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The Differences Between a Serum and Moisturiser Explained

Do I have to use a serum if I’m using a moisturiser? 

I am using the serum, is it okay to skip on the moisturiser?

Which do I apply first? 

What’s the difference between a serum and moisturiser?

If even one of these questions has taken a stroll through your mind, keep on reading to learn what the two main differences are.

Difference in Purpose

A serum and a moisturiser clearly play two different roles, so comparing them is like comparing apples and oranges. 

A moisturiser has been designed to HYDRATE the skin. That’s its main purpose. Whatever moisturiser you buy, it will MOISTURISE your skin - plain and simple. 

A serum, on the other hand, can add hydration, but offers additional benefits to your skin and addresses a variety of skincare issues. For example, we can find serums that treat everything from fine lines, scarring, hyperpigmentation to sagging. 

You can think of it this way - you choose a moisturiser considering your skin type, but you pick a serum based on your skin concerns!

Difference in Ingredients

Serums have a high concentration of performance ingredients, as they are able to help you achieve the results you want.

Serums usually don’t have lubricating agents either, and tend to not contain oils. They are mostly water-based. 

Moisturisers will act like a protective barrier that helps your skin stay moisturised and keep that precious hydration in your skin. They contain ingredients that focus on this task.

Difference in Weight

This leads us to the other major difference, which is weight. While light and fast is a great quality to have when running a sprint or a marathon, this just also happens to be a quality that a serum possesses as well! 

Serums are light, as well as fast-absorbing, which makes them the perfect product to deliver all the potent ingredients deep into your skin.

And they can help your moisturiser work even better!

This is not to say that your moisturiser doesn’t have any benefits, on the contrary. It serves the purpose of hydrating your skin PERFECTLY and helping with other challenges too. 

If you have any other serum or moisturiser-related questions, please write to us!

We’re always happy to talk skincare!

Have an amazing day, Tracey x

Comments

Frieda on July 01 2020 at 12:01PM

I have received 3 serums in glass pots instead of the usual pomps Hardly no plastic anymore A Good thing!,!!!!! BUT i am a skin specialist myself and have always been learned NO AIR SHOULD COME TO A SERUM
IF SO THE SERUM BECOMES USELESS @!!!,
So why you put it in a pot now
So sorry i ordered 3 useless pots of serum
GREETINGS from Frieda v d Kamp

Alison Forrest on June 11 2020 at 03:01PM

Hi does your serum and moisturiser contain retinol.?If so what percentage.
Thanks
Alison

Lisa Jay on June 11 2020 at 03:08PM

Hi, this blog doesn’t answer the question “Which do I apply first?”
Should I apply the serum first, wait or immediately apply moisturiser or is it the other way round?
Many thanks
Lisa

lisa hewitt on June 11 2020 at 03:06PM

great information thanks so much! one question about serums is that you say you choose a moisturiser considering your skin type, but you pick a serum based on your skin concerns! how do you know which serum to pick for your concerns? what are the ingredients that you’d need to look out for?

June Fawsitt on June 11 2020 at 03:05PM

I have just received my products today and have already applied the eye gel, serum and day moisturiser and must say the smell is divine. The packaging is great and the products look very classy and expensive on my bathroom shelf. I must say so far so good. I will keep you posted

Allison Dowds on June 11 2020 at 03:03PM

Please advise in what order I use moisturiser,serum and eye cream.
Do you use them twice a day.
Thank you.

Christine Jones on June 11 2020 at 03:03PM

thanks for the clear advise about serums and moisturiser. I am not sure about the eye gel. I have used good eye gels in the past, but have found some of them make my eyes even more puffy. I am 66 years, any advise about your product. thanks

Tracy Webb on June 11 2020 at 03:03PM

Interesting article thank you

I currently use a Vitamin C serum plus a Neurophroline Serum before moisturiser. This is something i have just started doing as currently 2yrs menopausal and a year from 50 am finding my skin has changed. So I am trying to reboost it. Also have gained a light red now on cheeks.

I have just purchased the Four Phase Face and Lip Care Collection from you and assume I can continue to use the Vitamin C serum plus a Neurophroline Serum in conjunction with your bundle of goodies?

many thanks

Tracy Webb

Elicia on June 11 2020 at 03:03PM

HI TRACEY
I USE MY SERUM IN THE MORNINGS AFTER I CLEANSE AND TONE MY FACE. WHAT ARE YOU SAYING, I SHOULD USE THE MOISTURISER AFTER THE SERUM? IS THERE SPF IN ANY OF THE PRODUCTS….AM NOW USING YOUR SERUM, EYE GEL AND DAY AND NIGHT MOISTURISERS. SHOULD I USE THE SERUM MORNING AND NIGHT? PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANKS.

Susan Freeborough on June 11 2020 at 03:04PM

I use both but was never sure of the difference, so now I have more knowledge, thanks x17

Sarah Reinhold on June 11 2020 at 03:04PM

I just wanted to thank you for changing the container for your eye cream! I wrote to you ages ago asking if it was possible, as you wasted so much cream in the original container at the end. THANKYOU👏👏

Penny Smith on June 11 2020 at 03:04PM

How much serum should I be applying – just one pump for the whole face and neck? How much moisturiser too?

Penny

Tracey Taylor on June 11 2020 at 03:04PM

Hi,
Can you just confirm, which do you apply first..moisturiser or serum. Can you use them both at the same time as part of daily regime?

Valerie Desborough on July 01 2020 at 12:02PM

I have recently bought your serum, day and night moisturisers. I find a difficulty in the pump on the serum, as in all pumps, there is still a lot of serum at the bottom but pump does not reach it, a small jar would be much more helpful

Paula Brady on June 11 2020 at 03:05PM

I use your Imperial Moisturiser every morning does it have SPF in it.

Thank you in advance for your help

Stay safe

Annette Lawrence on June 11 2020 at 03:05PM

Hi,

Re the questions regarding difference between moisturiser and serum:

Do I have to use a serum if I’m using a moisturiser?

I am using the serum, is it okay to skip on the moisturiser?

Which do I apply first?

I couldn’t see the answers in your post !

Please can you assist as these are the questions I was looking for answers to :)

Best wishes, Annette

Chrissy on June 11 2020 at 03:04PM

During the day where does suncream fit in with my make up routine, serum, moisturiser etc?

sarah tawiah on June 11 2020 at 03:04PM

Hi
I have falling in love with your products,very much happy with the responses from customers
Is would like to find out if this product works well on black skin.
thank you
sarah

Barbara Berg on June 11 2020 at 03:04PM

Interesting and helpful, thank you

Sylvia Spinks on June 11 2020 at 03:05PM

I am enjoying using my serum, moisturiser and eye gel. Recently purchased from you but cannot read the instructions. Such tiny print!

Tricia Paton on June 11 2020 at 03:04PM

I have bought the serum and moisturiser- can you tell me the best order to apply them and when please

Liz Beak on June 11 2020 at 03:04PM

Where does the Hydration Gel in the order please?

Linda on June 11 2020 at 03:04PM

I love the way you take time out to explain your products, how they work how to get the best from them. BRILLIANT. Loving this personal touch that you share with your customers

Thank you Tracey

Julie on June 11 2020 at 03:04PM

Hi have you considered doing a moisturiser with SPF included.

Veronica turner on June 11 2020 at 03:05PM

Hi I have purchased your creams. I am about to start using them. Which would I use first the serum or the moisturiser. Thank you

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