Skincare SuppliesBuild the formula, skip the markup.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. How we earn.

How we build Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream

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

RETINOL

The original · Obagi

Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream

$135 · 1.7 oz

Entrapped retinol releases slowly to speed cell turnover, while gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid, gently loosens dead surface cells.

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

Our build 3 parts

Encapsulated retinol serum + PHA toner

  • Illustration of CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

    CeraVe

    Resurfacing Retinol Serum

    Encapsulated retinol + ceramides (PM)

    ARetinol · 34 of 45CEntrapped slow-release delivery · 10DHyaluronic acid, squalane and plant oils · 11 of 15
    $21.99Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  • Illustration of The INKEY List PHA Toner

    The INKEY List

    The INKEY List PHA Toner

    Gluconolactone exfoliating toner (PM, before serum or on alternate nights)

    BGluconolactone (PHA) · 23 of 30DHyaluronic acid, squalane and plant oils · 4 of 15
    $18View product (opens in new tab)

    Not an affiliate link.

  • Illustration of The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

    The Ordinary

    The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

    Retinol 0.5% (PM)

    ARetinol · 45DHyaluronic acid, squalane and plant oils · 4 of 15
    $9.30View product (opens in new tab)

    Not an affiliate link.

Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.

The 100 points

What stands out 100 pts

We split Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream into 4 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.

  • ARetinol45 of 45 pts

    Speeds cell turnover for smoother texture, fewer blemishes and softer lines.

    Kafi 2007 · Arch Dermatol
  • BGluconolactone (PHA)23 of 30 pts

    A gentle acid that smooths the surface with less sting than AHAs.

    Edison 2004 · Cutis
  • CEntrapped slow-release delivery10 of 10 pts

    Gradual release meant to keep irritation down when retinol and acid share a cream.

  • DHyaluronic acid, squalane and plant oils11 of 15 pts

    A nourishing base that keeps skin hydrated overnight.

Optional

Get closer optional

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

Step 3 · Buy

Buy the build

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

Skincare SuppliesOct 28, 2026

Your build

  1. 01CeraVeResurfacing Retinol Serum$21.99

    Running total $21.99

    Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
  2. 02The INKEY ListThe INKEY List PHA Toner$18

    Running total $39.99

    View product (opens in new tab)

    Not an affiliate link.

  3. 03The OrdinaryThe Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane$9.30

    Running total $49.29

    View product (opens in new tab)

    Not an affiliate link.

Build total$49.29
The splurge$135
Match89/100
You keep$85.71

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. Start with the toner 2-3 nights a week and the retinol serum on 2-3 nights a week. Once skin is comfortable, use the toner first, let it dry, then the serum. Use SPF 30+ every morning.
  2. Add The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane: covers Retinol.

Other single-product swaps

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

budget Closest we found

Resurfacing Retinol Serum

CeraVe

Match score 55 out of 100

No close match yet — we show the nearest formulas.

$21.99 · 1 fl oz
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Encapsulated retinol
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides

Misses

  • Gluconolactone (PHA)
  • Squalane and shea

Why it is close. Covers the slow-release retinol half of the formula with a gentle ceramide base. There is no PHA, so add a PHA toner on the side.

Ingredient list source

Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
budget

Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

RoC

Match score 50 out of 100
~$21.99 Price not confirmed · 1 oz
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Retinol
  • Glycolic acid
  • Squalane
  • Shea butter

Misses

  • Gluconolactone (PHA)
  • Slow-release entrapment
  • Hyaluronic acid

Why it is close. A retinol night cream that also contains a small amount of glycolic acid, an AHA. That is a stronger acid than PHA, and the cream contains fragrance.

Ingredient list source

Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
budget

The INKEY List PHA Toner

The INKEY List

Match score 27 out of 100
$18 · 3.4 fl oz (100 ml)
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Gluconolactone (PHA) 3%

Misses

  • Retinol
  • Cream base

Why it is close. Gives the PHA half as a 3% gluconolactone toner with niacinamide. Use it with a separate retinol.

Ingredient list source

View product (opens in new tab)

Not an affiliate link.

What the science says

Full ingredient list

Show the INCI list

Aqua/Water/Eau, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Esters, Sodium Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Jojoba Esters, Tocopherol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Squalane, Carbomer, Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Citric Acid

Source

Questions

What does the 89/100 score for our Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream build mean?

We split Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream into 4 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 89 of a possible 100. A full 100 needs every standout fully covered.

What is the best dupe for Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream?

Resurfacing Retinol Serum by CeraVe is our closest single-product match at 55 out of 100 for $21.99 (1 fl oz). It shares Encapsulated retinol, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides.

How much can I save on Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream?

Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream costs $135 for 1.7 oz. The closest dupe costs $21.99, a saving of about $113.01. Prices change, so check the seller page.

Is Resurfacing Retinol Serum exactly the same as Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream?

No. Dupes share the key actives but can differ in concentration, vehicle and supporting ingredients. Missing from this one: Gluconolactone (PHA), Squalane and shea. See our methodology for how we score.

Related