What Is a Face Serum?

Serums are typically lightweight formulations that deliver actives. They are usually thin and absorbent, leaving little, if anything, remaining on the surface of the skin. And because they don't have a strict definition, a serum may technically be a lotion, gel, or oil.

Serums also address a variety of skin concerns, be it anti-aging, skin brightening, or acne prevention. Though they tend to be more expensive than other skincare products, they're full of potent ingredients and a little goes a long way.

What Is Moisturizer?

Moisturizers use a thicker formula to create a physical barrier that locks in hydration and prevents skin from drying out says. Additionally, they can enhance the functioning of the stratum corneum (the uppermost layer of skin that's made up of fat and oil skin cells) to help retain moisture.

Some moisturizers have added anti-aging ingredients, so they do double duty for your skin. But in order to really address a difficult skincare problem (think: sun damage), you'll want to combine your moisturizer with a quality serum. 

Face Serums vs. Moisturizers: The Key Differences

We've uncovered that serums are thinner and lighter, whereas moisturizers have a thicker, creamier consistency. But what about how they perform? 

Serums are intended to penetrate deeply into the skin to deliver targeted active ingredients, whereas moisturizers help to fortify the surface of the skin, bind skin cells together more effectively, and work at the surface of the skin to increase hydration. 

Moisturizers also have larger molecules than serums. This means that a moisturizer usually won't penetrate the skin as deeply, or as quickly, as a serum will. This can be a double-edged sword: If you're looking for strong effects, you should be relying on your serum, but if you're looking for continuous hydration, that's your moisturizer's job.

#kindTip - If your skin is oily, a serum may give you enough hydration that you won't need a moisturizer. 

Can You Use Serums and Moisturizers Together?

Dermatologists say that layering the two is really all about the products themselves, their ingredients, and your skin type. For example, layering a serum and moisturizer can be very helpful for those with very dry skin. The serum will help deliver any active ingredients, and the moisturizer will help lock in moisture in the skin, seal in the serum, and help potentiate its active ingredients.

That said, if you have acne-prone skin, it's best to avoid an oil-based serum.

How to Layer Serums and Moisturizers

When it comes to layering skincare products, order matters. In general, skin care products are layered from thinnest to thickest with the thinnest products being applied to the skin first. Serums are intended to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin and the moisturizer forms a seal to make the serums more efficacious. 

To effectively layer your serum and moisturizer, first rub the serum onto your face and neck. Then, wait for 30 to 60 seconds before applying your moisturizer on top. The reason for waiting is that you want the serum to settle in before you apply the moisturizer. 

While most serums and moisturizers are used both in the morning and evening, there are some serums or creams that should only be used at night depending on their ingredients. (For example, retinol products should only be used at night, as they can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.)

The Final Takeaway

If you have a problem with your skin that you'd like to improve, such as dark spots or early signs of aging, adding a targeted serum product to your daily skincare routine can help improve the appearance of your skin. And for those with dry skin, the right serum and moisturizer combo really can make all the difference.