The Difference Between Moisturizer and Lotion

When it comes to choosing a moisturizer, before you start poring over ingredients, check to see if the label says ‘cream’ or ‘lotion’. These two words do not mean the same thing and are definitely not interchangeable. There is a great deal of difference between a cream moisturizer and a lotion. It’s not just a marketing thing.

Let’s look at those differences.

Cream Versus Lotion Formulation

These differences between a cream moisturizer and a lotion are useful to know so you can make a better choice for your particular skin type and needs. 

• Creams are much more oil-rich than lotions. That doesn’t mean they will necessarily feel oily on your skin. Trust me, you want natural oils in your moisturizer. Less water and more oil makes creams thicker and more emollient (softening and soothing) than lotions.
• Lotions contain more water. While they may feel ‘lighter’ on your skin, the water is just filler. It’s not needed at all. Water is a poor moisturizer for skin because it just evaporates without protecting anything.
• A cream does its job for longer, especially on dry skin. The rich oils absorb gradually and deeply, whereas the water content of a lotion makes it ‘wear off’ quicker. A cream is a particularly good choice during a harsh winter or after summer sun exposure. Its thick consistency helps make more effective protection against the elements and keep your skin hydrated longer.
• Lotions are often made more for the body or parts of it (foot lotion, body lotion, sun lotion, etc.), whereas a cream moisturizer is marvelous for the face, hands, and entire body.

Avoid Water-based Lotions

It’s best to look for a moisturizer that doesn’t use water, fragrance or parabens (chemical preservatives). Not only does water not get absorbed properly by your skin, its presence in a lotion poses the risk of bacteria developing.

What Should You Look For?

A cream moisturizer that uses aloe vera as its prime ingredient is a great choice, as it offers all the beneficial properties of this wondrous plant – vitamins and minerals to give your skin deep hydration, accelerated skin cell growth, and improved tone. Water-based products are simply not in the same league.

Manuka honey from New Zealand is also an incredible ingredient that can be an integral part of a thick, effective cream. It’s one of nature’s greatest substances for skincare. Furthermore, look for a cream rich in natural oils that are proven to be outstanding for skin health, especially coconut oil, hemp seed oil, and shea butter.

Hopefully, this primer on the differences between a cream and a lotion moisturizer will help you buy the best for your skin. The bottom line is that if you need deeper, longer-lasting hydration, cream is the better choice.