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woman using face serum

Face Cream vs. Face Serum: Which One Does Your Skin Really Need?

Written by: Ildiko Juhasz

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Time to read 6 min

Introduction: Are You Using the Right Skincare Products?

Walk into any beauty aisle, and you’ll find an overwhelming selection of face creams and serums promising everything from deep hydration to wrinkle reduction. But what’s the real difference? Do you need both, or can you stick to just one?


In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between face creams and face serums, how they work, and which Revoderm products will help you achieve your best skin yet.

What Is a Face Serum? The Powerhouse of Your Routine

Serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing skincare treatments packed with concentrated active ingredients that target specific skin concerns such as fine lines, dehydration, pigmentation, or acne. Unlike moisturizers, serums penetrate deeper into the skin, delivering high-performance ingredients where they’re needed most.

Key Benefits of Face Serums:

✔️ Deep Absorption: Serums have small molecular structures that allow them to penetrate deeper layers of the skin.
✔️ Targeted Treatment: They focus on specific concerns like hydration, brightening, anti-aging, or acne control.
✔️ Lightweight Formula: Perfect for layering under moisturizer without feeling heavy or greasy.
✔️ Potent Ingredients: More concentrated than moisturizers, making them more effective at delivering results.

Best Revoderm Serums for Every Skin Concern:

  • For Hydration: HA + Prebiotics Serum – A must-have for plumping, hydrating, and strengthening the skin barrier with hyaluronic acid and prebiotics.

  • For Brightening: Illuminous Antioxidant Serum – Packed with Vitamin C, peptides, and antioxidants to boost radiance and fight environmental damage.

What Is a Face Cream? The Protective Shield for Your Skin

Face creams (or moisturizers) are designed to lock in hydration, strengthen the skin barrier, and prevent moisture loss . They typically contain occlusive, emollient, or humectant ingredients that create a protective layer over the skin.

Key Benefits of Face Creams:

✔️ Seals in Hydration: Prevents water loss and maintains skin’s moisture balance.
✔️ Strengthens the Barrier: Essential for protecting against environmental stressors, pollution, and harsh weather conditions.
✔️ Provides Long-Lasting Nourishment: Offers all-day hydration , preventing dryness, flaking, or irritation.
✔️ Essential for All Skin Types: Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, face creams are a must-have.

Best Revoderm Face Creams for Your Skin Type:

Face Cream vs. Face Serum: Do You Need Both?

Many people assume they can replace one with the other, but face creams and serums serve different purposes. Ideally, you should be using both in your skincare routine for maximum benefits.

When to Use a Face Serum vs. a Face Cream:

Face Serum:

  • Best used right after cleansing and toning, before applying moisturizer.

  • Ideal for targeting specific skin concerns like fine lines, dullness, dark spots, dehydration, or acne.

  • Serums have a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that penetrates deeply into the skin.

  • Perfect for day and night use, depending on the active ingredients.

  • For hydration, use a hyaluronic acid serum like Revoderm HA + Prebiotics Serum before applying moisturizer.

  • For brightening and anti-aging, apply an antioxidant-rich serum like Illuminous Antioxidant Serum in the morning for protection against environmental damage.

  • For acne-prone skin, a salicylic acid-based serum can help unclog pores and reduce breakouts.

Face Cream:

  • Applied after serum to lock in moisture and seal all the benefits of active ingredients.

  • Works as a hydrating and protective barrier against environmental damage and water loss.

  • Provides long-lasting hydration and prevents dryness, making it essential for all skin types, especially in dry or cold climates.

  • For sensitive or redness-prone skin, use Revoderm Redness Relief Moisturizer to calm inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.

  • For anti-aging and deep nourishment, opt for the Revoderm Multivitamin Moisturizer, packed with peptides and antioxidants to smooth fine lines and improve elasticity.

  • If your skin tends to be oily, a lightweight moisturizer like Revoderm Profound Light Moisturizer is a great option to hydrate without feeling greasy.

