Do you know the difference between serums, emulsions, and cream? What’s an essence? How do you use them? What order do they go in? The Greenery Lab knows there’s a lot of options and products out there, so we put together a comprehensive list to clear up any questions!
Serums
Serums are intended to be used after cleansing your face but before moisturizing to deliver a few active ingredients to your skin. Serums are usually the thinnest formula of your routine which means they are able to penetrate deeper and dissolve faster. By applying lighter formulas, like serums, before thicker ones, like creams, the thicker formulas are able to lock in moisture over the active ingredients to keep them closer to the skin so they’re able to deliver optimal results. Available for all skin types and concerns, apply the serum all over the face and neck and layer with a moisturizer or cream over it. Use day or night, depending on which active ingredients you’re using remember to use SPF.
The Greenery Lab Product Recommendation: GoodnDoc Pore and Sebum Black Ginger Serum, LeParisien Vitamin C Skin Absolute Brightening Serum
Ampoule
We already mentioned that serums provide active ingredients to skin, right? Think of ampoules like super strong serums! Ampoules typically have the strongest concentration of active ingredients, which means they shouldn’t typically be used every day, twice a day. Maybe once or twice a week, or before special occasions for out of this world skin! Can be used in conjunction with serums, be cautious about mixing certain ingredients, or use as its own superstar skin treatment for that day. Find a formula suited best for your skin concern and pump up your routine!
The Greenery Lab Product Recommendation: LeParisien Vitamin C Dual Mixed Brightening Ampoule
Essence
Essences provide lightweight treatment, providing an in-between formula for essences and emulsions or moisturizers. Great for locking in treatments with complementary ingredients while adding a moisture barrier to prevent evaporation of products before they can fully absorb into skin. Like serums and treatments, essences aren't required to use daily but are great for the days when your skin needs a little pep in its step! Great for all skin types.
The Greenery Lab Product Recommendation: Soon Oreum Sprout Essence
Emulsions
Emulsions are lightweight, non-sticky, water-based moisturizers that helps keep skin hydrated and smooth. They are thicker than serums but thinner than a cream, perfect for using as a daytime moisturizer under makeup. Emulsions are meant to lock in the previous products applied so they are used to their greatest potential. This formula is usually preferred by those with oily skin who don’t want or need a thick formula, or for use in hotter climates or seasons. Available for all skin types, apply all over the face and neck after applying serum.
The Greenery Lab Product Recommendation: Soon Oreum Sprout Emulsion, GoodnDoc Pore & Sebum Black Ginger Emulsion
Creams
Moisturizing creams are typically the last step in skincare routines. They are the thickest consistency of almost all skincare products so best used to lock in treatments and provide a barrier for outside irritants. Creams provide the most intense moisture and hydration for your skin. Available for all skin types, apply cream all over the face and neck after use of skin treatments.
The Greenery Lab Product Recommendation: GoodnDoc Centella Repair Cream, Soon Oreum Sprout Cream
Each product takes care of your skincare needs in different, but effective ways. Now that you know how to use them, go forth and utilize these important products in your routine! Let us know which products work best for you and any tips and tricks you like to utilize in the comments below!
