Is There a Difference Between Emulsions and Serums?
Kaleigh Fasanella
Beauty Expert
2 min read
Discover everything you need to know about emulsions and serums here.
People who are invested in their skincare spend countless hours searching for products that will yield the desired results and offer them long-term results, such as emulsions and serums. These two boast powerful formulas with multiple benefits, most notably providing hydration to the skin and strengthening the skin barrier. Now, the question is how do these two differ? If you’re wondering whether to include both in your skincare routine, keep reading!
Emulsions can be best described as lightweight, water-based elixirs that contain oil and several emollients to help the skin lock in hydration and minimise water loss, much like a moisturiser. However, unlike moisturisers, emulsions are featherlight and have a fluid, milky consistency for instant absorption into the skin. Emulsion skincare works by giving the necessary moisture to the skin and locking it in to reduce the likelihood of moisture and hydration loss. This is highly beneficial for the skin barrier.
Facial serums are lightweight, highly concentrated products with active ingredients specifically created to target certain skin concerns. These include, but are not limited to, dehydration, hyperpigmentation, dullness and ageing. Face serums also have a more fluid and liquid consistency with a watery or gel-like texture, although there are some exceptions. Serums have endless benefits, especially for people who are looking for sustainable benefits that extend beyond hydration. The best face serum for you can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve skin conditions after sun damage. They immediately sink into the skin, which makes them even more beneficial.
According to Dr Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, “Emulsions tend to be thicker than serums and are primarily designed to hydrate the skin. Serums tend to be lightweight and more concentrated formulations containing key active ingredients such as antioxidants.”
When it comes to your skincare routine, serums are applied quite early on, typically after cleansing and before moisturising. Emulsions, on the other hand, are applied as the last step or right before your moisturiser.
Understanding that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to skincare, the answer to this depends on your skin type and personal preference, but this is how we do it at fresh:
Highly recommended is our new Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Emulsion, which can be beneficial for anyone looking for a weightless super-hydrator that softens, plumps and balances the skin. Containing rosewater, damask rose, low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid and yarrow extract, it’s able to instantly penetrate the skin for better results. It’s suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, and works to make the skin more predictable with daily use.
Another great hydrating serum option is the Rose Deep Hydration Oil-Infused Serum, enriched with squalane and rosehip oils. Boasting multiple benefits, this elixir has an innovative bi-phase technology that combats moisture loss, strengthens the skin barrier and soothes irritation. These make it ideal for anybody with dry or sensitive skin.
Those with oily skin can turn to our Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum. It works to minimise large pores, making it arguably the best serum for face care for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It’s been proven to visibly improve the skin’s resilience by approximately 62%.* It’s enriched with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, as well as our exclusive Adaptive Phytocompound Tea (APT) Technology™ for added antioxidant protection.
Regardless of what your skin concerns are, there's a fresh product to give you the nourishment and hydration you desire, helping you enjoy radiant skin throughout the seasons. Explore our range of skincare, bodycare and gift sets to see an improvement in your skin with regular use.
*observed results, clinical study, self-assessment by scoring, 33 subjects, 8 weeks, based on an average of smooth, visible lines, look of pores, bounce (plump & elasticity), and glow
Kaleigh is a New Jersey-based beauty and wellness writer and editor with a decade of experience contributing to both digital media outlets and brands. Before going freelance, she held positions at Allure, Teen Vogue, and Bustle Digital Group. Having a rare genetic skin condition, she's particularly passionate about normalizing all types of skin and spreading the notion of skin acceptance.