Question: Difference Between Serum and Moisturizer

photo credits: Clinique.com

 I have always wondered what are the differences between serum and moisturizer.They both "seem" to do similar things, yet Serums tend to costs so much more than moisturizers. I always thought serums were a concentrated moisturizer. After starting to use more skincare products, I was determined to learn about the differences so I know what it was I was putting on my face. I have found the answers and I want to share them with you. I will try to keep this post as short and as simple as I can.

First, to make things clear, serums and moisturizers are meant to be used together. You can't "choose" which one to use. If you just use one, you aren't making use of the product to it's fullest capabilities. In fact, you will be wasting the product since you can not utilize it fully. (Although, I do not recommend those who are 24 and under to use serums since your skin is able to produce the nutrients needed already (unless you have really bad terrible skin), over nourishing your skin can cause your skin to "stop" helping itself... and the formula might be too strong for your skin and end up making the condition of your skin even worse). If you feel you need one, I recommend you to go visit the store and ask if there are serums that are more suitable for younger skin)

photo credits: lancome.com

Serums are to enhance your skin-care routine and it is much more concentrated (you should never put too much on, once you put serum on your face, your skin will immediately absorb it all, so don't "over saturate" it, not having reside on your face is good, it means your skin has absorbed it all. Serums are very different than other creams/moisturizers/lotion. This is one of the reasons why a small bottle costs so much, and you can still "afford" it, a little goes a long way...) A 50 ml Serum can last you 5-6 months. 

If you read the "types" of serums and moisturizers you will notice their differences between the two immediately.


Serums tend to focus on a really specific skin problems e.g. wrinkles, discolorations, renew skin, etc. If you notice, these are "deeper skin problem.

Moisturizers are, well, used for moisturizing. (for oily skin, to rehydrate dry skin) These are solving the more "surface" part of the skin. They are also meant to "protect" you from environmental/climate factors (e.g. air pollution, UV rays, dry weather, hot weather etc) which prevent your skin from being healthy.

photo credits: http://lacedinleather.com

Remember: Moisturizers are meant to seal nutrients and prevent moisture from evaporating while serums are the nutrients to replenish your skin. 

When you use Moisturizers and serums together, you are putting nutrients into your skin (which are penetrating the depths of your skin, and the moisturizer seals it, making sure the serum can work properly, while protecting your skin from dryness and climate factors which can affect the skin (e.g. pollution).

(I will make a post that talks about serums since I realized there are a lot of things that need to be covered)