OBAGI - NU-Derm Transformation System Normal/Oily Rx

Obagi Nu-Derm® Rx Transformation System for Normal to Oily Skin is a seven-product morning and evening skincare system containing Obagi Nu-Derm Clear and Blender, both formulated with hydroquinone USP 4%. The system combines prescription pigmentation treatment with cleansing, toning, alpha hydroxy acid exfoliation, moisturisation and broad-spectrum sun protection.

This version contains Foaming Gel and Exfoderm Forte and is formulated for combination and normal-to-oily skin. It is distinct from the Normal-to-Dry system, which contains Gentle Cleanser and Exfoderm.

Product information

• Product: Obagi Nu-Derm Rx Transformation System
• System type: Seven-product morning and evening routine
• Skin types: Combination and normal to oily
• Prescription products: Nu-Derm Clear and Nu-Derm Blender
• Active medicinal ingredient: Hydroquinone USP 4% in both Clear and Blender
• Exfoliating product: Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte with glycolic and lactic acids
• Sun protection: Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Indication

The hydroquinone products within the system are indicated for the gradual lightening of melanin-related hyperpigmentation. The prescribing information identifies conditions including chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigines—commonly described as age spots—and other unwanted areas of melanin hyperpigmentation.

The supporting products provide cleansing, toning, surface exfoliation, moisturisation and ultraviolet protection. Obagi identifies the Normal-to-Oily system for skin discoloration and visible features associated with sun-damaged or ageing skin, including dark spots, roughness and sallowness.

“Normal to oily” identifies the intended skin type. It does not mean that this system is itself an acne medicine or that every person with oily skin will require the prescription products it contains.

What is included in the Normal-to-Oily system?

1. Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel – 198ml

   A gel-based cleanser for combination and normal-to-oily skin. It removes makeup, surface dirt and excess oil and is the cleanser supplied in place of the Gentle Cleanser found in the Normal-to-Dry system.

2. Obagi Nu-Derm Toner – 198ml

   An alcohol-free toner used after cleansing. It removes remaining surface impurities and prepares the skin for the subsequent Nu-Derm products.

3. Obagi Nu-Derm Clear – 57g

   A prescription cream containing hydroquinone USP 4%. Clear is the Step 3 product within the Nu-Derm routine and is labelled for morning and evening use unless prescribed otherwise.

4. Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte – 57g

   A lightweight morning exfoliating lotion containing glycolic and lactic acids. It is formulated for combination and normal-to-oily skin and differs from the phytic-acid Exfoderm supplied with the Normal-to-Dry system.

5. Obagi Nu-Derm Blender – 57g

   A prescription evening blending cream containing hydroquinone USP 4%. Blender is a separate formulation from Clear and occupies a different position within the Nu-Derm routine.

6. Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturizer – 48g

   A facial moisturiser used in the morning, evening or as needed to provide hydration within the prescribed routine.

7. Obagi Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50 – 85g

   A broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen with a matte finish. Daily sun protection is particularly important when using hydroquinone and alpha hydroxy acid products.

Hydroquinone 4%

Obagi Nu-Derm Clear and Obagi Nu-Derm Blender each contain hydroquinone USP 4%, equivalent to 40mg of hydroquinone per gram of product. Hydroquinone is the active medicinal ingredient in these two creams.

The prescribing information describes topical hydroquinone as producing reversible depigmentation by inhibiting the enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to DOPA and suppressing other metabolic processes within melanocytes. These actions reduce melanin formation within the treated area.

The inclusion of two hydroquinone products does not create an 8% hydroquinone formulation. Clear and Blender are separate 4% products used at different stages of the prescribed routine.

Clear and Blender: what is the difference?

Nu-Derm Clear is the Step 3 hydroquinone cream and is labelled for morning and evening use. Nu-Derm Blender is the Step 5 hydroquinone cream associated with the evening routine.

Although both contain hydroquinone 4%, they have different formulation bases and different positions within the Nu-Derm System. They are not duplicate or interchangeable products.

Exfoderm Forte

Exfoderm Forte is the exfoliating product specific to the Normal-to-Oily system. Its principal exfoliating ingredients are glycolic acid and lactic acid, both alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs.

It is used during the morning routine to exfoliate accumulated surface cells and support a smoother-looking skin surface. Because AHAs can increase sensitivity to sunlight and the possibility of sunburn, appropriate daytime sunscreen use is important.

Normal-to-Oily versus Normal-to-Dry

The principal distinction between the two Obagi Nu-Derm Rx systems is the cleanser and exfoliating lotion:

• Normal-to-Oily: Foaming Gel and Exfoderm Forte
• Normal-to-Dry: Gentle Cleanser and Exfoderm

Foaming Gel is designed to remove excess surface oil as well as makeup and everyday impurities. Exfoderm Forte contains glycolic and lactic acids. The Normal-to-Dry system instead uses a milder cleanser and a phytic-acid exfoliating lotion.

The other principal products—Toner, Clear, Blender, Hydrate and Sun Shield Matte SPF 50—are common to both systems.

How the Nu-Derm routine is structured

The exact quantities and application frequency should follow the individual instructions supplied after consultation. A typical product sequence is structured as follows:

Morning routine

1. Foaming Gel
2. Nu-Derm Toner
3. Nu-Derm Clear
4. Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte
5. Obagi Hydrate, when directed or required
6. Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Evening routine

1. Foaming Gel
2. Nu-Derm Toner
3. Nu-Derm Clear
4. Nu-Derm Blender
5. Obagi Hydrate, when directed or required

This sequence explains the position of each product but does not replace the individual routine provided by the prescriber. Application frequency may be adjusted according to the condition being treated and the skin’s response.

