OBAGI - NU-GEN™ Cellular Renewal Serum

Obagi Nu-Gen™ Cellular Renewal Serum 30ml is an NAD+ facial serum for visible skin renewal. Its AGE CTRL™ Complex combines NAD+, NMN and niacinamide, bringing skin longevity science into a daily treatment for a smoother, more radiant and firmer-looking complexion.

Clinical results for younger-looking skin

In Obagi's 12-week ageing study, 97% of participants saw improvement in fine-line appearance, 97% reported more even-looking tone, 97% showed improved radiance and 90% noticed greater resilience and elasticity.*

Obagi also reports an improvement in apparent skin age of up to six years.*

*Manufacturer-reported results from a 2025, 12-week clinical study; data on file at Obagi. Percentages refer to participants, not the magnitude of improvement. The age claim concerns visible appearance. Individual results vary.

Benefits across several skin concerns

• Fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness.
• Dullness, uneven tone and discolouration.
• Uneven texture and visible redness.
• Hydration, barrier support and blemish-prone skin.

Understanding the NAD+ ingredient complex

NAD+: the coenzyme

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is involved in cellular energy metabolism. Its biological role explains the interest in NAD+ skincare: the focus extends beyond a single surface concern to the cellular processes associated with skin function.

NMN: a precursor

Nicotinamide mononucleotide is a molecule used in the production of NAD+. A precursor and the coenzyme itself play different roles, which is why their names can appear together in the same formulation.

Niacinamide: vitamin B3

Niacinamide is another NAD+ precursor with an established topical skincare research background. Studies of niacinamide have examined skin-barrier lipids, moisture loss and the appearance of ageing facial skin. These ingredient studies help explain its place in a formula; Nu-Gen's own clinical findings are summarised above.

Explore the relationships in more detail in our NAD+ skincare information hub.

Hydration within the formula

The ingredient list also includes glycerin, propanediol and sodium hyaluronate. These are humectants: ingredients used to help attract and retain water. Coco-caprylate/caprate and triheptanoin are emollients, contributing to the conditioning base.

This gives the formula more than an ingredient headline. The moisture-supporting base is part of the product you apply, alongside the NAD+ complex. The full list is available below for anyone checking ingredients before choosing a serum.

Who is it for?

Obagi lists normal-to-dry, normal-to-oily and combination skin. Choose it around your main concerns: for example, when uneven tone and dullness accompany visible lines, rather than looking at each concern in isolation.

How to use Obagi Nu-Gen

Apply 2–3 pumps after cleansing to a dry face, morning and evening.

For a simple routine, follow with moisturiser as needed. Finish morning skincare with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. If you already use several treatment products, follow their specific directions when deciding the order; the skincare layering guide provides a broader explanation.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nu-Gen a retinol serum?

No. Retinol is not listed in its published ingredients. NAD+ and vitamin A are different ingredient approaches, so choose their roles in your routine according to the concerns you are addressing.

Do I need another niacinamide serum?

Niacinamide is already included. A separate serum should have a clear purpose in your routine; adding another bottle simply to repeat an ingredient is not automatically useful.

How long should I use it before assessing results?

The clinical results above were assessed over 12 weeks. Use that study period as context when considering the evidence, rather than treating it as a guaranteed personal deadline.

Where can I read more about the formula?

Our Obagi Nu-Gen benefits and results guide explains the formulation and its place in a skincare routine. For help choosing your routine, use our free consultation form.