My life changed when I realised that skincare was all about ratios! Truthfully!
Surrounded by creams, lotions and serums all my life, which, if you're here, so were you - Did you also think these were just different names for the same products? Because I certainly did! Pick up any skincare bottle/container/tube around you, check the ingredient list, the first is usually Aqua/Water/Distilled Water, but it doesn't really feel like water right? Have you ever stopped to wonder why?
Answer - Ratios, and it's precisely those ratios that give names to different products because they truly are different from each other! The formulations completely change based on the product goal!
To make it easier for you to understand -
Lotions - Usually formulated with more water content than any other product and are considered lightweight and easily absorbed by your skin.
Creams - Generally thicker in consistency than lotions making it an ideal choice for people with dry skin on their face or body, or for use during the drier winter months.
Moisturisers - Provide intense hydration and nourishment and help skin retain moisture. Easily confused with creams which are thick liquids that help in cleansing, moisturising, softening or healing skin. (See? There is a difference even between this common misconception)
Serums - also are different from moisturisers; serums tend to be thinner with a higher concentration of ingredients and actives.
Elixirs - while they may seem very much serum-like, they're not because of how they're formulated. Thinner than serums but thicker than a toner, they’re formulated with smaller molecules that are able to penetrate deeper into the skin, making them extremely efficient. The main difference is that serums, elixirs and oils are able to penetrate the skin on a deeper level, as compared to a moisturiser that locks in hydration and protects the surface of the skin.
Oils - Meant to moisturise the skin, while a serum is meant to do a specific, specialised job. Unlike oils, serums can also be water based. Oils aren't formulated with water and are thicker in consistency, beneficial for keeping skin's barrier smooth and nourished.