13 Best ZO Skincare Products You Need To Get Your Hands On In 2024
A single brand for all your skin worries that is taking the world by storm!
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.
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When shopping for skincare products, we all look for that one brand that is so reliable that we can effortlessly pick the products without any hesitation. ZO skincare products are a solution if this is one of your primary concerns. ZO gets its brand name from the founder of the brand- Dr. Zein Obagi, who has thoughtfully come up with products for a variety of skin concerns and skin types. The brand uses research-backed solutions and innovative methods to bring to people products that are sure to help with different skin woes.
If you want your skin to have that beautiful glow inside out, invest in a product from ZO and at least give it a try. Here are the 13 effective and popular ZO products that you must try. So go ahead and give this piece a read!
In This Article
13 Best ZO Skincare Products To Flaunt A Healthy Glow In 2024
1. Best With Plant Extracts:ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum
Serums are a great way to give your skin some extra love. ZO’s Growth Factor Serum relies on plants and enzymes to promote a youthful appearance by toning down fine lines, leveling up on the elasticity, and an improvement of firmness. The lightweight gel is enriched with fermented red ginseng extracts, an active ingredient that help restore skin hydration and the unique ZPRO formula that prevents further aging signs. A peptide that helps minimize expression lines is also present, which is popularly referred to as ‘botox in a jar’ and buddleja stem cell that promotes a youthful look. ZO’s anti-aging serum is the perfect addition to your skincare routine as its plant extracts also calm and soothe irritated skin and help strengthen the skin barrier. Click here to check out a detailed personal reviewer’s experience of this product.
Pros
- Made with plant extracts and enzymes
- Increases skin’s hydration
- Increases skin’s elasticity and firmness
- Prevents fine lines and signs of aging
- Soothes and calms irritated skin
- Lightweight gel formula
Cons
- Might be too expensive for some
2. Best Gel-Based Formula:ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser
A good cleanser is always at the forefront if you want to have good skin. Formulated for normal-to-oily skin types, ZO’s Exfoliating Cleanser helps to keep pores clean so you can minimize the occurrence of future breakouts. Filled with jojoba esters in the form of biodegradable beads that get rid of dead skin cells, this facial cleanser also contains salicylic acid to clear away bacteria and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. For rich and potent antioxidant action, vitamin E beads burst as you apply them and help nourish skin for a healthy feel. As this formula contains BHAs that can increase skin sensitivity, keep in mind to apply sun protection before you head out the door. The gel formula is gentle on the skin and cleans it without the drying feel. Among the ZO skincare by Zein Obagi products, this is a certified favorite!
Pros
- Sloughs away dead skin cells
- Provides nourishing antioxidant benefits
- Minimizes future breakouts
- Unclogs pores and reduces oil
- Gentle gel formula
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties
Cons
- Might not be ideal for sensitive skin or dry skin
Caution3. Best With Antioxidants:ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads
The ZO Complexion Renewal Pads make caring for your skin oh-so-easy with their convenient swipe-and-go feature. The non-drying formula brightens the skin surface, clears pores, and soothes down irritation. A potent mix of glycolic and salicylic acids in these pads is suited for acne-prone skin and allows them to decongest and smooth your skin as the texture of the places is non-abrasive for a soothing feel. To reduce irritation, redness and supply antioxidant benefits, a rich botanical extract blend works its magic. This YouTuber’s review will help you understand more about this pore-minimizing treatment product.
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- Contains AHAs to decongest pores
- Non-abrasive texture
- Contains antioxidant benefits
- Soothes skin irritation and redness
- Smooths skin texture
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Some may not like the overpowering scent
- Can cause some redness in sensitive skin
| ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum Best With Plant Extracts | ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser Best Gel-Based Formula | ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads Best With Antioxidants | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Sensitive | Oily | Acne Prone |
| Dimensions | 1.97 x 1.97 x 1.97 inches | 1.97 x 1.57 x 7.87 inches | - |
| Weight | 1.06 Ounces | 7.05 Ounces | - |
| Number of Items | - | - | 1 |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 415 | 441 | 426 |
| Price | $129.99 | $44.17 | $49.4 |
4. Best Non-Drying:ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser
ZO’s Gentle Cleanser is a silky gel formula that deeply cleanses your skin to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. It features a blend of botanical extracts that clarify and nourish the skin to reduce irritation. Oat amino acids being one of the key ingredients, support and strengthen the skin barrier and prevent the ‘stripped-off feeling that follows cleansing. As a little goes a long way with ZO’s Gentle Cleanser, we’re sure it’ll grace your shelves to provide long-lasting benefits. This is a dream facial cleanser.
