Nu-Derm Toner
Nu-Derm Toner
Product Description
A dermatologist-developed, alcohol-free toner that balances your skin's natural pH while gently removing impurities. Formulated with witch hazel and aloe vera, this professional-grade toner prepares your skin for optimal absorption of treatment products without over-drying.
β¨ Texture & Feel
pH Balancing
Restores and maintains your skin's optimal pH level after cleansing, creating the ideal environment for treatment products.
Deep Pore Cleansing
Witch hazel gently removes residual impurities, excess oil, and traces of makeup that cleansers may leave behind.
Soothing Formula
Aloe vera, calendula, and borage extracts calm and soothe skin while reducing inflammation and redness.
Professional Results
Part of the Nu-Derm System trusted by dermatologists and plastic surgeons worldwide for over 35 years.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, hydroquinone, or salicylic acid. Contains gentle botanical ingredients safe for use during pregnancy.
Contains Polysorbate 80 which may feed malassezia yeast. Those with fungal acne should choose alternatives.
Lightweight water-based formula unlikely to clog pores. Suitable for acne-prone skin types.
Light herbal scent from added fragrance. Those with fragrance sensitivities should patch test first.
A formaldehyde-releasing preservative approved for cosmetic use. May not be suitable for very sensitive individuals.
No drying alcohols like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. Won't strip or irritate skin barrier.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
πΏ Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) Water Star Ingredient
A natural astringent that helps remove excess oil, tighten pores, and soothe inflammation without alcohol-induced drying.
- Function: Natural astringent with anti-inflammatory properties
- Benefits: Tightens pores, controls oil, reduces redness
- Research: Contains tannins with antioxidant and antibacterial effects
πͺ΄ Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Soothing
A powerful water-binding agent with well-documented soothing and antioxidant properties that calms irritated skin.
- Function: Humectant and anti-inflammatory agent
- Benefits: Hydrates, soothes, reduces inflammation
- Research: Contains polysaccharides that promote wound healing
π§ Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) Hydrating
A humectant that penetrates deeper skin layers, attracting and holding moisture while supporting skin barrier function.
- Function: Humectant and skin conditioner
- Benefits: Deep hydration, barrier repair, wound healing
- Research: Promotes fibroblast proliferation and collagen production
πΈ Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract Healing
A botanical extract known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly beneficial for sun-damaged skin.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory and healing agent
- Benefits: Soothes irritation, promotes healing, anti-aging
π± Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract Purifying
An herbal extract with astringent and antimicrobial properties that helps purify and tone the skin.
- Function: Astringent and antimicrobial
- Benefits: Tones skin, reduces excess oil, antibacterial
π Borago Officinalis (Borage) Extract Calming
Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), this extract calms skin and supports the skin barrier with essential fatty acids.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory and barrier support
- Benefits: Calms irritation, supports skin barrier
17 ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Potassium Alum, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, DMDM Hydantoin, Polysorbate 80, Allantoin, Glycerin, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Saponins, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance (Parfum), Blue 1 (CI 42090)
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use twice daily after cleansing. Apply before serums and treatments to optimize absorption. Works synergistically with the full Obagi Nu-Derm System.
π How to Use
Shake Well
Gently shake the bottle before each use to ensure the ingredients are properly mixed.
Saturate Cotton Pad
Pour a generous amount of toner onto a cotton pad until it's well-saturated but not dripping.
Gently Sweep Across Face
Starting from the center of your face, gently wipe outward across your entire face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
Do Not Rinse
Allow the toner to air dry naturally. Do not rinse off. Proceed immediately with your next skincare step.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You want a professional-grade toner used by dermatologists
- Your skin needs pH balancing after cleansing
- You have oily or combination skin with enlarged pores
- You're using the Obagi Nu-Derm System
- You need an alcohol-free toner that won't over-dry
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe options
- You want to prep skin for better serum absorption
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're extremely sensitive to fragrance
- You prefer fragrance-free formulas
- You're on a tight budget (more affordable options exist)
- You want exfoliating actives like AHA/BHA in your toner
- You're sensitive to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Witch hazel effectively controls excess oil and minimizes shine without over-drying. Perfect for oily complexions.
Alcohol-free formula with aloe and panthenol provides gentle hydration. Follow with a rich moisturizer.
Balances both oily and dry zones effectively. Controls T-zone without stripping cheeks.
Gentle, alcohol-free formula with soothing botanicals. Contains fragrance, so patch test recommended.
Low comedogenic rating and oil control. Not suitable for fungal acne due to Polysorbate 80.
Prepares skin perfectly for anti-aging treatments. Users report improved texture over time.
π Results Timeline
Immediate Freshness
Skin feels cleaner, refreshed, and better prepared for treatments. Noticeable removal of residual impurities after cleansing.
95% noticed improvementSkin Adjustment Period
Skin adapts to the toner. Oil production becomes more balanced, and pH levels stabilize. Some users notice reduced pore appearance.
