Serums and creams both play a role in a brightening routine, but they serve slightly different purposes. A serum carries a higher concentration of active ingredients in a lighter, faster-absorbing texture, making it well suited to targeting a specific concern before the rest of your routine. A face cream combines a lower concentration of actives with a moisturising base, which makes it a simpler, single-step option, and often more comfortable for dry or mature skin that needs extra moisture alongside treatment. If you want the best of both, use a serum first on clean skin, then follow with a cream to seal in moisture and lock in the treatment. Browse our
brightening serums if you'd like a more concentrated option to layer underneath.