Serum vs Moisturiser: What's the Difference and Do You Need Both?
Share
Serum or moisturiser? Many people starting a skincare routine wonder whether these are the same thing, or whether they really need both. They do different jobs, and in most routines they work as a team.
What a serum does
A serum is a light, often watery or slightly gel-like product with a concentrated mix of active ingredients. It is used to target a specific goal, such as:
- brightness and even tone,
- hydration,
- the look of fine lines.
Serums are applied in small amounts, usually a few drops, after cleansing.
What a moisturiser does
A moisturiser is usually a cream, lotion or gel that keeps skin soft and comfortable. Its main job is to hold moisture in and support the skin's surface, so skin does not feel tight or dry.
The key difference
| Serum | Moisturiser | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Targets a specific goal | Keeps skin soft and holds moisture in |
| Texture | Light, fast-absorbing | Cream, lotion or gel |
| Amount | A few drops | A coin-sized amount |
| Order | After cleansing | After serum |
Which comes first?
The general rule is thinnest to thickest. Cleanse, apply serum, then moisturiser. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.
Do you need both?
- A moisturiser is useful for almost everyone, even oily skin, which can use a light gel.
- A serum is optional but helpful if you have a specific goal, like a brighter look.
- Some products do both jobs. A rich night cream with active ingredients can act as your treatment and moisturiser at night.
Theraglam serums and creams
- Brightfix C-Serum: orange and lemon extracts, rich in vitamin C, for a brighter, more even look. Many people use it in the morning.
- Theraglow Glutathione Serum: a 30ml serum with glutathione, guava and papaya extracts, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and saxifraga extract, applied to damp skin.
- Night Repair Cream: a night cream with hyaluronic acid and retinol, made for dark circles, pigmentation, blemishes and dryness. It is non-comedogenic and applied nightly after cleansing.
A simple routine with both
Morning
- Cleanse.
- Vitamin C serum.
- Moisturiser.
- Sunscreen.
Night
- Cleanse.
- Glutathione serum on damp skin.
- Night cream.
Common mistakes
- Skipping moisturiser because you use a serum.
- Using too many serums at once. One or two is enough.
- Applying moisturiser first, which can make it harder for a light serum to spread.
- Not waiting a moment between layers. A minute is enough.
Choosing by skin type
- Oily skin: a light serum and a gel moisturiser.
- Dry skin: a hydrating serum on damp skin and a richer cream on top.
- Combination skin: serum all over, with a lighter moisturiser on the T-zone and a little more on the cheeks.
- Sensitive skin: start with a simple moisturiser only, then add one serum slowly after a patch test.
Quick questions
Can I use a serum alone on oily skin? Some people do on humid days, but most skin is more comfortable with a light moisturiser on top.
How long until I see a difference? Give any new serum about four weeks of regular use.
Not sure which products suit your skin? The Theraglam Glow Scan builds a personal skincare routine from 3 photos and a short quiz. Rs 599, one time.
Patch-test any new product on your inner arm for 24 hours first. Stop using it if you notice irritation. This article is general skincare guidance, not medical advice.