80% noticed improvementVisible Improvements
Clearer complexion, minimized pore appearance, and improved overall skin texture. Better absorption of other skincare products.
75% noticed improvementLong-Term Benefits
Consistently balanced skin, reduced oil production, and optimized results from your entire skincare routine. Many users become long-term devotees.
85% continued useβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Alcohol-free formula that doesn't dry out skin
- Effectively balances pH after cleansing
- Gentle enough for daily use, AM and PM
- Dermatologist-recommended, trusted brand
- Leaves skin feeling clean without tightness
- Great for mature skin and anti-aging routines
- Long-lasting bottle (3+ months with twice daily use)
- Works well with other Obagi products
β Criticized
- Premium price point ($43-49 for 6.7oz)
- Contains fragrance (not suitable for very sensitive skin)
- Blue dye seems unnecessary to some users
- Not fungal acne safe (contains Polysorbate 80)
- Counterfeit products common on unauthorized sites
- Contains DMDM Hydantoin preservative
- No active exfoliating ingredients
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Nearly identical core formula with witch hazel and aloe vera. Slightly simpler ingredient list. Available in multiple scents including unscented. 12oz bottle offers better value.
Different formula approach with niacinamide and ceramides instead of witch hazel. Better for targeting enlarged pores and oil control. Fragrance-free option available.
100% natural witch hazel, dermatologist recommended. More basic formula without the soothing botanicals. Contains alcohol in some versions - choose alcohol-free.
π Comparison with Competitors
Obagi Nu-Derm Toner (This Product)
$43.00Thayers Witch Hazel Toner
$10.95Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Toner
$24.00Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner
$5.99π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening. Check bottle for expiration date before use.
Store at controlled room temperature 15Β°-25Β°C (59Β°-77Β°F). Keep out of direct sunlight.
Blue-tinted plastic bottle with flip-top cap. Shake before each use.
Full size (6.7oz/200ml) exceeds TSA limit. Travel size (2oz/60ml) available for flights.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Obagi Nu-Derm Toner is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain retinoids, hydroquinone, salicylic acid, or other ingredients typically contraindicated during pregnancy. The formula consists mainly of water, witch hazel, aloe vera, and gentle botanical extracts. However, always consult with your healthcare provider before adding any new skincare products during pregnancy or while nursing.
No, this toner is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Polysorbate 80, which is known to feed malassezia yeast and can worsen fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis). If you struggle with fungal acne, consider alternatives like Dickinson's Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Toner, which has a simpler formula without ingredients that feed malassezia.
Yes, this toner is safe to use with most active ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Since it's a pH-balancing toner without exfoliating acids, it prepares your skin optimally for treatment products without causing irritation. Apply the toner immediately after cleansing, let it absorb, then follow with your active treatments. The toner actually enhances absorption of subsequent products.
Obagi Nu-Derm Toner is formulated for all skin types, but it's particularly excellent for oily, combination, and mature skin. The witch hazel helps control excess oil and minimize pores, while the alcohol-free formula with aloe vera ensures it won't over-dry. Those with dry or sensitive skin can also use it, though very sensitive individuals should patch test first due to the added fragrance.
You'll notice immediate benefits like fresher, cleaner-feeling skin from the first use. Skin typically takes 4-6 weeks to adjust to new products, and most users report visible improvements in skin texture and pore appearance within 4-8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. For best results, use as part of a complete skincare routine with the full Obagi Nu-Derm System.
Apply the toner immediately after cleansing, as Step 2 in your routine. Shake the bottle, saturate a cotton pad, and sweep across your face and neck. Do not rinse. Allow to dry naturally, then proceed with serums, treatments, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). Use twice daily, morning and evening.
No, this toner has a low comedogenic rating of approximately 1 out of 5. It's a lightweight, water-based formula that's unlikely to clog pores. In fact, the witch hazel actually helps minimize pore appearance and remove excess oil. It's suitable for acne-prone skin, though those with fungal acne should avoid it due to Polysorbate 80.
The toner has a 12-month Period After Opening (PAO). With twice-daily use, the 6.7oz bottle typically lasts 3-4 months. Store at room temperature (59Β°-77Β°F) away from direct sunlight. Always check the expiration date printed on the bottle, especially when purchasing from third-party retailers.
Verdict: Obagi Nu-Derm Toner is a solid, professional-grade toner backed by 35+ years of dermatologist trust. Its alcohol-free formula with witch hazel and botanical extracts effectively balances pH, controls oil, and preps skin for treatments without over-drying. While the premium price and inclusion of fragrance and Polysorbate 80 (not fungal acne safe) are drawbacks, it delivers excellent results for those seeking medical-grade skincare. Best suited for oily, combination, and mature skin types within the Obagi ecosystem. Budget-conscious shoppers may prefer Thayers for similar results at a fraction of the cost.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
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 Β«promisesΒ» 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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Soothing
|
|
|
| 0 |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Alum
Astringent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium PCA
Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|