Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte Review

Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte
4.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte Ingredients

Hover to see details. On mobile? Tap for ingredient stories!

Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Glycolic Acid, Emulsifying Wax, Triethanolamine, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Emu Oil, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Saponins
Review

Does Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.0 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Suitable for Combination and Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.6 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 5.5 out of 10, due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%) and Lactic Acid (est. ≈2.5%).

This type of moisturizer is suitable for people with oily and combination skin who want essential hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a substantial amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to enhance moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

💧 A Humectant Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Glycolic Acid

This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Its action works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with glycolic acid, regardless of concentration, may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To counteract this increased sun sensitivity, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin during glycolic acid treatment.

📌 Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the product, either on their website or product label.

Pros & Cons of Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for combination and oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid
   

Summary: Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte
, when used alone, delivers  lightweight, moderate humectant moisturizing, suitable for combination and oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a subtle humectant enhancement, beneficial for all skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte worth noting.
 
This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. However, glycolic acid - regardless of concentration - can increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during glycolic acid treatment.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Emulsifying Wax
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Emu Oil
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Propylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Saponins
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.5
3
2.5
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.1
2.0
1.5
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.5 10
5.5
3
2.5
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.1 20
2.6
2.0
1.5
1.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
2.5
All humectants 5.5 10
5.5
All humectants
5.5
3
2.5
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
All occlusives 5.1 20
2.6
All occlusives
5.1
2.0
1.5
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
None
All antioxidants 0 3 No
All antioxidants
0
None
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Emulsifying Wax
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Emulsifying Wax
Triethanolamine
Est. %4
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Lactic Acid
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Emu Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Emu Oil
Stearic Acid
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Methylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Propylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Saponins
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SaponinsPlant-based compounds with soap-like properties. They are either foaming and cleansing, or have unique activities (healing, soothing, or regenerative). You should check this ingredient out in more detail.