Difference Between Retinol Cream and Serum

With the wide range of beauty products currently available, choosing the right product can be quite confusing. Retinol, for instance, is packed with amazing skin benefits, among them anti-aging properties. It can, however, be confusing as it is available in different strengths and forms including retinol serum, retinoic acid, retinol cream and pro-retinol.

While the right retinol product depends on the skin type, many people may not have this knowledge hence end up using the wrong product. Among the most confusing forms of retinol are retinol cream and retinol serum. Although both have retinol as the base product, they are different in various ways.

What is Retinol Cream?

This is a vitamin A metabolite in a cream form used to treat skin conditions such as acne while also acting as an anti-aging product. Retinol cream has added moisturizers such as mineral oil or petrolatum as additives which may clog the skins pore. This, however, makes it ideal for dry sensitive skin. Side effects of retinol cream include skin peeling, irritation, increase and acne, and dryness. This is however normal in the initial stages of this product use.

What is Retinol Serum?

This is a water-based vitamin A metabolite in serum form used to treat skin conditions such as acne while also acting as an anti-aging product. Retinol serum is popular for its amazing skin benefits and also its high levels of the active ingredients. If used sparingly, retinol serum is light and does not leave a residue after use. However, using too much of the product may leave one feeling uncomfortable, and may not blend well with makeup. The serum is ideal for oily skin or for persons who prefer to use a separate skin moisturizer.

Similarities between Retinol Cream and Serum

• Both are retinol-based products
• Both have amazing skin benefits
• Both have similar side effects with initial use
• Both are for external use only

Differences between Retinol Cream and Serum

Definition

Retinol cream is a vitamin A metabolite in a cream form used to treat skin conditions such as acne while also acting as an anti-aging product. On the other hand, retinol serum is a water-based vitamin A metabolite in serum form used to treat skin conditions such as acne while also acting as an anti-aging product.

Ideal skin type

Retinol cream is ideal for dry skin. On the other hand, retinol serum is ideal for oily skin.

Active Ingredients levels

While retinol cream has lower levels of the active ingredients, retinol serum has higher levels of the active ingredients.

Moisturizers content

Retinol cream has moisturizers such as mineral oil or petrolatum which makes it ideal for dry skin. On the other hand, retinol serum is water-based hence ideal for oily skin.

After-use residue

Retinol cream is not light on the face and may produce a residue after use. On the other hand, retinol serum is light and does not leave a residue after use.

Form

While retinol cream is in cream form, retinol serum is in serum form.

Retinol Cream vs. Serum: Comparison Table

Summary of Retinol Cream vs. Serum

Retinol cream is a Vitamin A metabolite in cream form and is ideal for dry skin. On the other hand, retinol serum is a Vitamin A metabolite in serum form and is ideal for oily skin. With the help of a dermatologist, it should be easy to pick the product that works well for an individual.

While it is normal to get slow or no results from either of the products, the good news is that it is easy to switch to the other product. It is also normal to experience side effects with initial use, a process referred to as retinization. Despite retinol serum having higher levels of the active ingredients as compared to retinol cream, both work well when used consistently.

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