Pros
- Non-drying
- Silky gel formula
- Nourishes skin with antioxidants
- Reduces irritation
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Subtle but pleasant scent
Cons
- Not the best for oily skin
5. Best For Skin Elasticity:ZO Skin Health Daily Power Defense
To rescue the appearance of your overall skin, keep ZO’s Daily Power Defense in your arsenal. One of the best Obagi anti-aging products, this versatile and lightweight serum tightens and firms up skin that has deeper lines and uses antioxidants to protect it from damage. It uses ultrasome and peroxisomes, which introduce enzymes to help skin repair quicker. Also present in the formulation is matrixyl 3000, a potent peptide that re-firms and densifies skin to maintain its elasticity. While ceramide 6 helps restore the skin barrier, vitamin E acts to nourish and deeply condition it. Adding this clinically-proven product to your regimen will earn you tons of compliments for your youthful complexion.
Pros
- Makes skin look tighter and firmer
- Helps repair the skin barrier
- Restores skin barrier function
- Improves skin elasticity
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Provides antioxidant benefits
Cons
- Some may find the consistency to be a bit greasy
6. Best pH-Balanced Formula:ZO Skin Health Calming Toner
Toners are a great way to supply your skin with some additional hydration, and that’s why we dote on this one by Zein Obagi! Its pH-balanced formula is ideal for sensitive and weak skin as it infuses lightweight hydration to support the skin’s barrier. Allantoin is present, which helps soothe irritated and red skin, while sodium hyaluronate provides ample hydration owing to its humectant blend that retains moisture. For a soft glow that radiates from plump and healthy-looking skin, be sure to add the Calming Toner into your routine after cleansing.
Pros
- Increases skin hydration
- Seals moisture
- Soothes irritated skin
- pH-balanced formula
- Ideal for sensitive and weak skin
- Lightweight
Cons
- None
Pro Tip7. Best For Pigmentation:ZO Skin Health BrightAlive Skin Brightener
If you’re having a hard time dealing with dark spots and an uneven complexion, you need to add this holy grail skin brightener to your regimen! ZO Skin Health’s BrightAlive Skin Brightener is formulated with the technologically advanced intelligent peptide drone that helps brighten skin by lowering the appearance of hyperpigmentation and aids skin clarity. Tranexamic acid cares for the discoloration caused by UV rays and sun damage with barely any sensitivity or irritation. You will find niacinamide in it that helps balance uneven skin tone while strengthening the skin barrier, papain that gets rid of brown spots, and a licorice derivative that calms and soothes skin. The lightweight hydration in this gentle formula acts as a brightener that transforms your skin from the inside out.
Pros
- Lowers UV-induced pigmentation
- Increases skin luminosity
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Provides lightweight hydration
- Evens out skin tone
- Minimizes present brown spots
Cons
- Might be slow in delivering results
8. Best Sulfate-Free:ZO Skin Health Hydrating Cleanser
All our friends with normal-to-dry skin types, rejoice! The Hydrating Cleanser by Zein Obagi is a rich and creamy formula that effectively cleanses skin of impurities without drying it out. It is enriched with sodium hyaluronate, glycerine, urea, and panthenol, a humectant blend guaranteed to retain hydration in the skin and replenish it. While this supports the skin barrier function, allantoin works to calm skin irritation and sensitivity and put you on your way to plump and healthy skin. This sulfate-free formula is a pro at not leaving any residue and cleaning the skin for a baby-like softness.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Non-drying
- Retains and replenishes skin hydration
- Calms skin irritation
- Doesn’t leave residue
- Supports skin barrier function
Cons
- Some may not like the scent
9. Best For Skin Renewal:ZO Skin Health Wrinkle + Texture Repair
They say that the sooner you add anti-aging skincare to your regimen, the better, so don’t think twice before adding Wrinkle + Texture Repair to your cart! It is a highly potent retinol that aids skin renewal and restores hydration while reducing fine lines and improving texture. Containing 0.5% retinol, this serum supports collagen building and cell turnover, while broccoli extract and sunflower seed oil help irritated skin. Your skin’s barrier is strengthened with a unique ZOCRE Complex consisting of a peptide and sweet yellow clover. To support the skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid, the ZPRO Complex works hard at maintaining hydration levels. For refined skin texture and plump-looking skin, you can’t go wrong with ZO’s Wrinkle + Texture Repair.
