A serum is usually a thin, lightweight layer applied after cleansing to add specific ingredients. A moisturizer is a cream or lotion that comes after it, to soften the skin and help it hold water. Serums are optional. A moisturizer is a core step for most people. If you use both, the serum goes first.
The differences at a glance
| Serum | Moisturizer | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Watery, gel or light emulsion | Lotion, gel-cream or cream |
| Usual job | Delivers particular ingredients, such as vitamin C derivatives or retinol | Softens and helps skin hold moisture |
| Amount | A few drops | About a dime-sized amount for the face |
| Order | After cleansing | After serum and eye product |
| Essential? | Optional | A core step for most people |
Why the order is serum first
The general rule is thinnest to thickest. A light serum applied first can spread evenly over clean skin. A richer moisturizer on top then softens the surface. Reversing them tends to leave the serum sitting on top of a cream layer. Sunscreen goes last in the morning. The order to apply skincare in.
Can a serum replace a moisturizer?
Usually not. Many serums are water-based and light on emollients, so they don’t leave the skin feeling moisturized on their own. Some people with oily skin find a hydrating serum is enough in humid weather, but that is the exception. If your skin feels tight after a serum alone, add a moisturizer. Why skin feels tight.
Can a moisturizer replace a serum?
Yes, for many people. Cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen is a complete routine. Add a serum only when you want a specific ingredient or step. When your routine is enough.
How to tell which one you are buying
- Read the product type on the label, not just the name. “Peptide serum” and “peptide cream” do different jobs.
- Check the directions. “Follow with moisturizer” tells you it is a serum.
- Look at the ingredient list. Emulsifiers and emollients point to a moisturizer; water, humectants and thickeners with few oils point to a serum. How to read an ingredient list.
Using both: how many serums?
One at a time is easiest to manage. If you use two, give them different times of day. For example, a vitamin C serum in the morning and a retinol serum on chosen evenings. How to choose one serum.
In the Ozera range
- Serums: 004 Vitamin C Serum (morning) and 003 Retinol Night Serum (evenings, starting twice a week).
- Moisturizer: 001 Copper Peptide Cream, morning and night, after any serum and eye gel.
- Both together: the Duo, the morning serum and the cream for $7 less than buying them separately.
Further reading: American Academy of Dermatology: Tips to relieve dry skin · FDA: Cosmetics labeling guide
Choose Copper Peptide Cream when you want the moisturizer step. It can follow a serum or be used straight after cleansing.
Photography: Marina De Salis / Unsplash.