Comparison
Cream vs lotion: which moisturizer do you need?
Creams are thicker and richer; lotions are thinner, lighter and spread easily. Dermatology sources agree that creams (and ointments) moisturize better, so they suit dry skin, while lotions suit normal to oily skin, large or hairy areas and humid weather. Many people do best using both.
In the cream vs lotion choice, choose a cream if your skin is dry, tight, flaky or eczema-prone, if it is winter, or if you need moisture to last through the night; the AAD says creams and ointments add more moisture and work better than lotions. Choose a lotion if your skin is normal to oily, if you are covering large or hairy areas such as legs and arms, or if heavy textures make you break out or feel greasy. Texture is only half the story: look for humectants such as glycerin, barrier lipids such as ceramides, and an occlusive such as petrolatum or dimethicone in either format.
- Creams contain more oil and less water than lotions, so they seal in moisture longer and suit dry skin.
- Lotions spread easily and feel lighter, which suits oily skin, hot weather and large areas of the body.
- You can mix them: lotion by day and cream at night, or lotion on the body and cream on dry patches.
At a glance
Cream vs lotion: side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Cream | Lotion |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Thicker mix of oil and water, often in a jar or tube | Thinner, more watery mix, usually in a pump bottle |
| Best for | Dry, very dry or eczema-prone skin; winter; night | Normal to oily skin; large or hairy areas; summer; daytime |
| Evidence | AAD and DermNet both rank creams as more moisturizing than lotions | The NHS calls lotions easy to spread but not very moisturizing |
| Irritation | Low for most; very rich creams can feel heavy on acne-prone skin | Low for most; check for fragrance if you sting easily |
| Pregnancy | Neither texture is a concern in itself. Our pregnancy skincare guide recommends a fragrance-free moisturizer suited to your skin; check for retinoids in “anti-aging” formulas. | |
| Practical notes | A little goes further; takes longer to absorb | Quick to apply over big areas; reapply more often on dry skin |
| Use together? | Yes. Lotion by day and cream at night, or lotion on the body and cream on hands, elbows, shins and dry facial patches. | |
The basics
What is the difference between a cream and a lotion?
Both are emulsions, meaning mixtures of oil and water held together. The main difference is the ratio: lotions contain more water, so they are thinner and spread easily, while creams contain more oil, so they are thicker and leave a more protective film behind.
That film matters. Moisturizers work in three ways, as DermNet explains: humectants draw water into the skin (for example glycerin), emollients soften by filling gaps between skin cells, and occlusives such as petrolatum and dimethicone form a water-repelling layer that slows water loss. A cream can carry more of the oily, occlusive ingredients, which is why it tends to keep skin moisturized for longer.
DermNet ranks formulations from most to least occlusive as ointments, then creams, then lotions. It notes that creams absorb faster than ointments and suit broad areas, while lotions are often used on hairy areas or for mild dryness. The NHS similarly describes lotions as thin and easy to spread but not very moisturizing, and creams as less greasy than ointments and good for daytime.
Where gels fit: gels and gel-creams are even lighter than lotions and usually oil-free. Our gel vs cream moisturizer comparison covers that choice.
Who should use which
Is cream or lotion better for your skin type?
Cream
The AAD says creams and ointments add more moisture and work better than lotions for dry skin. Apply to damp skin right after bathing. More in our dry skin guide.
Lotion
A light, non-comedogenic lotion hydrates without heavy oils. Very rich creams can feel greasy and may clog pores in some people. See the oily skin guide.
Either, by season
Lotion in warm, humid months and cream in cold, dry months works for many people; see normal skin. Combination skin may want lotion on the T-zone and cream on dry cheeks.
Cream or ointment
Richer formulas protect the barrier better, and the AAD advises people with rosacea to choose a cream over a lotion or gel. Choose fragrance-free products; the NHS says lotions suit hairy or weeping skin, so follow your clinician’s advice during flares. See eczema.
Not sure whether your skin is dry or just dehydrated? They need slightly different fixes; see dry vs dehydrated skin.
Beyond texture
What to look for in a cream or lotion
Look for
- Humectants: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea (low strengths), lactic acid.
- Barrier lipids: ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids.
