Medical CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Moisturizer
Medical CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Moisturizer
Product Description
Product overview
A medical-grade, glycerin-rich therapeutic moisturizer with 20% Glycerin and 1% Dimethicone designed to soothe, calm, and protect acne-treated skin. Part of the Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. system, this non-comedogenic formula replenishes essential moisture without clogging pores or worsening breakouts.
Intensive Hydration
20% Glycerin draws moisture into the outer skin layers, providing long-lasting hydration for skin compromised by acne treatments.
Texture & feel
SENSORYIntensive Hydration
20% Glycerin draws moisture into the outer skin layers, providing long-lasting hydration for skin compromised by acne treatments.
Protective Barrier
1% Dimethicone creates a breathable silicone barrier that locks in moisture and shields skin from environmental irritants.
Soothing Relief
Allantoin calms irritation and inflammation caused by acne treatments, weather exposure, and pollutants.
CLENZIderm System Compatible
Designed to work alongside the CLENZIderm M.D. acne system with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to counteract dryness.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. However, this formula contains multiple parabens (butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben) which some prefer to avoid during pregnancy. Consult your OB/GYN before use.
Contains corn starch modified (a carbohydrate that may feed Malassezia yeast) and Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone (an ester-based silicone). May not be ideal for fungal acne sufferers. Glycerin and dimethicone alone are fungal-acne safe.
Rated 1/5 comedogenic. Glycerin (0) and dimethicone (1) have very low pore-clogging potential. Clinically formulated for acne-prone skin.
Specifically designed to be used alongside acne treatments including benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids. Helps counteract dryness and irritation from these actives.
No added fragrances or essential oils. Minimal risk of fragrance-related irritation or sensitization.
This product cannot be shipped to California or Maryland due to state regulations regarding certain preservative ingredients.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycerin 20%Proven
A powerful humectant that attracts water into the upper skin layers, providing immediate and sustained hydration. At 20%, this is a high therapeutic concentration classified as an OTC skin protectant.
- Function: Humectant, skin protectant, moisture barrier support
- Research: Effective from 3% upward; 20–40% concentrations are optimal for severely dry skin
- Comedogenic Rating: 0 — will not clog pores
Dimethicone 1%Proven
A silicone-based emollient that forms a breathable protective layer on the skin's surface, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and sealing in the hydration provided by glycerin.
- Function: Occlusive barrier, skin protectant, emollient
- Research: Widely used OTC skin protectant; proven to reduce moisture loss without clogging pores
- Comedogenic Rating: 1 — very low pore-clogging potential
AllantoinProven
A well-established soothing agent derived naturally from comfrey plant roots. Calms irritation, promotes cell renewal, and helps relieve the discomfort caused by acne treatments and environmental stressors.
- Function: Anti-irritant, skin conditioner, cell proliferant
- Research: Used for decades in wound healing and skin soothing formulations
CyclopentasiloxaneSupporting
A lightweight volatile silicone that gives the product a smooth, silky application feel. Evaporates after application, leaving behind a non-greasy finish and helping other ingredients spread evenly.
- Function: Emollient, solvent, texture enhancer
- Safety: Well-tolerated by most skin types; non-comedogenic
Corn Starch ModifiedSupporting
A naturally derived ingredient that helps absorb excess oil and provides a soft, powdery finish to the skin. Helps reduce the glossy sheen from the high glycerin content.
- Function: Oil absorbing, texture modifier, mattifying agent
17 ingredients
Active Ingredient: Glycerin 20%
Inactive Ingredients: Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Allantoin, Butylparaben, Cetyl Dimethicone, Corn Starch Modified, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Triethanolamine, Water (Aqua)
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after your acne treatment products have fully absorbed. Use morning and night. Pairs perfectly with the CLENZIderm M.D. Foaming Cleanser and Pore Therapy in a complete acne care routine.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Skin
Wash face with your preferred cleanser (CLENZIderm M.D. Foaming Cleanser recommended). Pat dry gently with a clean towel.
Apply Treatments First
Apply toner, serums, or acne treatments (such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids) and allow them to absorb fully before moisturizing.
Dispense 1–2 Pumps
Press the pump once or twice to dispense a pea-to-dime sized amount onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way.
Apply Evenly to Face
Gently spread the moisturizer across your entire face using upward strokes. Can also be applied to lips and the delicate eye area. Follow with sunscreen in the morning.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- Your skin is dry and irritated from acne treatments (BPO, retinoids, salicylic acid)
- You need a non-comedogenic moisturizer that won't cause breakouts
- You use the Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. system
- You have dry, chapped, or cracked skin from weather or treatments
- You want a fragrance-free, medical-grade moisturizer
- You prefer a minimalist ingredient list
Consider alternatives if:
- You strictly avoid parabens in your skincare routine
- You have confirmed fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You need a mattifying moisturizer for daytime under makeup
- You want anti-aging actives like peptides, niacinamide, or retinol in your moisturizer
- You are on a tight budget (this is $50 for 1.7 oz)
- You live in California or Maryland (shipping restricted)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThe 20% glycerin can leave a dewy/glossy sheen that oily skin types may find too shiny for daytime wear. Better suited as an evening moisturizer for oily skin.
Ideal match. High glycerin concentration deeply hydrates while dimethicone seals in moisture to combat dryness from acne treatments.
Works well on dry areas. May feel slightly heavy on the T-zone during the day. Best used at night for combination types.
