Face serum, cream or oil: what’s the difference?

What each product does, how it feels and when you might choose it.

Author
Meyori
Updated
Updated 14 October 2026
Reading time
2 minute read

A serum usually targets a specific skincare need, a cream provides everyday moisture, and a face oil helps soften skin and reduce moisture loss. Choosing between them starts with what you want the product to do.

In this guide

  1. Face serum
  2. Face cream
  3. Face oil
  4. What to choose first
Daisy HydraLift Serum, an open Rose Facial Elixir Cream and Daisy Soothing Face Oil on pale stone.
Three formats from the Meyori selection: serum, cream and face oil.

Face serum

Serums are designed for different purposes, from hydration to improving the look of uneven skin tone. A serum can be useful when you want to add a particular benefit to your existing routine.

For extra hydration, Daisy HydraLift Serum is a fragrance-free option with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and daisy extract. Apply it to clean, slightly damp skin before your face cream or oil, following Manufaktura’s directions.

Face cream

A cream is a useful starting point for everyday moisturising. Most creams combine water-based and oil-based ingredients, and their balance affects whether the texture feels light or rich.

Rose Facial Elixir Cream is a nourishing option for dry or mature skin, with a rose scent. It can be used morning or evening on clean skin, avoiding the eye area.

Face oil

Face oils help soften skin and reduce moisture loss. They mainly add oils rather than water, so they have a different role from a hydrating serum.

Daisy Soothing Face Oil has a light texture and a gentle scent. Manufaktura recommends applying it to clean, slightly damp skin, usually in the evening. When using it with a serum or cream, apply the oil last.

What to choose first

Choose a cream if you need an everyday moisturiser. If you already have one you like and want more hydration, consider Daisy HydraLift Serum. If your skin feels dry and you prefer an oil texture, Daisy Soothing Face Oil can help keep it soft and supple.

Daisy HydraLift face serum by Manufaktura, 30 ml bottle beside its pink daisy box

Explore the selection

Daisy HydraLift Serum

A fragrance-free hydrating step with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

Explore the serum

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