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