Obagi Nu-Derm® Foaming Gel Cleanser Review
BeautyBrief™
Brand
Obagi
Product
Nu-Derm® Foaming Gel Cleanser
Claims check
You get a foaming surfactant system for oil and makeup removal, but its added fragrance and dyes provide no cleansing advantage and may narrow skin fit.
Shopper fit
- Normal
- Combination
- Oily
Formula flags
- Fragrance
- Sulfates
- Added color
Shopper preferences
- Dermatologist-Tested
Key ingredients
| Cocamidopropyl Betaine | Supports foaming and residue removal alongside the primary surfactants. |
|---|---|
| Glycerin | Adds humectant support in the rinse-off formula. |
| Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids | Adds cleansing support with a more conditioning profile than the primary sulfate surfactant. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice | Adds supporting skin-conditioning context. |
| Fragrance | Adds scent without contributing to cleansing performance. |
Price tier
$$$ Premium
Value check
At the Premium tier, you get a conventional foaming cleanser within the Obagi range, although similar cleansing formulas are available for less.
Where to buy
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Bottom line
If your skin is oily or combination and you enjoy pronounced foam, Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel offers useful everyday cleansing. Its sulfates, fragrance and dyes make it less appealing for highly reactive skin, while the Premium value depends on routine preference rather than distinctive technology.
If you want a foaming cleanser that removes surface oil, makeup and everyday buildup, Obagi Nu-Derm® Foaming Gel Cleanser is designed for normal-to-oily and combination skin. Its surfactant system combines sodium laureth sulfate with cocamidopropyl betaine, while glycerin, aloe, and oat-derived cleansing agents add some conditioning support.[1]
The main tradeoff is the stronger cleansing base, added fragrance and colorants. If your skin already feels tight after washing, a gentler or fragrance-free cleanser may fit better.
What it claims
Obagi describes the cleanser as a gel-based face wash that cleanses pores and removes makeup, dirt, and excess oil while leaving normal-to-oily skin feeling clean and fresh.[1]
Claims vs. formula
The formula supports effective foaming cleansing. Sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauroyl oat amino acids, and cocamidopropyl betaine provide the core surfactant system, while glycerin and aloe help offset some of the stripped feel stronger washes can create.
Fragrance and added dyes do not make the cleanser inherently unsuitable, but they add little to cleansing performance and narrow the fit for shoppers who already know they react to scented or highly colored formulas.
Ingredients that matter
What drives this cleanser’s performance is the blend of sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauroyl oat amino acids and cocamidopropyl betaine. Together, they provide foaming and oil removal. Glycerin and aloe add conditioning and water-binding support, but a rinse-off wash cannot provide the same lasting moisture as a leave-on cream.
Fragrance and Red 33 and Yellow 5 add scent and color, not cleansing benefit. If you prefer fragrance-free products or know you react to dyes or scented cleansers, those are practical reasons to consider a different wash.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is an established cleansing surfactant and foam booster. Irritation and contact allergy depend on the formula and may involve manufacturing impurities such as amidoamine or DMAPA.
Read the IngredientBrief
Glycerin
If your skin feels dry or tight, glycerin helps your skin hold moisture. You don't need a high percentage or a separate serum when your moisturizer already works well.
Read the IngredientBrief
Fragrance
Fragrance is a scent blend added mainly for sensory appeal. Many shoppers tolerate it well, while specific fragrance materials can trigger irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible people.
Read the IngredientBriefWhat to expect in the short term
You can expect a foaming gel with a thorough rinsing feel, designed for normal-to-oily skin. Obagi directs you to apply it to a damp face and neck and rinse completely; the brand describes it for morning and evening use.[1] If your skin feels stripped afterward, that matters more than the presence of aloe or glycerin.
What to expect over time
As your routine continues, judge this cleanser by whether it consistently removes buildup without leaving your skin tight. It is a cleansing step, not a treatment that reduces acne lesions or pigmentation over weeks. If your skin becomes dry or uncomfortable, you may prefer a lower-foam wash or less frequent cleansing.
Who it fits
If your skin is oily, combination or normal and you prefer a pronounced foam, this cleanser fits the brand’s stated purpose. If your skin is dry or easily irritated by fragrance, you may get more comfort from a gentler fragrance-free cleanser.
Obagi identifies the exact product as dermatologist-tested, which is a useful documented shopping attribute but does not guarantee your skin will tolerate it.[1]
Compare before you buy
The Premium tier is difficult to justify on formula differentiation alone because effective foaming cleansers using similar surfactant systems are widely available for less. The main reason to pay more is established Obagi regimen compatibility rather than a unique cleansing technology.
Final Assessment
If you want a thorough foaming wash, Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel Cleanser gives you a functional surfactant system for oil and makeup removal. Its fragrance, dyes and sulfate-based cleansing base narrow its fit for dry or highly reactive skin. At the Premium tier, the value depends on how much you prefer the familiar Obagi cleansing experience, not an unusual treatment benefit.
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Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
Obagi Medical. Foaming Gel Cleanser. Current official U.S. product page. Accessed October 15, 2026.
