Here’s What An Eye Serum Can Do That Your Moisturiser Can’t

Right now, we’re all about simplifying our skincare routines. Gone are the days of 12-step regimes that can leave our skin more dry, damaged and stressed than when we started.

When we’re paring back on our products, it’s important to determine which ones we actually need.

Aside from a cleanser to remove dirt, oil and make-up residue, is it really essential to have both a serum and a moisturiser in your beauty arsenal?

With powerful hydrating and nourishing benefits, some beauty lovers have them on constant rotation, and for good reason: the two have different functions when it comes to achieving healthy, happy and glowing skin and often work best when used together.

Below, we breakdown whether a face serum is really an essential skincare step before adding moisturiser.

What Is The Difference Between A Serum and A Moisturiser?

Moisturisers tend to be a thicker, creamier formulations, while serums are lightweight and fast absorbing—but the real differences are more than skin deep.

The primary function of a moisturiser is to protect the skin’s outermost layer, creating a barrier on the skin’s surface to help prevent water loss and lock in hydration. For that reason, they’re usually applied as the last step in a skincare routine as a final, skin-loving ‘seal’.

Serums, on the other hand, are designed to penetrate deeply into the skin to deliver potent, active, ingredients directly to the cells. They’re formulated to target specific skin concerns like fine lines, pigmentation and firmness and are usually applied as the first step after cleansing.

When Should I Choose An Eye Serum Over A Moisturiser?

While serums and moisturisers work in partnership with each other (with one penetrating and the other protecting), there’s one place a serum might work a little more powerfully: the eyes.

Made up of more than 22 muscles and subject to almost 10,000 blinks per day, the eyes are one of the most hard-working parts of your body, with skin in this area that is twice as fine as your cheeks. This skin is particularly prone to uneven colouring and texture and is one of the first areas where the effects of ageing begin to show.

An eye serum can help repair existing damage—while helping to prevent further concerns from appearing—all in a lightweight formula packed with potent concentrations of active ingredients that is more easily absorbed by this delicate skin in the area.

Our tip? Use an eye serum to help correct and repair the area, then follow with an eye cream to seal in the powerful formulas and deliver a boost of hydration.

How To Use A Serum and Moisturiser Together

The general rule of thumb when it comes to layering products (including serums and moisturisers) is to go from “thin to thick”.

After cleansing, apply products in order of the thinnest textures to the thickest, starting with your chosen serum. Applying a serum to fresh, clean skin will also allow potent actives to penetrate more quickly into the skin for optimal performance without being inhibited by other products.

Let serums sit for around one minute before applying a moisturiser, to lock in hydration and protect the skin.

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