Serums, Lotions & Creams — What’s Best for Your Skin?

There’s a lot of confusion about the differences between facial serums, lotions and creams. Is one better for your skin than the others? Do you need all three?

First of all, no — one is not better than the others. They just serve different purposes. Deciding whether you should use all three depends on your skin’s needs.

Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the three primary differences between serums, lotions and creams:

1. Consistency/texture: Serums are water-based/liquids. They are lightweight and absorb quickly and easily into skin. Lotions are a bit denser and creams as the name suggests, are thick in consistency. Some creams are oil based and feel heavy or gooey on the skin.

The difference in consistency is not just superficial — it actually affects the delivery of functional ingredients. Since serums are thinner, they penetrate deep into the skin and are very effective in delivering actives. For this reason, serums are usually highly concentrated and extremely potent.

2. How and when you apply them: This is pretty simple — always go from thinnest to thickest. In other words, serum first, then lotions, and finally creams. Apply in layers. Wait until each product absorbs (dries) so that you don’t wipe away the functional ingredients, then apply the next product.

3. What they do: Serums usually have specific functions; for example, reducing the appearance of skin redness, discoloration or sagging skin. They help to repair skin damage, especially pigmentation issues and wrinkles due to aging and sun exposure.

Lotions are often focused on prevention, such as exfoliating acne lotions.

Creams work excellently to moisturize skin and lock in functional ingredients — both in the cream itself as well as the actives from serums and lotions you’ve applied earlier in your skincare regimen.