Which is better: face cream or serum?

Such a question could only occur to someone who intends to seriously delve into all the subtleties of skin care, so as not to make a mistake in choosing the right product. Well, we only welcome such enthusiasm and will try to answer as detailed as possible.

What is the difference between serum and face cream: what is the difference and what to choose

Comparing such dissimilar products as cream and serum, some say that, of course, serum is better, as it is much more effective. Others argue that it is quite possible to do without a serum, but nowhere without a cream.

In a dispute on the topic “which is better, face cream or serum”, both are right. Although, to be honest, the opposition of these cosmetics is not entirely correct, since they perform different functions. To dot the i’s, let’s see how serum differs from face cream.

But before that, take our test to find out if your cream is right for you.

Texture

Serum and cream, what’s the difference? The first difference between a serum and a cream is noticeable to the naked eye – the texture. In serum, it is lighter, watery or fluid gel-like. A cream (even in lighter versions of an emulsion or fluid) has a thicker, opaque, creamy, and sometimes oily texture. A moisturizing gel can also be transparent, but it will still be noticeably denser in consistency than a serum.

Serum and cream have different texture and concentration of active ingredients.

Composition

The composition of both creams and serums is enriched with components for various purposes: anti-aging, soothing, matting, toning, tightening, corrective. Among them:

  • vitamins;

  • antioxidants;

  • peptides;

  • plant extracts;

  • hyaluronic acid;

  • pro- and prebiotics.

In sera, as a rule, the concentration of active substances is higher. Another nuance: they rarely contain a sun protection factor, because they are traditionally applied before cream.

Of particular note:

  1. oil serum concentrates, which are a mixture of oils;

  2. acid-based exfoliating concentrates (essentially peels) addressed to problem skin with a predisposition to acne, or dull, rough skin in need of active cell renewal.

These are separate categories of products. We have excellent articles on these topics.

Purpose

Cream belongs to the category of basic skin care products. Its use is an important part of the daily routine. The cream gives comfort, softens the skin, prevents dehydration, protects the hydro-lipid mantle, serves as an excellent base for make-up.

The cream must provide superficial skin protection.

When choosing a cream, you should always focus on the type of skin, since the texture, cream density and percentage of the oil fraction vary greatly – a formula that is perfect for dry skin may not like oily and even clog pores. Do you want to know right now what kind of cream you need for daily care? Take our test.

Serum – concentrated agent, acts purposefully, It is used not instead of, but together with the cream. When used in pairs, the products enhance each other’s effectiveness. Serums and creams from different brands tend to get along well, but products of the same brand are simply “made for each other.”

Terms of Use

How to use the cream is more or less clear, the main thing is to choose the right formula and apply it regularly for a long time.

Serum can be used as a course or used on an ongoing basis.

How to combine both cosmetic products in care

First, you choose a cream depending on the type of skin, season and age, use it daily. And if you want to quickly solve a specific problem (dehydration, wrinkles, photoaging, dullness, etc.), add the appropriate serum to your care for an intense effect on the skin.

The sequence is as follows:

  • a few drops of serum are applied to a clean face after washing and toning;

  • wait a few seconds until it is completely absorbed;

  • then apply the cream;

  • repeat the procedure twice a day.

Overview of the best cosmetics

Now you know the difference between a face cream and a face serum, and you are faced with a more urgent question, which products to choose. Explore our review of a wide variety of serums and creams – among the best, according to the editors. Perhaps something will interest you.

Serums

Aqualia Thermal Moisturizing Serum, Vichy

Here is a typical representative of intensive moisturizing serums. The composition, as you might guess, contains moisturizing ingredients: Vichy mineralizing water, vegetable mannose sugar and the famous hyaluronic acid.

Intensive soothing serum for the skin of the face and the area around the eyes Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo, La Roche-Posay

Formulated with La Roche-Posay thermal water, this serum is addressed to skin that is extremely susceptible to external influences and contains soothing neurosensin, as well as the osmolite + glycerin duo to maintain water balance. The tool can be used alone (without the subsequent use of a cream) and applied to the entire face, including the area around the eyes!

Serum 10 Highly Effective Antioxidant Facial, SkinCeuticals

SkinCeuticals is renowned for its collection of antioxidant serums to protect the skin from oxidative stress and the premature aging it causes. In this case, we are talking about an effective formula with 10% ascorbic acid and ferulic acid, which, according to research, plays a key role in protecting the main structural components of the skin.

Anti-aging serum for the skin of the face and neck in ampoules LiftActiv Specialist Peptide-C, Vichy

When it comes to serums, it’s hard to miss the trendy ampoule format for intensive skin care. Vichy offers firmer, smoother and more radiant skin in just 10 days with a peptide and vitamin C concentrate. And if you extend the course by 30 days, you can count on a clear reduction in wrinkles.

Advanced Génifique Youth Activator, new formula, Lancôme

The formula, aimed at correcting the main signs of aging, has been enriched with a complex of pre- and probiotics that take care of strengthening the skin microbiome. According to clinical studies and a self-assessment test of the respondents, after a week the skin looks younger, and after 4 weeks its condition noticeably improves in terms of the main parameters: elasticity, smoothness, radiance, even tone, reduction of wrinkles.

Anti-aging hyaluronic serum for face and neck Revitalift filler [ha], L’Oréal Paris

The action of the serum is aimed at combating age-related changes such as loss of volume, density and elasticity of the skin. The basis of the composition, as the name implies, is hyaluronic acid, and in a high concentration – 1,5%.

Creams

Face cream LiftActiv Collagen Specialist, SPF 25, Vichy

An example of an anti-aging cream that, in addition to ingredients that moisturize and protect the skin, contains substances that stimulate the production of skin protein structures. Hence the claimed effect: increased elasticity and smoothness of the skin, reduction of wrinkles.

Cream for dry sensitive skin “Moisturizing Expert”, L’Oréal Paris

This moisturizing formula is rich in active ingredients, including shoreya, rose, blackcurrant oils, as well as fat-soluble vitamin E, a well-known antioxidant.

Moisturizing face cream Ultra Facial Cream, Kiehl’s

Everyone’s favorite, great moisturizer for every day. It has everything to make skin of any type feel comfortable throughout the day – a rich, but not heavy texture and a composition enriched with branded squalane and antarcticin, which protects the epidermis, including from extremely low temperatures.

Botanic cream for combination and oily skin with green tea extract, Garnier

As expected, it moisturizes the skin and protects it from aggressive environmental factors. But its action does not end there: the botanical cream provides a mattifying and refreshing effect, so necessary for the skin of oily and mixed types.

Moisturizing facial emulsion Hydra Zen, Lancôme

Care with a very light melting texture is perfect for the warm season. Hydrates, protects and soothes for a radiant complexion.

Moisturizing matting sebum-regulating emulsion Effaclar Mat, La Roche-Posay

This product is intended for the daily care of oily or combination skin, where it is essential that hydration is combined with oil control. The emulsion fulfills this desire unquestioningly, providing a matte effect.

Moisturizing face lotion SPF 25, Cerave

Powered by Cerave’s proprietary technology, this lightweight treatment combines hyaluronic acid, barrier-strengthening ceramides, and sunscreen. That is why, under the cover of this lotion, the skin feels great even during periods of high solar activity.

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