What are the differences between a cream, gel, serum, toner, essence, fluid, and emulsion

The differences between cream, gel, serum, toner, essence, fluid and emulsion?

What can we recognize by the names and how to choose the most suitable for us, according to our skin type, age, problem, season?

Strange, foreign names that confuse us and we don't know which to prefer. Some are so close we can't tell them apart. Often, even the saleswomen cannot explain to us the difference between one cosmetic product and another.
Let's find out exactly what is hidden in terms of content and application of the products with these unfamiliar names.

What cosmetics to choose for face and body skin care is an extremely important choice.

The range of cosmetics offered by different manufacturers is constantly increasing. In addition to traditional creams, we often see emulsions, fluids, gels and serums on the stands.

Unknown names make most of us prefer the proven and familiar means, while a small number give up the cream in favor of newly appeared products.
Don't panic, choosing the right skin care products is not difficult at all. In order to correctly choose the right product without worry, let's understand what they are and what distinguishes them from each other.

What is a cream

Let's start with this cosmetic that we are most familiar with.
When I hear the word "cream", I immediately think of "Healthy" cream...
The texture of the cream can be different: gentle and light or thicker and nutritious. Even the lightest, according to the manufacturer, are quite dense. Almost every cream contains oil in its composition and is intended more for dry, aging or parched skin. You have to be careful when using it in the heat.

When you apply this product on your face, you can feel how it covers the skin with a thin film. This effect occurs due to the presence of oil and water in the cream. These ingredients are added in varying amounts. It all depends on what type of skin the product is intended for, what season it is designed for, what tasks it performs. To find out what's more in the composition, just look at the components.

Products designed to care for dry or aging skin may contain several types of oils. Thanks to them, the product nourishes and moisturizes the skin, prevents moisture loss.

Creams for oily skin use oils in smaller amounts.

Products that contain at least 45% water are quickly absorbed, do not feel on the skin and have a lighter texture than oil-based products.

TianDe cosmetics offers a wide range of face and body creams. You may combine them into a comprehensive care program depending on the age and nature of the problem. The formulas of the means are based on the recipes of the ancient Tibetan and Altai healers, as well as on unique ingredients. To maintain their effect for a long time, the company uses innovative technologies.

What is the essence

The essence is close in consistency to a clear viscous liquid, structure like a very light gel or jelly. Usually it is a light substance that allows it to penetrate into the deep layers of the skin, saturate it with useful elements and prepare it for the subsequent application of means from the category of heavy artillery.

It is applied to the face with fingers - without cotton swabs.

The essence is a primer, a foundation that prepares the skin for the following products. Apply immediately after washing and toning.

Essentially, the essence paves the way for emulsions, serums and creams.

The list of important tasks that the essence performs includes regulating skin oiliness, nutrition and hydration. Choose the essence depending on the existing problems.

Face essence with collagen and seaweed

What is a fluid

The fluid is a light version of a moisturizing cream, i.e. "liquid cream". The weightless, liquid, gel texture is achieved thanks to the abundance of water in its composition (often glacial or thermal), as well as elements regulating the production of sebum. Most often, this product with an unusual name is used in the hot season, since it is not felt on the skin and does not clog pores. It is especially suitable for people with oily and combination skin, as well as for those who cannot tolerate even the slightest stickiness on the face.

For combination skin, the fluid is a salvation from oily shine, for oily - a winning option, suitable for use both in summer and in winter. If desired, you can choose this product with a light texture for dry and problematic skin.

Can the fluid completely replace the face cream?

It is the familiar ordinary cream, but with a light texture that is quickly absorbed. If you have oily skin, then you can safely switch to fluid cosmetics. But if you have dry epidermis, the moisturizing and relieving properties of the fluid may not be enough.

What types of fluids are there?

Fluid in the form of a gel, on a tonal basis, on a spray.

The tonal basis – fluid (generally speaking cosmetics BB/CC creams) is a product that "lies" on the face in a very thin layer. At the same time, it conceals slight skin imperfections. Its undeniable advantage is "weightlessness".

The foundation fluid will not make a "mask" of your face, it will not cause discomfort, it will not run, it will not smudge, which is perfect for the hot weather.

In the form of a non-washable spray, the fluid is most often produced for hair. According to all the rules of cosmetics with this direction, it should not make the strands heavy and in no case should create the effect of a "greasy pancake". In addition, it is not a main means of hair care, but an additional one.

In the assortment of the TianDe company, products with a fluid texture:

Eyelid fluid with sea urchin,

SS cream Fucoidan,

Regenerating and protective facial fluid Vita Derm,

Primer - moisturizing foundation for makeup Ocean Riches,

Hair fluid with argan oil

What is a gel

Cosmetics with this name are characterized by the presence of a small amount of oils in the composition. Its main component is water. It is about 80% of the composition and provides immediate absorption. The light consistency of the gel allows you to apply it at any time of the year and proceed to make-up immediately. The texture of this product does not allow sebum to accumulate on the surface, and therefore it is often chosen by ladies with oily and problematic skin. It is also suitable for owners of combination skin. With it, you can delicately take care of areas of the face that are prone to oiliness.

