of 100
~$65 Price not confirmed · 1 fl ozSave ~$25
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Retinol
  • THD ascorbate (vitamin C)
  • Tocopheryl acetate
  • Dipotassium glycyrrhizate
  • Sodium hyaluronate

Misses

  • Slow-release entrapment
  • CoQ10
  • Shea and jojoba

Why it is close. A 1% retinol with vitamin C ester, vitamin E, licorice soothers and hyaluronic acid, which lines up closely with the Obagi formula. It has no slow-release polymer. It saves about $25.

Ingredient list source

Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
budget

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane

The Ordinary

Match score 57 out of 100
$15.94 · 1 fl oz (30 ml)
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Retinol 1%
  • Jojoba seed oil

Misses

  • Slow-release entrapment
  • Antioxidants
  • Soothing botanicals
  • Hyaluronic acid

Why it is close. A stated 1% retinol in squalane and jojoba for about a ninth of the price. It is a bare formula, so expect more dryness at first and add a moisturizer.

Ingredient list source

Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
mid

Retinol 24 MAX Night Moisturizer

Olay

Match score 45 out of 100
~$34.99 Price not confirmed · 1.7 oz
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Retinol
  • Retinyl propionate
  • Moisturizing base

Misses

  • Slow-release entrapment
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Soothing botanicals

Why it is close. Retinol plus a retinyl ester and niacinamide in a moisturizer. Strength is not stated and it has none of the antioxidant or soothing extras.

Ingredient list source

Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

What the science says

Full ingredient list

Show the INCI list

Aqua/water/eau, caprylic/capric triglyceride, glyceryl stearate, cyclopentasiloxane, butylene glycol, stearic acid, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, polysorbate 60, stearyl alcohol, glycerin, allyl methacrylates crosspolymer, retinol, polysorbate 20, dimethicone, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, hypericum perforatum flower extract, malva sylvestris (mallow) flower extract, salvia officinalis (sage) leaf extract, sambucus nigra flower extract, cyclohexasiloxane, sorbitol, tocopheryl acetate, ascorbic acid, ubiquinone, sodium hyaluronate, propylene glycol, BHT, bisabolol, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, disodium EDTA, triethanolamine, carbomer, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, hexylene glycol, phenoxyethanol

Source

Questions

What does the 78/100 score for our 1.0 Smoothing Retinol (Retinol 1.0) build mean?

We split 1.0 Smoothing Retinol (Retinol 1.0) into 5 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 78 of a possible 100. A full 100 needs every standout fully covered.

What is the best dupe for 1.0 Smoothing Retinol (Retinol 1.0)?

CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment by Paula's Choice is our closest single-product match at 75 out of 100 for ~$65 (1 fl oz). It shares Retinol, THD ascorbate (vitamin C), Tocopheryl acetate, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Sodium hyaluronate.

How much can I save on 1.0 Smoothing Retinol (Retinol 1.0)?

1.0 Smoothing Retinol (Retinol 1.0) costs $90 for 1 oz (28 g). The closest dupe costs ~$65, a saving of about $25. Prices change, so check the seller page.

Is CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment exactly the same as 1.0 Smoothing Retinol (Retinol 1.0)?

No. Dupes share the key actives but can differ in concentration, vehicle and supporting ingredients. Missing from this one: Slow-release entrapment, CoQ10, Shea and jojoba. See our methodology for how we score.

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