Obagi Nu-Derm Clear Versus ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish
Updated on June 12, 2025
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Obagi Nu-Derm Clear 18 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish 27 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Obagi Nu-Derm Clear 18 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish 27 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydroquinone
Stabilising
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
Butylparaben
Masking
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Glycerin
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Methylparaben
Preservative
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate
EmollientPropylparaben
Preservative
Saponins
CleansingSodium Lauryl Sulfate
Cleansing
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Water
Skin ConditioningPEG-8
HumectantSodium Bicarbonate
Abrasive
Magnesium Oxide
AbsorbentEthoxydiglycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Oleth-20
CleansingTrihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Paraffinum Liquidum
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Glycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Skin ConditioningTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 61565
Cosmetic ColorantPEG-8, Sodium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Oxide, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Oleth-20, Trihydroxystearin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Paraffinum Liquidum, Water, Tocopheryl Acetate, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Glycine Soja Sterols, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinyl Palmitate, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, Phenoxyethanol, CI 61565
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Obagi Nu-Derm Clear 18 ingredients
ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish 27 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
