Creams Versus Lotions. Myths, facts and what is right for you
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Posted on January 13, 2025
If we start at the beginning, it can be easier to decipher the two. In skincare, a Moisturiser is a product that increases the moisture of the skin and relieves dryness. It is an umbrella term that includes the following three main types that you may be familiar with: creams, lotions and ointments. Moisturisers are made from mostly oil and water based ingredients but all commonly work to once again, lock in moisture in the skin and relieve dryness that may feel like skin tightness, flaking and look lacklustre.
Cream
A cream is richer in oil than water when compared to a lotion. Therefore the texture often feels heavier and may leave a dewy finish on the skin. Because of the richness of creams, they are ideal for use in harsher climates (think windy), or in colder and drier seasons. A common myth is that creams are only to be used on mature skin. But dryness, while more common in mature skin, can be experienced by all people. While the oil content may not be for all, if you’re after a glowing finish, creams make for the perfect under makeup primer!
Lotion
The lightweight sister to a cream, a lotion has a higher water content than oil content. What users love about a lotion is how easy it spreads and the lack of residue it can leave. However if dryness and flaking is present, a lotion may need to be layered with an oil or another hydrating product like a serum. You may wish to use a lotion during the warmer months as they may, due to the water content, feel much cooler than an oil rich cream.
Lotions are often preferred by people with naturally more oily, normal or acne prone skin. The higher water content can often mean the product is less comedogenic (less likely to clog pores)
Can I use both?
You absolutely can! A common product combination is using a lotion during the day and a richer cream at night to soothe and tame any dryness that may come about from environmental exposure like air conditioning.
Which is best?
Well, experts can agree that the best moisturising agent is the one you like to use the most especially for skin conditions like eczema. Therefore, it's your choice! If you love the feeling of a lotion but need the soothing effect of a cream, add a drop or two of a light weight oil for the soothing effect. Or if flaking is concerning you, wear a hyaluronic acid based serum and opt for a smaller portion of cream.
Creams
Pestle and Mortar Essentials Face Cream - feels like a lotion, but works like a cream. A dream for sensitive skin!
https://thelaborganics.com.au/products/the-face-cream?variant=41630929027278
Odacite Creme De La Nuit - a traditional night cream targeting dryness, fine lines and lacklustre tone. Enriched with Vitamin C to brighten and provide antioxidant support.
https://thelaborganics.com.au/products/creme-de-la-nuit-vitamin-c-ashwagandha?variant=41580812304590
Osea Advanced Protection Cream - use day time and night time to soothe and protect dry skin from harsh weather, sun and wind exposure. Ideal if you’re spending lots of time at the beach or the snow. Add an oil underneath at night to create the ultimate hydrating night mask.
Lotions
A lightweight lotion with an SPF 50 and subtle tint
https://thelaborganics.com.au/products/light-lotion?variant=42404675092686
Pestle and Mortar Hydrate - softening, hydrating and firming without clogging pores. Perfect for layering with SPF for a fresh skin look and feel
https://thelaborganics.com.au/products/the-face-cream?variant=41630929027278
References
Ridd, M. J., Wells, S., MacNeill, S. J., Sanderson, E., Webb, D., Banks, J., Sutton, E., Shaw, A. R., Wilkins, Z., Clayton, J., Roberts, A., Garfield, K., Liddiard, L., Barrett, T. J., Lane, J. A., Baxter, H., Howells, L., Taylor, J., Hay, A. D., & Williams, H. C. (2023). Comparison of lotions, creams, gels and ointments for the treatment of childhood eczema: the BEE RCT. Health Technology Assessment (Winchester, England), 27(19), 1–120. https://doi.org/10.3310/GZQW6681
Kamrani, P., Hedrick, J., Marks, J. G., & Zaenglein, A. L. (2023). Petroleum jelly: A comprehensive review of its history, uses, and safety. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 90(4). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.06.010
Lodén, M. (2005, December). The clinical benefit of moisturizers. ResearchGate; Wiley. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7498985_The_clinical_benefit_of_moisturizers
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