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How we build Nu-Derm Gentle Gel Cleanser

The original, what makes it special, the shelf parts we use and how to get closer. Add or swap parts and the score updates.

NUDERM

The original · Obagi

Nu-Derm Gentle Gel Cleanser

$55 · 6.7 fl oz (198 ml)

A mild gel led by cocamidopropyl betaine and glycerin, with a little sodium laureth sulfate and an oat amino acid surfactant.

Official product page (opens in new tab)

Prices and listings checked Oct 28, 2026. Amazon prices change; the link shows today's price.

Step 2 · The build

Our build 1 part

  • Illustration of La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

    La Roche-Posay

    La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

    ABetaine and oat amino acid surfactants · 26 of 35BGlycerin · 25CPanthenol · 15DApricot kernel oil and oleyl lactate · 8 of 15
    $19.99View product (opens in new tab)

    Not an affiliate link.

Partial credit means the part only partly matches that standout.

The 100 points

What stands out 100 pts

We split Nu-Derm Gentle Gel Cleanser into 5 standout parts. Each bar shows what the build earns.

  • ABetaine and oat amino acid surfactants26 of 35 pts

    A mild surfactant blend that cleans without a tight, stripped feel.

    Ananthapadmanabhan 2004 · Dermatol Ther
  • BGlycerin25 of 25 pts

    High in the list, so it leaves water-binding humectant on the skin.

  • CPanthenol15 of 15 pts

    Pro-vitamin B5 that supports hydration and comfort.

    Ebner 2002 · Am J Clin Dermatol
  • DApricot kernel oil and oleyl lactate8 of 15 pts

    Light emollients that soften skin after rinsing.

  • EAloe, sage and borage0 of 10 pts

    Soothing plant extracts in small amounts.

Optional

Get closer score under 80

74 / 100. We have not found a shelf product that closes more of the gap yet.

Step 3 · Buy

Buy the build

One link per part. Each opens the retailer in a new tab.

Skincare SuppliesOct 28, 2026

Your build

  1. 01La Roche-PosayLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser$19.99

    Running total $19.99

    View product (opens in new tab)

    Not an affiliate link.

Build total$19.99
The splurge$55
Match74/100
You keep$35.01

Snapshot prices. Each link shows today's price.

Other single-product swaps

One bottle instead of a build. Sorted by match score; scores use the same standouts as above.

budget Our pick

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

La Roche-Posay

Match score 74 out of 100
$19.99 · 13.52 fl ozSave $35.01
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Betaine surfactant (coco-betaine)
  • Glycerin
  • Panthenol
  • Emollient ester

Misses

  • Oat amino acid surfactant
  • Apricot kernel oil
  • Aloe
  • Fragrance

Why it is close. A low-foam gentle cleanser for normal to dry skin with glycerin, panthenol and a betaine surfactant, the same core as the Obagi gel. It adds niacinamide and ceramide NP. No aloe or plant oil, and it is fragrance free.

Ingredient list source

View product (opens in new tab)

Not an affiliate link.

budget

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Vanicream

Match score 51 out of 100
Check price on Amazon · 8 fl oz
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Amino acid surfactant (sodium cocoyl glycinate)
  • Glycerin

Misses

  • Panthenol
  • Apricot kernel oil
  • Aloe

Why it is close. A very plain, fragrance-free gel with glycerin and a mild amino acid surfactant. It is a good pick for reactive skin. It has none of the Obagi gel's panthenol, oil or aloe.

Ingredient list source

Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)
budget

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

CeraVe

Match score 42 out of 100
$16.19 · 16 fl oz
What it shares, what it misses

Shares

  • Glycerin
  • Emollient lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty alcohols)

Misses

  • Betaine and amino acid surfactants
  • Panthenol
  • Aloe

Why it is close. A cream-gel that cleans with very little foam and leaves glycerin and ceramides behind. It cleans differently from the Obagi gel but suits the same normal to dry skin. No panthenol or aloe.

Ingredient list source

Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)

What the science says

Full ingredient list

Show the INCI list

aqua/water/eau, cocamidopropyl betaine, glycerin, sodium lauroyl oat amino acids, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sodium laureth sulfate, glycereth-7, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, borago officinalis extract, oleyl lactate, panthenol, phenoxyethanol, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, salvia officinalis (sage) leaf extract, saponins, ethylhexylglycerin, ethoxydiglycol, fragrance (parfum), triethanolamine, yellow 5

Source

Questions

What does the 74/100 score for our Nu-Derm Gentle Gel Cleanser build mean?

We split Nu-Derm Gentle Gel Cleanser into 5 standout parts worth 100 points in total. The build earns 74 of a possible 100. A full 100 needs every standout fully covered.

What is the best dupe for Nu-Derm Gentle Gel Cleanser?

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser by La Roche-Posay is our closest single-product match at 74 out of 100 for $19.99 (13.52 fl oz). It shares Betaine surfactant (coco-betaine), Glycerin, Panthenol, Emollient ester.

How much can I save on Nu-Derm Gentle Gel Cleanser?

Nu-Derm Gentle Gel Cleanser costs $55 for 6.7 fl oz (198 ml). The closest dupe costs $19.99, a saving of about $35.01. Prices change, so check the seller page.

Is La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser exactly the same as Nu-Derm Gentle Gel Cleanser?

No. Dupes share the key actives but can differ in concentration, vehicle and supporting ingredients. Missing from this one: Oat amino acid surfactant, Apricot kernel oil, Aloe, Fragrance. See our methodology for how we score.

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