Those whose skin suffers from dryness is better to use the gel as an additional tool.

Depending on the composition, the product can be combined with both cream and emulsion.

Cosmetics in the form of gel in the TianDe range:

Face cream gel Aquatherapy Charm Collection,

Collagen Active face oval modeling gel

Eye gel "Effect of a radiant look" In Top

Natural gel Aloe Vera Pro botanic

Fucoidan gel concentrate for wrinkles around the eyes

Revitalizing Botoluxe anti-wrinkle gel-elixir

Botoluxe Extra Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Gel Elixir

Face gel biocomplex (anti-acne) Master herb

Anti-cellulite gel - lipolytic SPA technology

Massage gel "Ortofit" Altai Sacral (for joints and muscles)

Phytogel for legs "Slaviton" Altai Sacral (for varicose veins) and many others

What is an emulsion

Emulsions are the middle product between serums and creams. They are not as light as a serum, but not as heavy as a cream. Similarly, emulsions are not as concentrated as serums, but are more targeted than heavy creams. In two words: emulsions are lighter versions of moisturizing creams.

Unlike most heavy face creams, emulsions are usually water-based, meaning they are lighter and thinner than creams. In some cases, emulsions are available in gel or near-liquid forms, with a lotion-like texture. In general, emulsions are absorbed by the skin much faster and do not sit on the skin in the same way as some creams.

If in the cream water and oils act on the skin separately, in the emulsion they are mixed and form a new product. Mixing takes place with the help of emulsifiers added to the product composition. Thanks to them, the emulsion can penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin and act on them more effectively. This type of care cosmetics can be used for all skin types.

The fact that emulsions are lighter, water-based and easier to absorb and don't clog pores makes them attractive to people with oily skin as a way to get the hydration their skin needs without the weight and shine of a cream and without provoking the formation of acne.

Most often, the emulsion is preferred by women with problematic and oily skin. And if you live in a place that gets hot and humid, an emulsion can be a great option to keep your skin cool and light in the heat while still delivering the hydration it needs. In both heat and cold, the emulsion can be used as a makeup base.

Apply an emulsion after the serum as an additional hydrating factor, and a cream on top.

In the TianDe assortment you will find:

Strengthening and firming emulsion for face and neck Collagen Active

Zhenfei perfect rejuvenating energy emulsion

Foot Emulsion "Forest Walk" Dr.Taiga - venotonic

What is a serum

Serums are champions in the content of active ingredients and are rightly called beauty concentrates.

The amount of biologically active substances in these cosmetics is on average up to 10 times higher than in creams.

This remedy is also called essence or elixir. The concentration of nutrients in a serum is much higher than in a cream, emulsion, gel or fluid. Therefore, it is recommended to use it in small doses on the face, décolleté and neck, and yet the active components will give a quick, noticeable effect. Serums are applied in a small amount (one serving is just a few drops) after cleansing with toner and "sealed" with the main caring moisturizing agent: day or night cream with the intention of delivering powerful ingredients directly into the skin. The serum is particularly suitable for this task because it consists of smaller molecules that can penetrate deep into the skin and deliver a very high concentration of active ingredients. Such a product has a narrowly targeted effect - hydrates, renews, provides antioxidant protection, gives a lifting effect. This makes it a great tool for targeting specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, age spots, skin irritation. Goodbye signs of aging!

Depending on the composition and manufacturer's recommendations, the serum can be used in courses or permanently. Despite the high concentration, the product has a light texture. It is barely felt on the skin after application, but after only a few uses it allows you to see the result.

Serums are single-minded: unlike creams, they fight only one problem. Therefore, before you start using this product, you should decide what is more important for your skin at this stage.

The serum has a cumulative effect, and therefore the result of its use is visible even after the end of its use.

By the way, another feature of serums: at night, it is better to use those aimed at fighting wrinkles, since it is at this time that the body undergoes restorative processes. Leave the serum with antioxidants on for the day. It protects the skin from exhaust gases, dust and temperature differences.

Advantages
Easy and convenient. One capsule for single use. This means that you can easily calculate how much you need to take with you on holiday or on a trip. In addition, the serum in the capsule is in the exact amount needed for one application. So you don't have to worry about your valuable product weathering or oxidizing.

TianDe's assortment includes:

Regenerating Serum in Corrective Serum Capsules

Eye Corrective Serum oil-based, suitable for night care

Anti-wrinkle eye cream serum Charm Collection

Ocean Riches Hyaluronic Face Serum with sea urchin

Pro Visage eyelash and eyebrow growth serum

Restorative non-washable hair serum "Nourishment and strengthening of weakened hair

What is a tonic

The facial toner is a great product for thorough cleansing of the skin. It is most often used after the makeup remover and removes the last particles of makeup, dust and even cosmetics that could clog pores.

The tonic has an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition to cleaning, it protects the skin from bacteria. Water-based toners are recommended for young people because they work great on acne-prone skin.

The tonic also controls the alkaline-acidic balance of the skin, which is threatened due to various external influences, the lifestyle we lead and a bunch of other (non)dependent factors.

