Moisturizer vs. Cream — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 3, 2023

Moisturizer is a skincare product designed to hydrate and prevent moisture loss; cream is a thicker, richer form of moisturizer, providing more intense hydration.

Difference Between Moisturizer and Cream

Table of Contents

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Key Differences

Moisturizer and Cream are both essential skincare products, each serving a distinctive role in skincare routines. Moisturizer primarily hydrates the skin, maintaining its natural moisture levels, and preventing dryness and dehydration. It usually has a lighter consistency and is designed to be absorbed quickly by the skin, leaving it feeling soft and refreshed.

Oct 03, 2023

Cream, in the context of skincare, is a type of moisturizer but tends to have a thicker and richer consistency due to a higher oil content. Creams are usually more hydrating and nourishing, providing a protective barrier on the skin, making them ideal for dry or mature skin types and for use in colder weather when the skin is more prone to dryness.

Oct 03, 2023

Although every cream is a moisturizer, not every moisturizer is a cream. The term "moisturizer" is a broad category that includes various formulations like lotions, gels, ointments, and, of course, creams. Each formulation has its unique texture, consistency, and suitability for different skin types and conditions.

Oct 03, 2023

Understanding the distinction between moisturizer and cream is vital for effective skincare. Choosing the right product depends on individual skin needs, preferences, and environmental conditions. For instance, individuals with oily skin might prefer a lightweight moisturizer, while those with dry skin may opt for a more nourishing cream.

Oct 03, 2023

Comparison Chart

Consistency

Generally lighter and less oily.

Thicker, richer, and more oily.

Oct 03, 2023

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Hydration Level

Provides hydration and moisture.

Offers more intense hydration.

Oct 03, 2023

Oil Content

Typically has lower oil content.

Contains higher levels of oils.

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Use

Suitable for all skin types.

Ideal for dry or mature skin.

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Texture

Can be in the form of lotion, gel, etc.

Is more dense and heavy.

Oct 03, 2023

Compare with Definitions

Moisturizer

A skincare product formulated to hydrate the skin and maintain its natural moisture balance.

Applying a good moisturizer daily keeps the skin soft and supple.

Sep 30, 2023

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Cream

Suitable for dry, mature, or sensitive skin types needing extra care.

Those with dry skin often benefit more from using a cream than a lighter moisturizer.

Sep 30, 2023

Moisturizer

Designed to prevent, alleviate, and protect against dryness and dehydration.

Use moisturizer to maintain skin's hydration levels, especially in dry weather.

Sep 30, 2023

Cream

Often used to target specific skin concerns like dryness, wrinkles, or redness.

She uses a cream to soothe her red, irritated skin.

Sep 30, 2023

Moisturizer

Can contain various ingredients like vitamins, antioxidants, and SPF to benefit the skin.

Choose a moisturizer with SPF for added sun protection.

Sep 30, 2023

Cream

Ideal for use in colder weather to prevent skin from becoming dry and chapped.

In winter, switching to a cream can help avoid dry and flaky skin.

Sep 30, 2023

Moisturizer

Essential for maintaining skin health and preventing premature aging.

Regular use of moisturizer can combat signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.

Sep 30, 2023

Cream

Cream is a dairy product composed of the higher-fat layer skimmed from the top of milk before homogenization. In un-homogenized milk, the fat, which is less dense, eventually rises to the top.

Sep 21, 2021

Moisturizer

Typically has a lightweight texture and is suitable for regular use.

She prefers a moisturizer with a light texture that absorbs quickly.

Sep 30, 2023

Cream

The yellowish fatty component of unhomogenized milk that tends to accumulate at the surface.

Sep 21, 2021

Moisturizer

Moisturizer, or emollient, is a cosmetic preparation used for protecting, moisturizing, and lubricating the skin. These functions are normally performed by sebum produced by healthy skin.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

Any of various substances resembling or containing cream

Hand cream.

Sep 21, 2021

Moisturizer

A cosmetic lotion or cream applied to the skin to counter dryness.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

A pale yellow to yellowish white.

Sep 21, 2021

Moisturizer

Something that causes moisture or a a condition of wetness; something that makes things moist.

The oil acts as a moisturizer to the wood.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

The choicest part

The cream of the crop.

