Obagi Nu-Derm® Foaming Gel Cleanser Review
BeautyBrief™
Brand
Obagi
Product
Nu-Derm® Foaming Gel Cleanser
Claims check
The surfactant blend supports thorough oil, dirt, and makeup removal for normal-to-oily skin, while fragrance and added color narrow the fit for shoppers with reactive skin.
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
The Premium tier is difficult to justify on formula differentiation alone because comparable foaming surfactant systems are widely available for less.
Where to buy
We may earn a commission through these links at no additional cost to you. This does not affect our BeautyBrief.
Bottom line
This is a functional foaming cleanser for combination and oily skin that wants efficient oil and makeup removal. Its surfactant system is straightforward, while fragrance and added color narrow the fit for reactive skin; the Premium value rests more on Obagi regimen preference than unique cleansing technology.
Obagi Nu-Derm® Foaming Gel Cleanser is a foaming wash for normal-to-oily and combination skin that prioritizes oil, makeup, and daily residue removal. 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 that the same stronger-cleansing profile also brings fragrance and added color, so it is better aligned with oilier routines than with very dry or highly reactive skin.
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
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 leaf juice: Adds supporting skin-conditioning context.
Fragrance: Adds scent without contributing to cleansing performance.
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
Expect a pronounced lather and a cleaner, less emollient after-feel than a cream cleanser. It is designed to remove surface oil and everyday makeup efficiently.
What to expect over time
The product’s value over time is mainly consistency: it is a straightforward foaming cleanser rather than a treatment step. Skin that begins to feel tight or dry with twice-daily use is better served by reducing frequency or switching to a gentler wash.
Who it fits
Combination and oily skin are the clearest fits, with normal skin also reasonable when a more thorough foaming cleanse is preferred. Dry and highly sensitive skin have less reason to choose this formula.
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
Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel Cleanser is a functional foaming cleanser for combination and oily skin that wants efficient oil and makeup removal. Its surfactant system is straightforward, while fragrance and added color narrow the fit for reactive skin. At the Premium tier, the formula is more conventional than distinctive.
Where to buy
Choose a retailer to view current pricing and availability.
We may earn a commission through these links at no additional cost to you. This does not affect our BeautyBrief.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
Obagi Medical. Foaming Gel Cleanser. Current official U.S. product page. Accessed October 6, 2026.
Used to verify current product identity, positioning, directions, status, brand-direct Price Tier context, review count, and complete ordered U.S. ingredient list.