- Occlusives: petrolatum, dimethicone, mineral oil, shea butter.
- “Fragrance-free” if your skin reacts easily.
- “Non-comedogenic” if you are acne-prone.
Be careful with
- Fragrance and high levels of drying alcohol, which the AAD advises avoiding on dry skin.
- Aqueous cream as a leave-on moisturizer; the NHS no longer recommends it because its sodium lauryl sulfate can irritate skin.
- Retinoids in “night creams” if you are pregnant.
- Heavy creams on acne-prone areas if they cause new bumps.
A good example of a well-built cream is the formula we analyze in our CeraVe Moisturizing Cream review, which combines a humectant, ceramides and petrolatum. For a full buying checklist, see how to choose a moisturizer.
Using both
Can you use cream and lotion together?
- Split by time of day
A lotion under sunscreen in the morning, a cream at night. The NHS suggests combining types, such as a lighter product by day and a richer one at night.
- Split by body area
Lotion for legs, arms and back; cream for hands, elbows, knees, heels and dry facial patches. Thin, crinkly skin on the arms or neck often likes a cream; see crepey skin.
- Split by season
Switch to a cream when heating comes on and air gets dry; our winter skincare routine shows how.
- Apply on damp skin
Whichever you use, apply right after washing or bathing, while skin is still slightly damp, as the AAD advises.
- Use enough, often enough
DermNet notes most of a moisturizer’s benefit comes in the first six hours, so dry skin may need two or three applications a day.
Safety and professional-help boundaries
When dryness needs more than the right texture.
- If skin stays dry, cracked or itchy despite regular moisturizing, see a dermatologist; the AAD notes persistent dryness can signal an underlying condition.
- Weeping, crusted or infected skin needs medical advice before you apply any moisturizer.
- If a cream or lotion causes burning, redness or a rash, stop it; you may be reacting to fragrance or a preservative.
- Keep emollient-soaked clothing and bedding away from flames and cigarettes; the NHS warns they can catch fire easily.
- In pregnancy, both creams and lotions are fine in themselves; avoid retinoid-containing products and check new products with your clinician.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to common questions
Is cream or lotion better for dry skin?
Cream is usually better. It contains more oil and less water, so it seals in moisture longer, and the AAD says creams and ointments work better than lotions for dry skin.
Is lotion or cream better for oily skin?
Lotion, or an even lighter gel-cream, usually suits oily skin better. It hydrates without leaving a heavy, greasy film. Look for non-comedogenic on the label.
What is the difference between face cream and body lotion?
Body lotions are made to spread quickly over large areas and may contain fragrance or ingredients that suit thicker body skin. Face creams are usually formulated for more delicate, often more reactive skin, so use body lotion on your face only if it is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
Can I use body lotion on my face?
You can if it is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and does not sting. Many body lotions contain fragrance or exfoliating acids that can irritate the face, so check the label first.
Is cream more moisturizing than lotion?
Generally, yes. Dermatology sources rank ointments as most occlusive, then creams, then lotions. The exact ingredients still matter, so a well-formulated lotion can beat a poorly formulated cream.
Should I use cream or lotion in winter?
Most people do better with a cream in winter, when cold air and indoor heating dry skin out. You can switch back to a lotion in warmer, humid months.
Can I use both cream and lotion?
Yes. Many people use a lotion during the day and a cream at night, or a lotion on the body and a cream on dry patches such as hands, elbows and heels.
Is cream or lotion better for eczema?
Richer formulas, creams or ointments, usually protect eczema-prone skin better. During a flare, follow your clinician’s advice; the NHS notes lotions can suit weeping or hairy areas.
Do creams clog pores more than lotions?
Rich creams are more likely to feel heavy on acne-prone skin, but it depends on the ingredients, not just the texture. Choose non-comedogenic products and watch for new bumps.
Editorial Record
- Editorial status
- awaiting expert review
Related pages
Continue from here
Sources reviewed
Evidence behind this comparison
- American Academy of Dermatology: Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin.
- DermNet: Emollients and moisturisers.
- NHS: Emollients.
- American Academy of Dermatology: Rosacea skin care tips dermatologists give their patients.
Sources support the general editorial guidance shown here. They do not replace personal medical advice from a qualified clinician.