Updated September 2026.

Obagi Nu-Derm products are commonly identified by both a name and a numbered position. The numbering provides a general sequence, but not every Nu-Derm regimen contains every product.

Some Nu-Derm routines contain only cosmetic products. Others contain hydroquinone or tretinoin products that may be supplied in the UK as unlicensed prescription medicines following an individual prescribing decision. This page records product identity and sequence only. It does not recommend or promote those medicines.

Obagi Nu-Derm product numbering

Tretinoin is a separate prescription product and does not carry a Nu-Derm step number. It is included only where it appears in the individual prescription and written regimen.

Usual morning product sequence

Where all corresponding products appear in the supplied regimen, the general morning sequence is:

1. Gentle Cleanser or Foaming Gel
2. Nu-Derm Toner
3. Clear or Clear Fx, if included in the written regimen
4. Exfoderm or Exfoderm Forte, if included
5. Hydrate, where required
6. Sun Shield as the final morning product

This sequence does not specify the amount, treatment area or frequency of any prescription component. Those details must be taken from the prescription label and individual directions.

Usual evening product sequence

Where all corresponding products appear in the supplied regimen, the general evening sequence is:

1. Gentle Cleanser or Foaming Gel
2. Nu-Derm Toner
3. Clear or Clear Fx, if included in the written regimen
4. Blender Rx or Blend Fx, if included
5. Tretinoin, only where prescribed and according to the supplied directions
6. Hydrate, where required

In some prescribed regimens, Blender and tretinoin appear within the same evening stage. This page does not provide a mixing ratio or application frequency. Follow the written directions supplied for the individual prescription.

Clear and Clear Fx are different formulations

Clear and Clear Fx occupy a similar position in their respective systems, but their ingredient profiles and regulatory status are different. One should not be substituted for the other unless the written regimen has been updated accordingly.

Blender Rx and Blend Fx are different formulations

The similar names can cause confusion, particularly when written instructions refer simply to “Blend” or “Step 5.” Check the full product name and ingredient information on the supplied container.

Normal/Dry and Normal/Oily systems

The principal product-order differences between the Normal/Dry and Normal/Oily versions occur at the cleansing and exfoliating stages.

The name of the system does not alter the prescription directions for Clear, Blender or tretinoin. Those directions remain individual to the prescription.

Where tretinoin appears in a Nu-Derm regimen

Tretinoin is not included automatically in every Obagi Nu-Derm regimen. Where prescribed, its concentration may be shown as 0.025%, 0.05% or 0.1%, and the supplied formulation may be a cream or gel.

These concentrations and formulations are not interchangeable. Use the product named on the prescription label and do not replace one concentration or formulation with another based on the general Nu-Derm sequence.

If the written regimen refers to combining Blender and tretinoin but does not clearly state the quantities or frequency, clarify the instructions with the prescribing clinician or dispensing pharmacy before changing the routine.

Which instructions take priority?

Where different sources appear to give different directions, use the following order of priority:

1. The dispensing label attached to the prescription medicine
2. The individual written directions provided by the prescriber
3. The information supplied with the product
4. General product-number references such as this page

A general online sequence cannot account for changes made to an individual regimen.

If the supplied products do not match the written regimen

Check the complete names on the containers. In particular, look for the distinctions between:

• Clear and Clear Fx
• Blender Rx and Blend Fx
• Exfoderm and Exfoderm Forte
• Tretinoin cream and tretinoin gel
• Tretinoin 0.025%, 0.05% and 0.1%

If the product name, concentration or formulation differs from the prescription or written instructions, do not assume that the products are equivalent. Contact the prescribing service or dispensing pharmacy for clarification.

When to pause and clarify the regimen

Do not apply prescription products to sunburned, broken or severely inflamed skin unless specifically instructed to do so. Seek clinical advice if the regimen is associated with marked swelling, blistering, crusting, persistent burning or another unexpected reaction.

If pregnancy, plans for pregnancy or breastfeeding were not discussed before the prescription was issued, contact the prescribing clinician before continuing a regimen containing tretinoin or hydroquinone.

Frequently asked questions

What is the correct Obagi Nu-Derm product order?

The general sequence is cleanser, toner, the relevant Step 3 product, the relevant Step 4 or Step 5 product, hydration where required and sunscreen as the final morning step. Prescription directions determine which products are included and how often they are applied.

Does every Nu-Derm routine contain seven products?

No. The numbered system provides a general structure, but an individual regimen may omit, substitute or vary particular stages.

Are Clear and Clear Fx the same product?

No. Clear contains hydroquinone 4% and is a prescription medicine. Clear Fx is an arbutin-based cosmetic formulation.

Are Blender Rx and Blend Fx the same product?

No. Blender Rx contains hydroquinone 4%. Blend Fx is an arbutin-based cosmetic formulation. Their similar names do not make them interchangeable.

Does the Nu-Derm System always include tretinoin?

No. Tretinoin is a separate prescription medicine and appears only where it has been prescribed as part of the individual regimen.

Should Blender and tretinoin be mixed?

Some individual prescriptions direct patients to use them within the same evening stage. Follow the precise written directions supplied with the prescription. This reference does not provide a general mixing ratio.

Can Exfoderm and Exfoderm Forte be used together?

They normally occupy the same numbered position in different system versions. Do not combine or substitute them unless the written regimen specifically directs this.

What should I do if my product names do not match my instructions?

Check the full name, active ingredient, concentration and formulation. Contact the prescribing clinician or dispensing pharmacy before using a product that does not correspond with the supplied directions.

Can I change the frequency if my skin becomes irritated?

Contact the relevant clinician for advice about prescription components. Severe or persistent reactions should not be managed solely by making repeated unsupervised changes to the routine.

Which step is sunscreen?

Sunscreen is the final product in the morning sequence. It does not form part of the evening routine.

Technical product-information records

The following records identify the prescription products and system versions referenced on this page:

• Obagi Nu-Derm Clear #3 Hydroquinone product record
• Obagi Nu-Derm Blender Rx product record
• Obagi Nu-Derm Transformation System Normal/Dry product record
• Obagi Nu-Derm Transformation System Normal/Oily Rx product record
• Obagi Tretinoin 0.025% Cream product record
• Obagi Tretinoin 0.05% Cream product record
• Obagi Tretinoin Gel 0.05% product record
• Obagi Tretinoin 0.1% Cream product record

Clinical conclusion

The Nu-Derm numbering system can help an existing patient identify the general order of supplied products, but it does not create a prescription or determine how frequently prescription components should be used. The dispensing label and individual written regimen always take priority over a general product-order reference.

“A numbered skincare system can appear universal, but prescription labels and individual clinical directions take priority. If the products supplied, their concentrations or their order do not match the written plan, the patient should clarify this before changing the regimen.”

Dr Sana Sadiq, Facial Aesthetics Practitioner & Medical Director, Beyond Aesthetic Clinic

Clinically reviewed by Dr Sana Sadiq, Facial Aesthetics Practitioner & Medical Director, Beyond Aesthetic Clinic.