Comparisons
Face moisturiser: cream, lotion or gel?
Ingredients matter, but texture matters too. The same moisturiser can be perfect for one skin and far too heavy for another. The simple rule: the drier the skin, the richer the moisturiser.
The difference at a glance
| Texture | How it feels | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Cream | Rich and nourishing | Dry skin, and in winter |
| Lotion | Medium and absorbs quickly | Normal and combination skin |
| Gel or gel-cream | Very light and refreshing | Oily skin, and in summer |
| Balm (Baume) | Very rich | Irritated or very dry areas |
Quick reviews of well-known moisturisers
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
Cream with ceramides and hyaluronic acid
- Suits
- Very dry skin on face and body
- Texture
- Thick and rich
- Stands out for
- Fragrance-free, for face and body
- Watch out for
- May feel heavy on oily skin
CeraVe Moisturising Lotion
Lotion with the same ingredients as the cream
- Suits
- Normal and combination skin
- Texture
- Lighter than the cream
- Stands out for
- Absorbs quickly and suits daily use
- Watch out for
- May not be enough for severe winter dryness
Vichy Minéral 89
Hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid
- Suits
- All skin types, as a step before moisturiser
- Texture
- Light liquid
- Stands out for
- Adds hydration without heaviness
- Watch out for
- Not a replacement for moisturiser on dry skin
Bioderma Atoderm
Range for very dry skin
- Suits
- Dry and sensitive skin, and children too
- Texture
- Cream or balm, depending on the product
- Stands out for
- A complete range from cleanser to moisturiser
- Watch out for
- Choose the product labelled for face or body, depending on your use
Avène Hydrance
Moisturisers in two textures: light and rich
- Suits
- Sensitive skin that needs hydration
- Texture
- Légère is light, Riche is richer
- Stands out for
- The same range in two textures, so you choose for your skin
- Watch out for
- Check the texture before you buy
Availability varies between branches. Send the product name on WhatsApp before you come, and the pharmacist will tell you what's in stock and a suitable alternative.
Which one should you choose?
- Dry skin: a cream, perhaps with a hyaluronic serum underneath.
- Oily skin: a light, oil-free gel or lotion. Don't stop moisturising.
- Combination skin: a lotion all over, or a gel on the oily zone and a cream on the cheeks.
- Sensitive skin: fragrance-free with few ingredients, and patch-test on a small area first.
You can change texture with the seasons: richer in winter, lighter in summer.
Need a pharmacist's opinion? Call us or send a WhatsApp message. Our branches in Tanta and Kafr El-Zayat are open 24 hours.
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