Pros
- Helps skin renewal
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Refines skin texture
- Promotes collagen building
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Maintains and replenishes skin hydration
Cons
- Might not be ideal for sensitive skin types
10. Best For Aging Signs:ZO Skin Health Radical Night Repair
While you may work overtime during the day, the ZO Radical Night Repair does its fair share at night to give you an even skin tone and texture. With 1% high-potency retinol, your skin’s elasticity and collagen production is boosted. And to prevent future signs of aging, vitamins A, C, and E, along with edelweiss and plant stem cells, step into action to provide antioxidant protection. A complex of Sichuan pepper and rosemary leaf extracts coupled with sunflower seed oils tones down inflammation and redness to promote a younger-looking skin tone. To seal in deep hydration with lipids and prevent dry skin, glycerin and sacha inchi seed oil come to the rescue. With all of these powerful ingredients that act as a night watchguard for your skin, we’re sure you can sleep peacefully and wake up with a radiant complexion. This one works wonders when included in your regular nighttime skincare routine!
Pros
- Evens out skin tone and texture
- Promotes collagen and skin elasticity
- Prevents signs of premature aging
- Reduces inflammation and redness
- Increases hydration and reduces drying
- Provides antioxidant protection
Cons
- The retinol might cause a reaction in sensitive skin types
11. Best For Dry Skin:ZO Skin Health Recovery Crème
Your skin does a fabulous job of repairing itself over time, and ZO’s Health Recovery Crème supplements that process. It contains ceramide 2, squalene, soline, and shea butter to hydrate the skin and prevent moisture loss. To soothe, protect, and reduce redness or irritation, Canadian willowherb and evodia fruit extracts play a major role. And for the ultimate collagen health and a boost of skin elasticity, retinol or vitamin E takes center stage. If you struggle with parched, dehydrated, and dull skin, this godsend skin rejuvenation product can provide it with the nourishment it needs.
Pros
- Hydrates skin and prevents moisture loss
- Soothes and reduces redness and irritation
- Boosts skin elasticity
- Promotes collagen production
- Aids in skin repairing
- Ideal for extremely dry and dehydrated skin
- A safer retinoid-based formula for sensitized skin
Cons
- None
12. Best For Sun Protection:ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30
Skincare-infused makeup is the best bet for those that don’t want to layer too many products every day. This 2-in-1 sunscreen and primer give you the benefit of sun protection coupled with an imperfection-diminishing matte finish. The Sunscreen + Primer broad-spectrum SPF 30 contains a 12-hour time-release ZOX antioxidant complex to protect skin from photodamage with the presence of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. This formula also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smooths crepey skin for a radiant complexion. While vitamin E nourishes skin, silicones prime your skin for a silky finish to prep the base for makeup. Use it solo for a natural finish or under makeup, so your glam lasts longer.
Pros
- Broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection
- Protects skin from photodamage
- Offers a silky matte finish
- Reduces skin imperfections
- Can be used solo or under makeup
- Contains skin-nourishing antioxidants
Cons
- Some may find it to have a greasy consistency
13. Best For Dead Skin Cells:ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish
The Exfoliating Polish is one of the most sought-after Zein Obagi products due to its instant results. It uses ultra-fine magnesium oxide crystals to slough away dead skin and to help the renewal of cells. A unique antioxidant blend called ZOX12 is also present to safeguard your skin from damage due to free radicals. For a skin-brightening effect after exfoliation, you will also find a vitamin C ester infused into the formula. Using this exfoliating polish 1-2 times a week as part of your daily skincare routine gives your skin a smoother feel and improves its radiance. Watch this video to learn about the reviewer’s experience and a thorough understanding of the product.
Pros
- Clears dead skin cells
- Brightens skin tone
- Evens out skin texture
- Protects skin from free radicals
- Aids cellular renewal
- Unclogs pores
Cons
- People with sensitive skin might find it to be abrasive
Trivia
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 588 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
With so many skincare trends and products constantly emerging every year, it can be difficult to select the best ones out there. Your ideal skincare routine not only starts with what you put on your skin, along with food and sleep habits. Since the skin is the largest external organ in a human body, it tends to absorb almost 64 percent of what you put on it. That is why you have to be careful about the ingredients you utilize, as some of them could be unknowingly toxic. But, ZO skin care products are formulated using research-backed solutions that cater to different skin types and results in visible improvement. These products have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their safety and effectiveness. To assist you in making an informed decision about the best ZO skincare products for your unique needs, here’s a quick guide to help you decide and pick the best ZO skincare products.
