Serum, cream, lotion or gel? When it comes to taking care of one’s skin, choosing the right product can be daunting. Not only are we asked to select from a vast array of ingredients with names we often can’t pronounce; we are also asked to decide which formulation is optimal.
Because so many things in the cosmetics industry lack regulation, descriptions for similar products can differ amongst manufacturers, adding to the confusion. It’s worthwhile to note that while there are differences between and definitions for the terms serum, cream, lotion or a gel that companies are at liberty to use whatever descriptors they want. So a serum in one company may be quite different to a serum formulation made by another company.
In general, creams are a mixture of oil with water. Creams are meant to be moisturizing and may contain active ingredients such as antioxidants or skin lighteners. Creams are best suited for normal and dry skin types and often useful in body care products.
Lotions (often called fluids or fluids) are very similar to creams in that they contain both water and oil. Lighter in consistency than creams, lotions are suitable for most skin types. However, individuals with oily skin may find them too heavy. Like creams, lotions are a good way to deliver topical active ingredients.
Very much in fashion these days, serums may be watery or thicker liquids, often (but not always) clear in color. Serums are water based making them light in consistency. They are easily and quickly absorbed into the skin and provide an excellent way to deliver topical ingredients including Vitamin C, peptides, alpha hydroxy acids, retinols. Serums may be layered under other serums as well as creams or lotions making them a very flexible product to incorporate into your skin care regimen. Serums are tolerated well by all skin types as long as the individual is not sensitive to any of the ingredients.
Gels by definition are liquids that look and behave like solids in a jelly-like manner. They are an effective way to deliver topical active ingredients that can be tolerated by most skin types.
Here are some of our top sellers in each category:
Creams
- La Roche Posay Redermic – collagen boosting Vitamin C and madecassoside combine with hyaluronic acid. Ideal for aging skin
- Anthelios XL SPF 60 – our best selling Anthelios sunscreen
- Green Cream – high potency retinol in a stable formulation delivers many skin benefits
Lotions
- Epilyt Lotion – lactic acid, propylene glycol and glycerin provide relief for itchy, dry skin
- Anthelios Fluide Extreme SPF 50+ – this top selling Mexoryl sunscreen delivers UVA and UVB protection
- Reversa Skin Smoothing Body Lotion – 10% glycolic acid helps to deliver soft, smooth skin
Serum
- M2 HP Refinish Serum – mandelic and malic acids provide gentle exfoliation to help acne, scars and oily skin
- Neostrata Dark Circle Night Serum – Vitamin K and retinol help to combat under eye dark circles
- Reversa Antioxidant Booster Serum – fight free radical damage that can age skin
Gels
- Neostrata HQ Gel Plus – 4% hydroquinone plus glycolic acid will help to fight hyperpigmentation
- Clarex Oil Control Gel – control the shin associated with oily skin
- Dermatix Ultra Gel – Vitamin C and silicone combine in this combination clinically proven to help fade scars
