Can I skip moisturizer and use serum alone? I’m a minimalist. When it comes to skincare, I truly think that less is more, so of course I’d ask this question. Like, why pay twice for the same moisturizer just because one jar is labelled “face” and the other “eye”? Insane. I thought serums were like that. Super lightweight moisturizers. Why bother?
Then, I gave them a go and was blown away. Turns out, serums are the workhorses of skincare. They’re packed with actives that lighten your skin, fight your wrinkles, and give you a dewy glow. Moisturizers have all these goodies, too. But, they’re barely sprinkled in there. That means they work way more slowly.
So, little scrooge me started to think, “Maybe I should ditch my moisturizer instead? Use just the serum and get the same results twice faster? And save some money too so I can buy myself a new Kate Spade wallet?” Turns out, that’s a bad idea, too. For most people anyway. Here’s the full answer on whether you can skip moisturizer and use serum alone:
What’s The Difference Between A Serum And A Moisturizer?
Here’s what people get wrong about serums vs moisturisers. They think moisturiser is just the “hydrating” step and serum is the “treatment” step and that’s the end of the story. Nope. That’s like saying coffee and oat milk do the same thing because they’re both in your latte. They’re both part of your routine, but they’ve got totally different jobs.
Let’s start with the serum. This is the overachiever. The one with a higher concentration of actives. Vitamin C to brighten, retinol to smooth, niacinamide to shrink your pores, peptides to firm, hyaluronic acid to hydrate… it’s all packed in there. And it’s made to go deep. That’s why the texture’s so thin and watery. It’s designed to sink into your skin fast and get straight to work.
Moisturiser is the friend who shows up with snacks after your big breakdown. It doesn’t have to be flashy. It just needs to seal in the good stuff and stop your skin from losing it all ten minutes later. That’s why good moisturisers have a mix of:
- Humectants: pull water into the skin to hydrate it
- Emollients: make your skin soft and flexible
- Occlusives: lock it all down so the moisture doesn’t vanish into thin air
No, moisturisers don’t always contain tons of actives. But that’s not their job. Their job is to make sure your face doesn’t dry out, flake off, or scream at you when the heater’s on full blast. Even when they contain a little Vitamin C or a dash or retinol, it’s probably just there for marketing. You’re not getting major results from it. Just a little boost.
Who Can’t Use Serum Alone?
There’s a reason why serums are packed with actives. They’re designed to target one specific skin concern, like wrinkles or dark spots. Moisturizers are different. They’re meant to improve your skin’s moisture levels and strengthens its natural protective barrier.
Here’s the deal: your skin has a shield that keeps water in and germs out. But cold weather, hot water, UV rays, and harsh skincare products can damage it, leaving tiny holes all over it. Moisture gets out. Germs get in. Your skin gets all dry, flaky and irritated.
Enter moisturizers. They patch up the skin’s protective barrier so moisture stays firmly in and germs firmly out. Serums can’t do this. They often don’t have ceramides, fatty acids, and all the other stuff that helps moisturizers strengthen your skin’s shield.
Yep, some serums ARE hydrating. But, more often than not, they can only draw water into your skin. They can’t seal it in. You need a moisturizer for that, especially if your skin is dry or sensitive. Also worth noting: some active ingredients in serums (like retinol or acids) can weaken your skin barrier if used too often or without backup. So if you’re using those without a moisturizer, you’re basically turning your face into a flaky science experiment.
Verdict: Serum is your problem-solver. Moisturiser is your safety net. You can’t swap one for the other. And unless your skin is naturally oily and perfectly balanced, you probably need both. Even if you don’t feel dry. Even if it’s summer. Even if your serum says “hydrating” on the label.
Related: Dry Skin? Here’s What Your Moisturizer Should Contain
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Who Can Use Serum Alone – Without Moisturizer?
What if your skin’s strong enough on its own? If you have normal or oily skin, chances are your skin’s protective barrier is perfectly intact. It can keep water in and germs out on its own. So, do you still need a moisturizer? Only your skin can answer that.
I have dry cheeks and, if I skip a moisturizer there, my skin will let me know it’s not happy. It feels tight. Uncomfortable. If I don’t fix it fast, it may even start to flake. At night, moisturizer is a must. I use retinol and glycolic acid, two anti-aging superstars that can be drying. My skin needs the extra moisture to put up with them. But, in the morning on my oily t-zone? Well, there are days in summer when I can get away with skipping moisturizer there. My skin doesn’t feel any worse for it.
Also, some moisturizers are just… bad. If you’re using a heavy, greasy cream that clogs your pores, no wonder you’re tempted to skip it. That’s not a sign to ditch moisturizers altogether. That’s a sign to get one that actually fits your skin type. Light gel-based moisturizers, for example, are perfect for oily skin because they hydrate without suffocating your face.
Verdict: So, experiment. If your skin’s happy with serum alone, you can skip moisturizer. But only a lucky few with normal and super oily skin can get away with this, in my experience. So, don’t be too disappointed if your skin needs both.
Related: How To Care For Oily Skin
What If You Use A Moisturizing Serum?
Some serums are loaded with humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, and brands will market them as “hydrating enough on their own.” But here’s the trick: humectants pull water into your skin, not seal it in. So unless you live in a place with 99% humidity or your skin’ is super oily’s barrier is perfectly intact, that moisture will just evaporate into the air without a barrier on top. Moisturizing serum = helpful. Moisturizing serum + moisturizer = gold standard.
Can You Use Serum Over Moisturizer Instead?
Nope. I know someone on TikTok probably said it’s the “new hack,” but serums go on before moisturizer for a reason. They’re thinner, designed to sink deep into the skin and deliver those active ingredients right to the source. Moisturizers are thicker and sit on top to lock everything in. Flip the order, and your serum can’t do its job. It’s like trying to water a plant through a plastic bag.
The Bottom Line
Although they sometimes share the same ingredients, serums and moisturizers aren’t the same thing. Serums target specific skin concerns, while moisturizers strengthens your skin’s protective barrier. Unless your skin is oily or in perfect condition, it needs both.
Stop wasting your time and money on stuff that doesn’t work. Click on the image below to download “Skincare That Works” and finally get your best skin day – every day.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
