Obagi Toner and Cleanser

Using Obagi Nu-Derm Cleanser and Toner together offers a synergistic, two-step foundation that preps your skin for the rest of your skincare routine and helps maximize overall benefits. Here’s a breakdown of what each does—and what you gain when you use them as a duo:

Obagi Nu-Derm Cleanser: What It Does

  • Gently cleanses without stripping moisture: The Gentle Cleanser removes makeup, oil, dirt, and impurities while being mild—especially good for normal to dry or sensitive skin types.

  • Hydrating ingredients: Contains oat amino acids and aloe to bind water and soothe the skin.

Obagi Nu-Derm Toner: What It Adds

  • Alcohol-free and non-drying: It balances and maintains your skin’s natural pH after cleansing without stripping your skin.

  • Removes lingering impurities and dead skin: Helps eliminate residue that clearing alone might miss.

  • Soothers and astringents: Formulated with witch hazel (for excess oil control), aloe (soothing and antioxidant), sage, borage, and calendula (for calming and refreshment).

  • Preps skin for better absorption of treatments: Helps subsequent products—like serums or moisturizers—penetrate and perform more effectively

Combined Benefits of Cleanser + Toner

Using them together creates a powerful and harmonious base for your routine:

  • Comprehensive cleansing: The cleanser handles the bulk of grime and makeup, and the toner refreshes by removing deeper residue and balancing skin.

  • Optimized pH and absorption: Skin is left in a balanced state that allows active treatments to be more effective.

  • Hydrated, soothed, and smooth base: Key ingredients like aloe, oat amino acids, witch hazel, and botanicals provide hydration, calming benefits, oil control, and pore tightening.

  • Enhanced texture and radiance: Together, they leave your complexion smoother, more radiant, and better able to absorb further corrective treatments.

  • Ideal pre-treatment prep: Particularly helpful if you’re following the full Obagi Nu-Derm regimen, which includes products targeting pigmentation, exfoliation, hydration, and sun protection.

Recommendation

Use the Cleanser (#1)  first—morning and evening—to gently wash away impurities. Follow immediately with the Toner (#2) , applying with a cotton pad and allowing it to dry naturally (don’t rinse). This routine sets the stage for more advanced treatments like serums, exfoliants, or the rest of your Nu-Derm system.