The Differences Between Lotion and Cream

Many people use lotion and cream interchangeably, but each formula has its own distinct qualities. For example, a body cream is usually formulated with half oil and half water and feels heavier on the skin than a lotion.

It’s ideal for normal or dry skin and helps prevent scaly patches. Look for hydrating ingredients like shea butter and baobab leaf extract.

Moisturizing

Moisturizers seal in skin’s natural moisture and prevent excessive transepidermal water loss. They contain humectants and occlusive ingredients that create a protective barrier and plump the skin, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. They also can contain emollients, like oils and ceramides, that fill the gaps between skin cells and soften the horny substance that holds dead skin together, explains Cleveland Clinic.

Lotions have a lower oil content than creams, so they’re better for people with oily skin or those living in humid environments. They absorb quickly and can be easily applied underneath makeup. They are Lotion/cream often formulated with skin-soothing and anti-aging ingredients, such as our Hand in Hand Sea Salt Body Lotion that is palm oil-free, vegan, and non-greasy.

Moisturizers are important for all skin types and conditions, but especially for those with dry or sensitive skin. When applied frequently, they help maintain a healthy skin barrier and protect against irritants that can exacerbate itchiness and redness. It’s best to moisturize immediately after your bath, shower or shave and at least twice a day. Many people find that they need to switch between textures, intuitively applying lighter gels and lotions in warmer weather and heavier creams and ointments as the season changes. If you have combination skin, a moisturizer with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, such as our Moisture Plus Rare Rose Face Moisturizer, can work for all seasons.

Hydrating

Keeping your skin hydrated is a must, regardless of your skin type. Everyone benefits from moisturizing, but it’s important to understand your skin’s needs and find the right product for you. There are three main types of moisturizers: lotion, cream, and ointment. Each has different properties, best skin usage, and hydration benefits.

Moisturizers help restore the lipid barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss. They also contain hydrating ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and hyaluronic acid. These hydrating ingredients increase skin’s ability to hold moisture, which can help make your skin look more luminous.

It’s important to choose the right product for your skin type and season. For instance, a lightweight body lotion is ideal for summer because it absorbs quickly and won’t leave a greasy residue. If you have oily skin, consider an oil-free lotion with a light scent to avoid clogging your pores.

Dehydration can cause your skin to appear dull, so a hydrating cream is essential for those with normal skin. Exposure to sunlight, swimming, and hot showers can strip your skin of its natural hydration. A hydrating cream can help combat this, so it’s important to use one with added antioxidants to keep your skin healthy and hydrated all year round.

Scent

The scent of a body product can fade quickly on the skin, and a lotion/cream with a higher proportion of aromatic oils helps to hold a fragrance longer. It can also be helpful to moisturize twice—first with a lighter lotion, then a cream, to lock in the scent and give it a longer life on your skin. In addition, the environment you are in can influence the longevity of a fragrance—hot and humid environments cause it to evaporate faster, while cold and dry conditions make it last longer.

Fragrance and skin type can also impact how long a fragrance lasts, with oily skin being the best at holding it. Hormonal changes can also change the way serum you smell, especially during pregnancy or menopause, when estrogen levels fluctuate wildly. Some people can become overpowered by certain fragrances during this time, while others find they smell pleasant or even attractive.

A lotion scented with your favorite perfume makes a luxurious layering experience, especially when it’s formulated to match or complement the scent you wear. For example, the Chanel No 5 Body Cream is a rich enveloping formula that pairs beautifully with the matching perfume, while the L’Artisan Parfumeur Premier Figuier Body Lotion captures the crisp scent of sun warmed green figs for an idyllic Mediterranean summer fantasy. Frederic Malle’s Iris Poudre Body Cream has a velvety texture that melts effortlessly into skin, with the sumptuous notes of tonka bean, iris and musk enveloping your senses in a sensual intimate sillage.