Sep 21, 2021

Moisturizer

Moisturising cream, emollient.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To form cream.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To form foam or froth at the top.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To have an orgasm.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To be excited or delighted about something.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To remove the cream from; skim.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To take or remove (the best part)

Creamed off the highest-paying jobs for her cronies.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To take the best part from

Creamed the whole department to form his management team.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To beat into a creamy consistency.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To prepare or cook in or with a cream sauce.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To add cream to.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To defeat overwhelmingly

Creamed our rival on their home court.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To damage severely; destroy

My camera got creamed when I dropped it.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

Vulgar Slang To have an orgasm in (one's pants, for example).

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

The butterfat/milkfat part of milk which rises to the top; this part when separated from the remainder.

Take 100 ml of cream and 50 grams of sugar…

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

The liquid separated from milk, possibly with certain other milk products added, and with at least eighteen percent of it milkfat.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

The liquid separated from milk containing at least 18 percent milkfat (48% for double cream).

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

(tea and coffee) A portion of cream, such as the amount found in a creamer.

I take my coffee with two cream and three sugar.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

A yellowish white colour; the colour of cream.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

(informal) Frosting, custard, creamer, or another substance similar to the oily part of milk or to whipped cream.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

(figuratively) The best part of something.

The cream of the crop

The cream of a collection of books or pictures

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

(medicine) A viscous aqueous oil/fat emulsion with a medicament added, used to apply that medicament to the skin. (compare with ointment)

You look really sunburnt; you should apply some cream.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

Semen.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

(obsolete) The chrism or consecrated oil used in anointing ceremonies.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

Cream-coloured; having a yellowish white colour.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To puree, to blend with a liquifying process.

Cream the vegetables with the olive oil, flour, salt and water mixture.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To turn a yellowish white colour; to give something the color of cream.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

(slang) To obliterate, to defeat decisively.

We creamed the opposing team!

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To ejaculate used of either gender.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To ejaculate in (clothing or a bodily orifice).

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To rub, stir, or beat (butter) into a light creamy consistency.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

(transitive) To skim, or take off by skimming, as cream.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To take off the best or choicest part of.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

(transitive) To furnish with, or as if with, cream.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

(intransitive) To gather or form cream.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

The rich, oily, and yellowish part of milk, which, when the milk stands unagitated, rises, and collects on the surface. It is the part of milk from which butter is obtained.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

The part of any liquor that rises, and collects on the surface.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

A delicacy of several kinds prepared for the table from cream, etc., or so as to resemble cream.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

A cosmetic; a creamlike medicinal preparation.

In vain she tries her paste and creams,To smooth her skin or hide its seams.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

The best or choicest part of a thing; the quintessence; as, the cream of a jest or story; the cream of a collection of books or pictures.

Welcome, O flower and cream of knights errant.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To skim, or take off by skimming, as cream.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To take off the best or choicest part of.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To furnish with, or as with, cream.

Creaming the fragrant cups.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

To form or become covered with cream; to become thick like cream; to assume the appearance of cream; hence, to grow stiff or formal; to mantle.

There are a sort of men whose visagesDo cream and mantle like a standing pool.

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

The best people or things in a group;

The cream of England's young men were killed in the Great War

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

The part of milk containing the butterfat

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

Toiletry consisting of any of various substances resembling cream that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

Make creamy by beating;

Cream the butter

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

Put on cream, as on one's face or body;

She creams her face every night

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

Remove from the surface;

Skim cream from the surface of milk

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

Add cream to one's coffee, for example

Sep 21, 2021

Cream

A thick, rich skincare product providing intense hydration and nourishment.

Creams are ideal for addressing severe dryness and providing long-lasting hydration.

Sep 30, 2023

Cream

Contains a higher concentration of oils, creating a protective barrier on the skin.

A nourishing cream helps restore the skin’s natural barrier function.

Sep 30, 2023

Common Curiosities

Can moisturizer contain SPF?

Yes, many moisturizers contain SPF to provide sun protection.

Oct 03, 2023

Can moisturizer be used daily?

Absolutely, daily use of moisturizer helps maintain skin hydration and health.

Oct 03, 2023

Is cream too heavy for oily skin?

Often, people with oily skin prefer lighter moisturizers over heavy creams.

Oct 03, 2023

Is cream more suitable for dry skin?

Yes, the richer consistency of cream is often more suitable for dry or mature skin.

Oct 03, 2023

Is cream a type of moisturizer?

Yes, cream is a type of moisturizer but is thicker and more nourishing.

Oct 03, 2023

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Written by

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.