Moisturizers, Serums, Water Creams & Balms: What's the Difference?
Each skincare product is formulated to address a specific need — and they're not interchangeable! Discover the difference between these common formulations so you're empowered to create an effective skincare routine that's right for you.
Moisturizer
What it does:
Keeps the skin hydrated by retaining the water content of the skin surface & forms a protective barrier to guard skin from environmental stressors.
Consistency:
Dense, creamy & thick.
Serum
What it does:
Penetrates skin to deliver targeted nutrients that address specific skin concerns, such as fine lines, sagging skin, or dull skin.
Consistency:
Water-based & gel-like.
Water Cream
What it does:
Delivers hydration & plumps skin; helps to achieve hydration from within the skin as opposed to sealing in moisture from the outside.
Consistency:
Thin & lightweight.
Balm
What it does:
Provides concentrated nourishment & intense hydration and forms a protective layer to skin.
Consistency:
Somewhere between a heavy liquid & a solid.