Fragrance-free, minimal ingredient list, and soothing allantoin make this gentle enough for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. Non-comedogenic and designed to work alongside acne treatments without triggering breakouts.
Results timeline
8+ WEEKSInstant Hydration & Comfort
Skin feels softer, calmer, and less tight upon first application. The glycerin provides an immediate moisture boost and dewy appearance.
95% noticed immediate reliefReduced Dryness & Flaking
Consistent use visibly reduces the flaking, cracking, and peeling caused by acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids.
80% noticed improvementImproved Skin Barrier & Texture
Skin barrier strengthens with continued use. Skin feels more resilient, less reactive, and better able to tolerate acne treatments without excessive irritation.
70% noticed smoother textureBalanced, Healthier Complexion
Long-term users report balanced hydration, fewer irritation flare-ups, and a softer, more radiant complexion while maintaining their acne treatment regimen.
65% reported lasting improvementRatings by platform
349+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Exceptional hydration without causing breakouts on acne-prone skin
- Perfect companion to benzoyl peroxide and retinoid treatments
- Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive, irritated skin
- Minimalist ingredient list with no unnecessary additives
- Can be used on lips and around the delicate eye area
- A little product goes a long way
- Leaves skin plump, glowing, and deeply hydrated
Criticized
- High price for a small 1.7 oz bottle ($50)
- Can leave a shiny/glossy finish unsuitable under makeup
- Contains multiple parabens (5 different parabens)
- Runs out quickly with twice-daily use (about 3 weeks)
- Not available for shipping to California or Maryland
- No anti-aging or brightening actives in the formula
- Intermittent stock availability issues
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESContains ceramides and hyaluronic acid for barrier repair, plus glycerin for hydration. Much larger size (16 oz vs 1.7 oz). Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. Richer texture but lacks the specific acne-treatment-support formulation.
Glycerin and hyaluronic acid based gel-cream with a lighter texture. Oil-free and non-comedogenic. Better for daytime use under makeup. Lacks the dimethicone barrier and allantoin soothing properties.
Contains glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide for hydration and barrier repair. Prebiotic thermal water soothes sensitive skin. More complex formula with anti-aging benefits but not specifically designed for acne-treatment support.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store at controlled room temperature 59°–77°F (15°–25°C). Keep away from heat and direct sunlight.
Airless pump bottle — hygienic dispensing prevents contamination and oxidation of the formula.
Yes — 1.7 fl oz (50 ml) is under the 3.4 oz / 100 ml TSA carry-on limit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. The formula does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone — the most commonly restricted pregnancy ingredients. However, it does contain five parabens (butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben), which some healthcare providers recommend avoiding during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential endocrine-disrupting concerns. Consult your OB/GYN or dermatologist before use during pregnancy.
Use with caution. While the primary ingredients (glycerin and dimethicone) are fungal acne safe, the formula contains corn starch modified — a carbohydrate that may potentially feed Malassezia yeast — and Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, an ester-based silicone. If you have confirmed fungal acne, consider alternatives with a fully Malassezia-safe ingredient list.
Yes. This moisturizer was specifically designed to be used alongside potent acne treatments including benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid (BHA), and retinoids. It helps soothe and counteract the drying effects of these actives. Apply your treatment products first, let them absorb, then layer this moisturizer on top. It can also be used with vitamin C serums and AHA exfoliants.
This moisturizer is best suited for dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin — especially skin that has become dehydrated, irritated, or flaky from acne treatments. It works well for all skin types but may feel too dewy or glossy for very oily skin during the daytime. Oily skin types may prefer using it only at night.
Most users notice immediate hydration and comfort relief upon first application. Significant reduction in dryness, flaking, and irritation from acne treatments is typically visible within 1–2 weeks of consistent use. Improved skin barrier function and overall texture usually appear within 4–6 weeks of daily use.
Apply after cleansing, toning, and any treatment products (serums, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide). This should be your last step before sunscreen in the morning. At night, it should be your final step. In the CLENZIderm M.D. system, it goes after the Daily Care Foaming Cleanser, Pore Therapy toner, and Therapeutic Lotion (BPO treatment).
No, this product is non-comedogenic with a comedogenic rating of 1/5. Glycerin has a comedogenic rating of 0, and dimethicone has a rating of 1. The formula was specifically designed for acne-prone skin and has been tested to ensure it does not clog pores or worsen breakouts.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. However, with twice-daily use of 2–3 pumps per application, the 1.7 oz bottle typically lasts about 3–4 weeks. Store at room temperature (59°–77°F / 15°–25°C) away from heat and direct sunlight. The airless pump packaging helps maintain product integrity.
Verdict: Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Therapeutic Moisturizer is a highly effective, medical-grade moisturizer specifically engineered for acne-treated skin. The 20% glycerin concentration delivers outstanding hydration, while dimethicone and allantoin provide barrier protection and soothing relief. It excels at its primary purpose — keeping acne-prone skin comfortable and hydrated during aggressive treatment regimens. However, the premium price ($29.41/oz), paraben-heavy formula, and glossy finish are notable drawbacks. If you are already using the CLENZIderm system and need reliable, non-comedogenic hydration, this is a top-tier choice. For those on a budget or who avoid parabens, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or La Roche-Posay Toleriane offer compelling alternatives at a fraction of the cost.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Viscosity Controlling, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 0 |
Butylparaben
Masking, Preservative
|
|
|
| 0 |
Ethylparaben
Preservative
|
|







