Serum vs. Moisturizer: What's the Difference and What Order Do They Go On?
Serums and moisturizers can look similar in the bottle, but they do different jobs. Knowing the difference makes it much easier to build a routine that works.
What a serum does
A serum is a lightweight formula with a higher concentration of active ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C or prebiotics. Its job is to deliver those ingredients to a specific goal: hydration, brightness, a smoother look.
What a moisturizer does
A moisturizer is richer. It softens skin and helps hold in water, including the hydration from your serum. Think of the serum as the treatment and the moisturizer as the seal on top.
The order
- Cleanser. Start with clean skin.
- Serum. Apply a few drops and let it absorb for about a minute.
- Moisturizer. Smooth it over the top.
- Sunscreen in the morning.
If you use more than one serum, apply the thinnest, most watery one first.
Do you need both?
Not always. Very oily skin can sometimes skip moisturizer in humid weather. Most people do best with both, especially in winter when indoor heating dries skin out.
Choosing a moisturizer
- Normal to dry skin, daytime: the Moisturizing Day Cream, with hyaluronic acid, bisabolol and jojoba oil.
- Very dry skin or no added fragrance: the Nourishing Rich Cream, with shea butter, cocoa butter and argan oil.
- Nighttime: the Anti-Age Night Cream, a richer cream for skin that looks firmer and smoother by morning.
A simple pairing to start with
The Youthful Glow Serum under the Moisturizing Day Cream is an easy everyday combination. It's a lightweight hydrating layer topped with a cream that keeps it in place. If you'd like the whole routine in one box, the Hydration Ritual Collection Box puts the steps together for you.