Does the system include tretinoin?

No. Tretinoin is not one of the seven products supplied in this Obagi Nu-Derm Rx Transformation System.

Some individually prescribed Nu-Derm programmes may incorporate a separate tretinoin product. Tretinoin should not be added, combined with Blender or positioned within the routine unless it has been prescribed with specific instructions.

Clinical information

The prescription component of the system is based on the depigmenting action of topical hydroquinone. Clear and Blender contain the same 4% concentration but use different formulation bases and occupy different steps in the Nu-Derm routine.

The supporting products perform separate functions. Foaming Gel removes surface oil and impurities, Exfoderm Forte provides alpha hydroxy acid exfoliation, Hydrate provides moisturisation and Sun Shield SPF 50 provides broad-spectrum ultraviolet protection.

No isolated study percentage or guaranteed outcome is presented here. Response depends on the type and depth of pigmentation, ultraviolet exposure, individual skin characteristics and adherence to the prescribed programme.

Response and treatment duration

There is no single response time that applies to every type of hyperpigmentation. The prescribing information for Clear and Blender states that use should be discontinued if no improvement is seen after 8–12 weeks. Treatment should then be reviewed rather than continued indefinitely without reassessment.

The overall routine may be adjusted according to response, redness, dryness or sensitivity, particularly because it combines hydroquinone with an AHA exfoliating lotion.

Sun protection

Sunlight and ultraviolet exposure can sustain melanocytic activity and contribute to repigmentation. The hydroquinone prescribing information therefore describes sunscreen use as an essential part of treatment.

Exfoderm Forte can also increase susceptibility to sunburn because it contains alpha hydroxy acids. Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50 should be applied as directed and reapplied during the day, particularly following swimming, sweating or prolonged exposure.

Sensitivity and precautions

Clear and Blender can produce temporary redness or mild burning. The prescribing information recommends testing hydroquinone on a small area of unbroken skin before wider application. Stop using the affected product and seek advice if itching, blistering, marked inflammation or another suspected hypersensitivity reaction develops.

Clear and Blender contain sodium metabisulfite. This can cause allergic-type reactions in susceptible individuals, with sulfite sensitivity occurring more frequently in people with asthma.

Exfoderm Forte may cause dryness, stinging or surface flaking, particularly when first introduced. “Purging” is not listed as an expected effect of hydroquinone or the Nu-Derm system.

Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, mouth and lips. The safety of topical hydroquinone during pregnancy and in children aged 12 or younger has not been established.

Storage

Store the products according to their individual packaging instructions. The prescribing information for Clear and Blender specifies controlled room-temperature storage between 15°C and 25°C. Keep the products out of direct sunlight.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Obagi Nu-Derm Rx Transformation System?

It is a seven-product morning and evening skincare system combining two prescription hydroquinone 4% creams with cleanser, toner, AHA exfoliating lotion, moisturiser and SPF 50 sun protection.

What products are included?

The Normal-to-Oily system contains Foaming Gel, Nu-Derm Toner, Nu-Derm Clear, Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte, Nu-Derm Blender, Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturizer and Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50.

Is this the Normal-to-Oily or Normal-to-Dry system?

This is the Normal-to-Oily system. It contains Foaming Gel and Exfoderm Forte. The Normal-to-Dry system instead contains Gentle Cleanser and Exfoderm.

Is the Normal-to-Oily system an acne treatment?

No. “Normal to oily” describes the skin type for which its cleanser and exfoliating lotion are formulated. The prescription indication relates to melanin hyperpigmentation, not acne treatment.

Does the system contain hydroquinone?

Yes. Nu-Derm Clear and Nu-Derm Blender each contain hydroquinone USP 4%.

Does using Clear and Blender mean the concentration is 8%?

No. Clear and Blender are two separate products, each formulated with hydroquinone 4%. Their concentrations should not be added together and described as an 8% formulation.

What is the difference between Clear and Blender?

Clear is the Step 3 hydroquinone cream used within the morning and evening routine. Blender is the Step 5 hydroquinone cream associated with the evening routine. They contain the same active concentration but have different formulation bases and positions within the system.

What is Exfoderm Forte?

Exfoderm Forte is the morning exfoliating lotion supplied with the Normal-to-Oily system. It contains glycolic and lactic acids and is different from the phytic-acid Exfoderm supplied with the Normal-to-Dry system.

Does the system include tretinoin?

No. Tretinoin is not included. If tretinoin forms part of an individual Nu-Derm programme, it must be prescribed separately with its own application instructions.

Can the system cause purging?

Purging is not identified as a standard effect of the Nu-Derm system. Dryness, redness, stinging, mild burning or surface flaking may occur, particularly when hydroquinone and Exfoderm Forte are introduced.

How long is the system used for?

Duration is determined individually. The hydroquinone prescribing information states that Clear and Blender should be discontinued if no improvement is seen after 8–12 weeks and the treatment should then be reviewed.

Is daily SPF necessary?

Yes. Ultraviolet exposure can contribute to repigmentation, and Exfoderm Forte may increase susceptibility to sunburn. Daily broad-spectrum sun protection is therefore an important part of the routine.

What is the difference between Nu-Derm Rx and Nu-Derm Fx?

Nu-Derm Rx includes prescription products containing hydroquinone 4%. Nu-Derm Fx is a separate, hydroquinone-free system that uses arbutin-based cosmetic formulations. The systems should not be treated as equivalent products.

Further ingredient information

Hydroquinone: UK status, formulations and product information