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.

Both use a retinoid-buffering approach. AlphaRet bonds retinol to lactic acid into a single molecule and also contains glycolic acid, making it more intensively exfoliating. This Obagi formula is gentler and richer, with a PHA rather than an AHA, making it a better fit for drier or more sensitive skin.

Vitamin C goes in the morning, the retinoid at night, so there's no layering conflict. Avoid using other AHAs or BHAs in the same evening routine, as they would add too much on top of the PHA already in the formula.

Most people notice smoother texture within four to six weeks. Improvement in pigmentation and fine lines takes longer, typically two to three months of consistent nightly use.