How To Select The Best ZO Skincare Products
1. Skin Type
- Oily Skin Type: If you have oily skin, search for products that contain benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients are extremely effective in controlling excess sebum production in your skin and also offer hydration. .
- Dry Skin Type: For people with dry skin, look for products containing ingredients such as lactic acid and shea butter. They offer hydration and make your skin look radiant.
- Sensitive Skin Type: For sensitive skin, look for products that have aloe vera, shea butter, and oatmeal. Such ingredients act as moisturizers and are generally safe for this skin type.
2. Ingredients To Look For
- Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Ceramides: Act as moisturizing agents for the skin.
- L-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Acts as antioxidants to reverse any skin damage caused due to the harmful effects of UV radiation while also stimulating collagen production.
- Retinol: Retinol-based products help in the regeneration of skin cells and stimulate the production of collagen.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Ideal for controlling skin oil while also assisting in normalizing skin tone and skin hydration.
3. Ingredients To Avoid
- Sulfates: Generally found in shampoos, cleansers, face and body washes, they make your skin or hair dry, leading to irritation.
- Parabens: Utilized as a chemical preservative in skincare products to prevent bacterial growth, but can cause irritation in some.
- Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers: Officially classified as carcinogenic, formaldehyde can also be replaced with formaldehyde releasers such as diazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea or DMDM hydantoin.
Infographic: Star Ingredients In ZO Skin Care Products
ZO skin care is known for its scientifically proven formulas that deliver exceptional results. The secret to their effectiveness is the carefully selected ingredients that nourish and moisturize the skin and also target specific skin concerns. Check out the infographic below for more information.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
From exfoliating polish to toner and cleanser, ZO skincare products are widely popular and well-appreciated by many people. Reviews from satisfied users and enthusiastic reviewers re-instate the effectiveness of ZO’s skincare line. ZO as a skincare brand has products that have been backed by research and innovative methods, proven to deliver visible results. These professional-grade products clear dead skin cells while brightening your skin tone and hydrating your skin from deep within. Test the ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum to tone down fine lines and soothe irritation. Then the ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads is ideal for unclogging pores and combating oiliness, while the ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser is suitable for all skin types. These products also tend to unclog your pores and increase your skin-firming capacity and elasticity. Some of these skincare products are meant to soothe and calm irritated skin. But, for solutions for sensitive skin, it is highly advised to choose products that are exclusively made for your skin type. In that case, avoid some of ZO’s products as they are not suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Kirtana Divakar is a fashion and beauty enthusiast who works as an in-house editor and writer. Her followers appreciate her posts as they are well-researched and edited after considering a variety of elements that go into manufacturing the best products. After carefully studying and analyzing the ingredients, Kirtana has curated this list of the best Zo skin care products to help you pick one to suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ZO Skin Health products cruelty-free?
Yes, all ZO Skin Health products do not test on animals and are cruelty-free.
Are ZO Skin Health products safe for use during pregnancy?
Not all products by ZO Skin Health are safe for pregnancy and nursing as some may contain actives such as AHAs, BHAs, or retinol. Among this list, you can use the Gentle Cleanser and Hydrating Cleanser without any issues during pregnancy. Ensure to consult with your doctor about the same.
How long does it take for ZO skin to work?
It takes around 3-4 weeks for ZO skincare products to show optimal results.
How do I use the ZO daily skin care program?
• First, wash your face with the ZO Gentle Cleanser.
• Next, exfoliate your skin with the ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser. However, do this only 1-2 times a week.
• Then use the ZO Skin Health Calming Toner.
• Finally, apply the ZO Skin Health Wrinkle + Texture Repair for skin renewal.
What are the benefits of ZO skincare?
ZO skincare has the following benefits:
• Heals damaged skin
• Unclog pores
• Moisturizes the skin
• Stimulates healthy skin regeneration
• Contains anti-oxidant benefits
• Reduces the appearance of severe hyperpigmentation
• Improves skin’s elasticity
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