The most important ingredients

Retinol

The gold standard in anti-ageing - a form of vitamin A that accelerates skin renewal.

Function: Can support the skin's resilience, ease wrinkles, brighten pigment spots and refine skin texture.

Bakuchiol

Plant-based alternative to retinol from the seeds of the babchi plant - similar effect, but better tolerated.

Function: Can support skin renewal and ease fine lines, without the typical retinol irritation.

Vitamin C

The most important water-soluble antioxidant of the skin.

Function: Can brighten the complexion, support resilience, ease pigment spots and protect from UV damage.

ZO-RRS2

Exclusive ZO Skin Health complex from edelweiss and horehound stem cell cultures - a powerful plant-based antioxidant system.

Function: Can neutralise free radicals, ease redness and protect against premature skin ageing caused by environmental stressors.

Application

Evening apply to clean, dry skin. Start with 2x per week and increase with good tolerance.

Redness, flaking or mild burning are normal initial reactions. The skin gets used to it.

Always use sunscreen during the day (minimum SPF 30) use. Combine with a moisturiser to improve tolerance.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start correctly with the 1 % retinol?

Because retinol requires an acclimatisation phase. Start with the 1 % retinol initially only two to three times a week — in the evening, after cleansing and serum, before a rich moisturiser. After 4 weeks without irritation, increase to every other evening, then if tolerated, daily. This prevents excessive retinisation (peeling, redness, dryness).

Can I start using it daily straight away?

You should not start with daily use right away. The combination with brightening actives can additionally stress the skin. Begin 2 to 3 times a week and only increase when your skin shows no irritation over 2 to 3 weeks.

How long does it take to see pigmentation changes?

After around four weeks, first brightening results appear when you use the retinol consistently. Significant pigmentation changes develop over 8 to 12 weeks. The keratinocyte cycle (skin cell turnover) takes approximately 6 weeks — meaningful results require 3 to 4 full cycles.

Can I use this product during an active job that involves being outdoors?

Yes, but with caution and sun protection. Retinol increases the skin's UV sensitivity, so SPF 50+ is non-negotiable when using it. If you are outdoors frequently, use SPF 50+ consistently, reapply at midday, and consider using the retinol only on weekends or evenings in summer.

Can I tolerate it if I have sensitive skin?

Use the retinol not daily, but initially only two to three times a week. The oleosome technology releases the retinol slowly, reducing the risk of irritation. If you experience dryness or redness that does not subside after 3 to 4 weeks, consult a specialist — it may not be the right product for your skin at this time.

About the brand

ZO Skin Health was developed by Dr. Zein Obagi - one of the world's most renowned dermatologists, with over 35 years of research in Beverly Hills. His principle: the skin is not “repaired” from the outside; instead, the cells themselves are activated. Because collagen, elastin and cell renewal decline with age, ZO products work in a targeted way across different skin layers - as system skincare following established treatment protocols, not as a single product.

Transparency & Mandatory Information

Ingredients (INCI)

Aqua, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Steareth-20, Pentylene Glycol, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Cetyl Alcohol, Acrylamide/Ammonium Acrylate Copolymer, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Bakuchiol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Cetearyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, Lecithin, Polyisobutene, Alcohol, Glutathione, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Bisabolol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Silica, Polysorbate 80, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Disodium EDTA, Sorbitan Isostearate, BHT, Gluconolactone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Metabisulfite, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Soy Isoflavones, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Citral, Coumarin

Instructions for use

Contains retinol. Retinol increases skin photosensitivity. Use daily sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth and lips; rinse with water if contact occurs. Use during pregnancy, breastfeeding or in children under 12 years is not recommended. Redness, flaking, dryness or mild burning are normal initial reactions to retinol.
Discontinue use 2 days before aesthetic skin treatments (IPL, microneedling, peels).

Product Safety & Contact

NOVVIA GmbH ,

Am Lohmühlbach 17
85356 Freising
Deutschland
,

info@NOVVIA.de , +49 8161 96994-0