Tonics in the Tiande collection

What is the difference between Lotion and Toner? What should we choose?

Modern cosmetics are so diverse that it is very easy to get confused in this abundance. And if it is possible to easily deal with the choice and method of using a face cream, we often have problems with the choice of cleansing and toning agents.

In addition, the purpose of the product is not always clear. For example, what is the difference between lotion and toner, which beauticians so strongly advise to use in the skin care process?

Lotion or Tonic?

Most women skip this step in skin care because they decide to save money or they don't know exactly what function these products have and how they differ.

If you put lotion and tonic next to each other, you will immediately get confused. Some ladies use lotion instead of tonic, and tonic instead of lotion - regardless of the fact that the skin suffers from this.

What really is the difference between lotion and toner?

In reality, there is nothing complicated. Even the names of these funds speak about their properties.

The word "lotion" comes from the Latin "lotio" meaning "to wash" or "bath" and "tonic" comes from the English "tonic" meaning "invigorate, excite, stimulate."

Lotion and tonic are cosmetic essences between which it is impossible to put an equal sign. And all this because they have different purposes. Both options are ideal for daily skin care. The main thing is to observe the sequence of their use.

lotion - this is a product intended for facial skin hygiene, which is a water-alcohol solution of various active ingredients, such as herbal infusions, organic acids, vitamins.

tonic – a product used in the final stage of cleaning the skin of the face, which does not contain alcohol or contains it in a minimal amount.

LOTION

The lotion mainly cleans the skin, as it contains alcohol and other active substances, has a pronounced antiseptic and drying effect. It perfectly removes impurities, fat and dead cells from the surface of the skin, and also helps to fight certain cosmetic defects (if any): oily skin, acne, rashes, age spots and others.

The lotion should be used after completing the first stage of skin cleansing: cosmetics are removed with a special milk, washing gel or foam. The lotion helps to free the skin of everything superfluous and prepare it for the application of a nourishing or moisturizing cream.

Suitable lotions TianDe according to the skin type and its needs.

Skin type % alcohol in the lotion Suitable lotions TianDe
Dry 0% alcohol Tibetan Herbs Multifunctional Face Lotion
Fucoidan Facial Cleansing Lotion
Normal or combined 0% alcohol Tibetan Herbs Multifunctional Face Lotion
Fucoidan Facial Cleansing Lotion
Enriched face lotion with aloe In Top
Oily salicylic acid
0% alcohol
Anti-inflammatory lotion "Master Herb"
Enriched face lotion with aloe In Top

TONIC

This is a tool that should be used after cleansing the face and to complete the cleansing stage. The tonic, unlike the lotion, does not contain alcohol.

The tonic is designed to improve the condition of the skin of the face, to normalize the work of its cells, and it works a little differently - it "invigorates" the skin by refreshing, nourishing, moisturizing it and has the ability to revive tired and withered skin.

The tonic performs several other important tasks:

  • restores and balances the Ph balance of the dermis and thus reduces the risk of irritation and excessive drying.
  • additionally and completely removes the remnants of make-up and face washes.
  • has the ability to shrink pores, moisturize the skin and lightly nourish it.
  • prepares the skin and increases the effectiveness of any cream, serum or other active agents used after it.

As a care product, the tonic also contains biologically active substances, vitamins, acids, moisturizers.

Tonic should be carefully selected. It should be suitable for your skin and its needs. You can choose the tonic most suitable for your purpose: refreshing, hydrating, anti-acne, firming, nourishing, regenerating.

Lotion or Tonic? Even those of us who believe in the importance of toning don't always know exactly where it fits into our routine. For best results, apply immediately after washing your face morning and night. In fact, if your skin is still damp from cleansing, the active ingredients in the toner will penetrate more effectively. If you apply only serum and/or cream, both products will not reach the deepest layers. They will work almost only on the surface of the skin, which does not work for us.

Using lotion and toner together is the best option. The two cosmetic products lotion and tonic are complementary cosmetic preparations. A tandem that provides an effective result in daily facial care. The best option would be the consecutive use of these two means: first lotion - for cleansing, then tonic - for toning the skin.

It is recommended that the tonic and other products you use are from the same series. Tiande cosmetic series are created so that each product of a given series complements and enhances the action of another, i.e. has a synergistic effect.

For soft and silky skin choose choose TianDe cosmetic products and provide professional care for your skin!

Sequence of application

According to the rules of multi-step skin care, you should start with the lightest product and finish with the heaviest. If you want to incorporate a serum, essence, and emulsion into your beauty routine, follow these steps:

  1. clean your face of makeup and impurities;
  2. thorough cleaning by treating the skin with tonic or lotion;
  3. apply the essence and let it absorb;
  4. apply a few drops of concentrated serum on your face;
  5. then use emulsion;
  6. the final chord is a moisturizing, nourishing or mattifying cream, depending on the skin type.

We hope that this article will be useful and we will no longer get "depressed" in front of the labels of the millions of tubes and jars. We "put" the cosmetics in order, at least for now!
But if needed, you can always turn to the members of our Tiande My Love team for advice!

Read more interesting and useful articles in our Blog

You can also check out the Russian official website of Tiande