When it comes to skincare, there’s always a debate about whether you need both a serum and a cream. Many people think that if they have a good moisturiser with active ingredients, they don’t need a serum – or that a serum alone is enough. But serums and creams serve different functions, and this largely comes down to the strength of the active ingredients.
If you’re treating pigmentation, acne, or signs of ageing, understanding these differences is important. Let’s break it down.
What’s the Difference Between Serums and Creams?
At first glance, serums and creams might seem interchangeable because they often contain similar active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, or niacinamide. However, the key difference lies in their formulation and concentration.
- Serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing, and designed to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients deep into the skin. They usually have little to no occlusive ingredients (meaning they don’t lock in moisture like creams do).
- Creams (moisturisers) are thicker and contain ingredients that help hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin by forming a barrier. While they may contain active ingredients, they are usually in lower concentrations compared to serums.
The Strength of Active Ingredients: Why It Matters
The strength of actives in skincare determines how often and how aggressively you can use a product. This is why you wouldn’t use a retinol serum every day (especially if you're new to retinol), but you can use a retinol-infused cream daily.
- Serums have higher concentrations of actives, which means they penetrate the skin more effectively but can also cause irritation if used incorrectly. For example, a retinol serum can cause dryness, peeling, and sensitivity if used too frequently.
- Creams buffer the actives with hydrating and soothing ingredients, making them gentler on the skin. This is why someone who can’t tolerate a retinol serum might still be able to use a retinol cream.
Why You Need Both in Your Routine
Since serums and creams serve different functions, using both can help you achieve better skin results while reducing irritation. Here’s how:
- Serum = Treatment → Think of it as your targeted solution. Whether you’re using a vitamin C serum for brightening, a niacinamide serum for oil control, or a retinol serum for anti-ageing, your serum does the heavy lifting.
- Moisturiser = Protection & Hydration → It helps to reinforce the skin barrier, lock in hydration, and prevent irritation from strong actives. Even if your moisturiser contains similar ingredients as your serum, its main role is to support and protect your skin.
Where Do Serums and Creams Fit in Your Skincare Routine?
Order matters when layering skincare, especially when using both serums and creams. Here’s the correct way to do it:
- Cleanser – Preps the skin by removing dirt and oil.
- Toner/Essence (optional) – Hydrates and balances the skin.
- Serum – The most potent step; apply your active treatment.
- Moisturiser – Seals in hydration and protects the skin barrier.
- Sunscreen (morning only) – Protects against UV damage and prevents pigmentation from worsening.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been skipping serums because your moisturiser has active ingredients, or avoiding creams because you think serums are enough, it’s time to rethink your routine. Both serums and creams play essential roles in keeping your skin healthy, glowing, and irritation-free.
To get the best results, use serums for targeted treatment and moisturisers to support and hydrate your skin. And remember, not all actives are created equal—how you use them matters just as much as what you use!
Do you have questions about choosing the right serum or moisturiser for your skin type? Drop them in the comments!