Obagi Retinol + PHA vs Retinol 1.0: What’s different?
Choose by formula first: Retinol + PHA combines retinol with an exfoliating acid, while Retinol 1.0 gives you a stated 1% retinol concentration. They are alternatives for an evening treatment step, not two products to start together.
Both belong to Obagi Medical’s US range. For Japanese choices, see the Japanese retinol guide.
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Two different approaches
For retinol and exfoliation in one cream
Obagi Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream
Retinol + PHA combines slow release retinol with gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid. Consider it when texture is your main concern and you want both ingredients in one evening product.
The official page does not state a retinol percentage. Do not treat it as a direct strength equivalent to 1.0.
Shop on Amazon USFor an established retinol routine
Obagi360 Retinol 1.0
Obagi360 Retinol 1.0 is the 1% retinol choice for someone who already knows their skin tolerates retinol. Choose it when a stated concentration matters to you.
This is a strong starting point for a beginner. Consider a lower strength first.
Shop on Amazon USWhat percentage is Retinol + PHA?
Obagi describes slow release retinol and gluconolactone, but the official product page does not state a retinol percentage. That means we cannot rank it against 1.0 on concentration alone.
PHA is a separate exfoliating ingredient. The reason to consider this cream is its combination of ingredients and moisturizer format, rather than an assumption that it is the weaker version.
What if you are new to retinol?
You do not need to start at 1%. The American Academy of Dermatology advises beginning with a less intense retinoid formula and introducing it gradually. Keep the rest of the routine simple and use sunscreen during the day.
Retinoids should be avoided during pregnancy. If your skin is already irritated, or you are using prescription acne treatment, get advice before adding another active product. These points matter more than whether the label says Japanese or American.
Do you still need moisturizer?
Let your skin’s comfort guide the choice. A retinol cream can still leave you wanting a separate moisturizer. If so, compare Obagi Hydrate and Hydrate Luxe, or keep the cream that already works for you.
Avoid adding a second exfoliating product just to make the routine more active. Retinol + PHA already combines two ingredients aimed at texture.
Common questions
Does Obagi disclose the retinol percentage in Retinol + PHA?
The official product page reviewed for this guide does not state a percentage. We do not treat it as equivalent to Retinol 1.0.
Can I use Retinol + PHA and Retinol 1.0 together?
Choose one retinol product for your routine rather than starting both together. Combining them can increase irritation without helping you identify which formula suits you.
Is Obagi360 Retinol 1.0 Japanese?
No. This product belongs to Obagi Medical’s US range, separate from Rohto’s Japanese Obagi products.
Sources
Researched October 9, 2026 using the brand’s published product information. These are shopping recommendations, not personal wear tests.