Retinol Cream vs. Serum: Which is More Effective?

Retinol and the difference between retinol serum and cream

Ah, retinol. Who doesn’t know them already, right? The famous retinol has gained its popularity as an anti-aging skincare ingredient around 2019–2020. And I’m sure that some of you have already used it in your routine, and congrats on that!

Derived from vitamin A, retinol works its magic by stimulating collagen production, the foundation for youthful wrinkle-free skin, thus minimizing wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots.

Retinol promotes the turnover of skin cells, replacing dull ones with healthy ones, leading to increased elasticity, smoother texture, and a more even complexion. It can also regulate oil production and unclog pores, aiding in both the prevention and treatment of acne.

What are the differences between retinol cream and serum?

From the name itself, you can see the main difference in their texture. Retinol serum comes in the form of a liquid serum, while retinol cream comes in the form of thick and heavier cream.

• Due to the different textures, retinol serums are much more lightweight and easier to absorb rather than retinol cream. However, the thick retinol creams are usually already added with moisturizing ingredients, unlike the serum ones.
• The lightweight retinol serums are water-based, making it leaving no residue after application. The moisturizing retinol creams, however, are thick and leave residue and heavy feel after you apply them.
• For daytime use, it is not recommended to use retinol serum (especially without a decent amount of SPF!). Its high concentration in retinol could cause more irritation on your skin. You can take a peek at retinol creams if you want to go for a daytime use of retinol. There are many retinol creams specifically made for day or night use that you can try.

If you’re still confused about whether you should get a cream or serum retinol, you have to start by knowing your skin type.

Which skin types are suitable for retinol serum and cream?

To cut it short, let me just put it like this: if you have sensitive and dry skin, go for a retinol cream. The hydrating retinol cream took a longer time to get absorbed by your skin, making it work in a gentler way rather than the serum. Also, retinol creams are making a real barrier in the form of moisturizer that locks the hydration inside your skin better.

If your skin is acne-prone and oily, you should try retinol serum. The water-based retinol in the serum form contains higher retinol concentration and is suitable for oily skin. Lightweight retinol serum is a great choice if you want or have to layer it with other skincare in your routine, such as moisturizer.

If you want to treat more advanced skin concerns, such as acne, pigmentation, and deeper wrinkles and fine lines, you can opt for serums as they have higher levels of retinol and penetrate into your skin more easily.

Should I use moisturizer after applying retinol cream?

Retinol cream is a heavy thick cream that already has moisturizing agents in it, such as mineral oil. It is not convenient to layer anything more such as another moisturizer over the thick retinol cream. If you still want that heavy feel on your skin, it’s your choice.

Can I layer retinol serum and cream together?

Retinol itself can irritate your skin by promoting dull skin turnover. Combining both retinol serum and cream at once can higher your risk of skin irritation. But not all skin is the same.

If your skin has adapted to retinol, you can try to layer retinol products (serum and cream). Do your usual skincare routine, clean your face, put the lightest product first, serum, and you can top them with retinol cream. However, try to apply them in a tiny amount first to reduce the risk of skin irritation. Beware of skincare ingredients that are not suitable with retinol like vitamin C.

Summary

Retinol helps to regenerate your dull skin, making it look youthful and less wrinkled. Retinol creams are suitable for the ones with dry and sensitive skin. Retinol serums are lightweight and ideal for those with oily and acne-prone skin. But for targeting more troubled areas, you can try retinol serum as it has a higher retinol concentration.