Serum vs Moisturizer

While serums are used to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients in a water based formula, moisturizers are used to provide water and oil back into your skin barrier.

Generally, serums are used to target specific skin concerns. For example, serums with vitamin C are used to improve your skin tone.

On the other hand, moisturizers can also be used to target specific skin concerns but are generally thicker formulas used to fight dryness and nourish your skin barrier. For example, moisturizers with retinol are used to provide anti aging benefits while also soothing dry skin.

That being said, there is some overlap between serums and moisturizers. For example, serums with hyaluronic acid are used to keep your skin hydrated, and some people consider these to be moisturizers too.

This article will explain everything you need to know about serums, moisturizers, the difference between them, and how to use them.

Difference between Serum and Moisturizer

While there is some overlap between serum and moisturizer, the big difference comes down to the inclusion of fats and active ingredients.

Serums are water based, while moisturizers often include emollients and oils to help deliver fatty acids back into your skin barrier. Further, serums tend to be lighter products while moisturizers may be heavier or greasier depending on the type of product you’re looking at.

Most importantly, serums deliver highly concentrated amounts of active ingredients. For example, any popular vitamin c serum will have between 10-20% l ascorbic acid. On the other hand, moisturizers have lower concentrations of active ingredients, if any.

This all being said, both serums and moisturizers are great steps to include in your daily skin care routine.

Serums

Serums are skincare products with high concentrations of active ingredients. Their exact purpose depends on your skin type and specific skin concerns.

For example, individuals with oily skin or acne prone skin may benefits from a niacinamide or salicylic acid face serum as these ingredients have oil control properties.

Alternatively, individuals with dry skin may benefit from a serum with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera as these ingredients have great hydrating properties.

Other key ingredients in common serums include vitamin C serums to fade dark spots and retinol serums for collagen production.

When to Use Serum

You should use serum after cleansing your face and applying toner. Then, follow up with a moisturizer and potentially a facial oil depending on your skin type.

Moisturizers

Moisturizers are skincare products that provide fatty acids and hydration back into your skin. Using facial moisturizer is an essential part of a holistic skincare routine as it supports your protective barrier and fights skin irritation.

There are many different types of moisturizers, including:

• Lotions

• Creams

• Gels

• Occlusives

In fact, hydrating serums may even fall into the moisturizer category depending on who you ask.

When to Use Moisturizer

Moisturizing should be the last step in your evening skincare routine to:

• Prevent moisture loss

• Fight dry and flaky skin

• Lock in hydration

The only steps that commonly follow applying moisturizer are face oils or sunscreens (morning only). In particular, facial serum should be applied before moisturizer.

Serums vs Moisturizers

Serums are typically water based and contain high concentrations of active ingredients. Further, they are often used to deliver a single ingredient, like salicylic acid for dead skin cells for example.

On the other hand, moisturizers are blends of lower concentrations of active ingredients along with hydrating ingredients and fatty acids. Moisturizers are thicker and protect skin from cold air and harsh winds.

That being said, both serum and moisturizer can be great additions to your skincare routine to improve your skin health.

Is serum moisturizer?

Certain serums toe the line of being considered moisturizer. For example, a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid and panthenol might be moisturizing enough to people with oily skin. However, particularly for people with dry skin, serum is not a replacement for moisturizer.

Additionally, serums with high concentrations of harsh active ingredients should always be followed by a layer of moisturizer. For example, you should moisturize after using serums with:

• Vitamin C

• Retinol

• Glycolic acid

• Lactic acid

And more. This is especially important for individuals with sensitive skin types.

How to use Serum and Moisturizer

To use serum and moisturizer, follow this guide:

1. Wash your face thoroughly

2. Apply serum and gently rub in until absorbed

3. Wait 1-2 minutes

4. Apply moisturizer

And that’s it!

You can layer serums if you wish as long as it doesn’t cause any irritation or other skin issues for you.

Should I use both serum and moisturizer?

You can use both serum and moisturizer if you would like to get specific benefits. For example, retinol face serum is used for anti aging while eye serum is used to get rid of dark circles.

Not everyone needs a serum, but most people will benefit from using a moisturizer.

Serum before or after moisturizer?

You should apply serum before moisturizer. Water based serum is lighter than any moisturizer. Therefore, you should apply it first. Remember, we always apply skincare from “thinnest to thickest” or “wateriest to oiliest”.

Can I use serum instead of moisturizer?

Yes, you can use serum instead of moisturizer depending on your skin type.

For people with oily skin or acne prone skin, a hydrating serum can be a substitute for moisturizer. However, people with dry skin will likely need to use moisturizer morning and night to prevent flaky skin and irritation.

Is it necessary to apply moisturizer after serum at night?

For people with dry skin, it is necessary to apply moisturizer after serum at night. Doing so provides continuous hydration to your skin and can soothe skin after serum ingredients like retinol.

However, people with oily skin may not be able to tolerate moisturizer without breaking out. In that case, just a hydrating serum is fine.

How long to wait between serum and moisturizer?

You should wait 1-2 minutes after applying your serum before applying moisturizer.

Can serum and face oil be used together?

Yes, serum and face oil can be used together.

Certain active ingredients in facial serums can cause dryness and irritation. By applying moisturizer and facial oil after applying serum, you can reduce these side effects and keep your skin healthy.

Serum or oil first?

You should apply serum before moisturizer and oil. Even if you skip moisturizer, serum should still come before oil.

What serums should I use at night?

The best serum for your nighttime skincare routine depends on your skin type and specific skin concerns:

• Mature skin: try out a retinol serum

• Dark spots: try a vitamin C serum

• Dry skin: try a hydrating serum

• Oily skin: try a niacinamide serum

• Blackheads: try chemical exfoliants, like a salicylic acid serum

Summary: Serum or Moisturizer?

Both serum and moisturizer are great steps to include in your daily skincare routine, and there’s no need to choose between them.

While serums deliver high concentrations of active ingredients and can help target specific skin concerns, moisturizers provide water and oil back into your stratum corneum.

Together, face serums and moisturizers work together to provide you with great, glowing skin. Just remember to apply face serum first and let it absorb before applying moisturizer.

Frequently Asked Questions