  • Always follow up with sunscreen in the morning, like Revoderm Age Defy Mineral Antioxidant Sunscreen, to protect your skin from UV damage.

By using both serums and face creams in the correct order, you maximize hydration, boost skin health, and get the best anti-aging and protective benefits for a radiant, youthful glow .

How to Layer Your Serum and Moisturizer Correctly

To maximize your skincare routine, apply products in the correct order so they absorb effectively.

Morning Routine:

  1. Cleanser – Remove dirt and excess oil with a gentle, dermatologist-developed cleanser like Detox Facial Cleanser.

  2. Toner – Helps balance the skin’s pH before layering active ingredients.

  3. Serum – Apply HA + Prebiotics Serum to deeply hydrate and prep skin.

  4. Moisturizer – Lock in hydration with Multivitamin Moisturizer or Redness Relief Moisturizer.

  5. Sunscreen – Always finish with Age Defy Mineral Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 15 for daytime protection.

Night Routine:

  1. Cleanser – Wash away impurities from the day with Salicylic Acid Beta Cleanser (for acne-prone skin) or Detox Facial Cleanser.

  2. Exfoliate (2-3 times a week) – Use Pumpkin Enzyme Mask or Microdermabrasion Scrub to remove dead skin cells.

  3. Serum – Apply a nighttime treatment like Illuminous Antioxidant Serum or Retinol Night Cream.

  4. Eye Cream – Gently pat Retinol Anti-Aging EyeLyte Complex around the eyes.

  5. Moisturizer – Finish with Multivitamin Moisturizer to restore hydration overnight.

Common Myths About Serums and Face Creams

Myth 1: Serums Are Only for Dry Skin
Truth: Serums are for all skin types. Whether you have oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, there’s a serum designed to help.


Myth 2: Moisturizers Make Oily Skin Worse
Truth: Skipping moisturizer can increase oil production because your skin tries to compensate for lost moisture. Use an oil-free formula like Profound Light Moisturizer.


Myth 3: You Can Skip Moisturizer if You Use a Serum
Truth: Serums provide targeted treatment, but moisturizers seal in hydration. They work best together, not as substitutes.

Upgrade Your Routine for Healthy, Hydrated Skin

When it comes to serums vs. face creams , you don’t have to choose one over the other. The key is knowing their roles and using them correctly to achieve the healthiest, most radiant skin.


  • Use serums for deep penetration and targeted treatment.

  • Apply moisturizer to seal in hydration and strengthen your skin barrier.

  • Layer them correctly to get maximum benefits.

Ready to elevate your skincare game?


Explore Revoderm’s medical-grade serums and moisturizers to create a routine that delivers real results.


Shop the Best Serums and Moisturizers Today!

Ildiko Juhasz and Dr. Ken Alanen

Ildiko Juhasz + Dr. Ken Alanen, Revoderm Founders

Revoderm Pharma is a leading skincare brand dedicated to providing revolutionary, dermatologist-developed skincare solutions. Our products are meticulously crafted to offer maximum protection and skin benefits, ensuring that your skin remains healthy, glowing, and acne-free.

Our Story

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve had stubborn cystic, hormonal acne for years. Can Revoderm help with that?

Absolutely! Acne is one of the top concerns our customers have online or in our clinic. Our specialists and dermatologist will help with a customized online consult and treatment plan.

Can you help with other medical skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis?

Our private consults can help with acne, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, rosacea, and hair loss. If you suspect you have another issue, contact your local dermatologist.

Do I have to part with all of my existing skincare products?

We get it–you invested your time and money on your current skincare routine. However, in order for us to fulfill our promise to you and help you achieve your best skin possible, you must follow our recommendations, which includes products, routine, and prescriptions. We want to make sure everything you’re putting on your skin is working for, and not against, you.

If I get a topical prescription from the dermatologist, can I still use Revoderm skincare products?

Definitely! Revoderm formulas are all medical-grade and developed by a dermatologist, which means they work in harmony with Rx products. (You can’t say the same for random OTC/department store skincare.)

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