Eye Serum Vs Eye Cream: What’s The Difference

Are you looking for an eye care choice for your skin care routine and can’t decide between an  eye serum vs eye cream? In this article, we will reveal the differences in texture, ingredients, application times, and skin type suitability between these two products. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in choosing the right product for the delicate eye area, aligning with both your skin’s needs and your natural skin care preferences.

What Is An Eye Cream?

Eye creams are a special type of moisturizer made for the delicate skin around your eyes. It’s thicker than your usual face lotion and helps to keep the area moisturized, temporarily eases puffiness, and makes the look of fine lines and dark circles less visible. These activated creams often have nourishing ingredients like CoQ10, cucumber extract, peptides and vitamins to care for this delicate part of your face.

What Is An Eye Serum?

Eye serums are a lightweight skin care product designed to hydrate the delicate eye area. Like its counterpart, it’s also packed with concentrated activated ingredients, like plant-derived stem cells, ceramides, vitamins, and peptides, targeting specific concerns such as the look of deep lines, dark circles, and puffiness. The serum’s thin texture allows for deep penetration, offering targeted application that’s ideal for those seeking potent, focused eye care solutions.

What Is Difference Between An Eye Cream And An Eye Serum

The main difference between an eye cream and an eye serum lies in their formulation and purpose. Eye serums are usually lighter and more fluid. They’re packed with a high concentration of activated ingredients that penetrate deeply into the skin to target specific concerns like the look of wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. Eye creams, on the other hand, are also activated, but offer more moisturization, are typically thicker in texture, and help to soften and nourish the skin around the eyes.

Texture

Serums are generally thinner and absorb fast, making them feel almost invisible on the skin. Creams are heavier, offering a layer of moisture that stays on the skin longer.

Ingredients

While both serums and creams might share some ingredients, serums usually have a higher concentration of actives like:

• Plant-derived stem cells:  To soothe and protect long-term
• Peptides:To reduce look of puffiness and retexturize sensitive eye area
• Caffeine:To soothe feelings of puffiness
• Hyaluronic acid:To plump skin

Eye creams contain actives too, but with more moisturizing elements like:

• Plant cells: To firm and decrease the appearance of crow’s feet
• Cucumber extract: To cool and tame sensitivities
• Mango seed butter: To moisturize and deliver antioxidants
• CoQ10: To protect skin against environmental stressors

Time To Apply (AM/PM)

You can use an eye serum and eye cream in the same skin care session, starting with the eye serum first (after your facial serum). Follow with the eye cream, and seal it all in with your facial moisturizer.

However, since these eye products are both activated, you can also choose to use them in different skin care sessions. Because serums have a lighter texture, apply this in the morning after cleansing, toning, and applying your facial serum, as well as before applying your facial moisturizer, sunscreen, or makeup. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly without disruption.

Then, in your PM routine, apply your eye cream at night,, allowing the deeply moisturizing properties to work as you sleep. 

Skin Type

If your skin is oily or combination, a light eye serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and fruit ceramides is often the best choice. Avoid richer creams with heavier ingredients. 

For those with dry or aging skin, a more moisturizing cream with plant cells can provide essential nourishment.

Eye Care Products By Concern

Your specific eye area concerns should guide your choice. Serums are great for targeted applications for reducing dehydration and the look of deep wrinkles, while creams, alongside targeting the look of crow’s feet and other signs of wear, provide ample moisture  moisturization and reduce the look of puffiness.

Which Is Better – Eye Serum Or Eye Cream?

Choosing between an eye cream and eye serum depends on what you need for your eyes, what your preference is for product texture, and your skin type. If you are wanting to address the look of dark circles or fine lines, consider an eye serum, which is a good choice for anti-aging care. These serums are made to target specific concerns with powerful ingredients that really get into the skin.

If you have drier or more mature skin, want a more emollient product for conditioning and nourishment, then an eye cream may be a better fit. Eye creams are thicker and great for keeping your skin moist and smooth.

Then, you’ll also want to consider your skin type. If your skin is sensitive, an eye cream may apply gentler and less likely to irritate your skin. But if you have oily skin, you might prefer an eye serum. They’re lighter and can help stop your skin from looking too shiny.

You can also use both an eye cream and an eye serum.  Adding both products can work wonders in an anti-aging routine, as it addresses both hydration and moisturization needs of the eye area.

This works well for a lot of people. If you do this, use the eye serum first. It’s lighter and soaks into your skin fast. Then put on the eye cream. This helps keep in all the good stuff from the serum and adds more moisture from the cream.

Conclusion

The choice between an eye serum and eye cream depends on your specific needs and skin type. In general, serums contain more concentrated activated ingredients targeting particular concerns, while creams focus more on long-lasting nourishment and moisturization.

Some common active ingredients found in eye serums:

• Ceramides: Restores and fortifies for a firmer look
• Peptides: Reduces look of puffiness
• Hyaluronic acid: Immense hydration

Some common hydrating ingredients found eye creams:

• Cucumber Extract: Cooling and soothing
• Plant cells: Firms and tightens
• Herb-infused oils: Softens and protects

If diminishing the look of fine lines is your primary aim, an anti-aging eye serum (like our Fruit Ceramide Eye Serum) may be the best option. But if dryness is your main concern, choose a rich, moisturizing eye cream instead.

For a double duty approach, apply the serum first to address specific concerns, then lock it in with an eye cream to boost moisture retention. This comprehensive strategy gives your eye area the specialized care it needs, keeping signs of aging and fatigue at bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use An Eye Serum and An Eye Cream Together?

Yes, you can use both an eye serum and an eye cream together for comprehensive eye care. Apply the serum first for its targeted application, then follow with the cream to lock in moisture and nourish the skin further.

How Often Should I Use An Eye Cream or Eye Serum?

You should typically use an eye cream or eye serum twice daily, in the morning and at night. Consistent use is key to achieving and maintaining optimal results.

How Long To Wait Between Using An Eye Serum and An Eye Cream?

After applying your eye serum, wait about one minute or so for it to absorb fully before applying your eye cream. This allows the serum to penetrate the skin effectively before adding the moisturizing layer of the cream.

How Should I Store Eye Serums and Creams?

It’s important to store any eye care products properly to preserve potency. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Make sure containers are sealed tightly and hands are clean before use. Look for products that use darker bottles (like miron violet glass) to help prevent oxidation.