There are countless types of lip care products available today. Among the most popular are lip balm and lip serum. So, what exactly is the difference between lip balm and lip serum, and which one is better?
Both lip balm and lip serum serve as lip care products. To understand their differences better, take a look at the information in this article.
What Are Lip Balm and Lip Serum?
Lip balm is a lip moisturizer designed to protect the lips from dryness. Usually, lip balm comes in solid or semi-solid form, packaged in tubes, pots, or sticks, and has a thicker texture.
Its primary function is to create a protective layer on the surface of the lips to lock in moisture while shielding them from environmental factors like cold weather, wind, or sun exposure.
On the other hand, lip serum is a lip care product that focuses more on deep hydration and intensive care. Its formula is more liquid and lightweight compared to lip balm, as lip serum is designed to penetrate into the layers of the lips’ skin.
Lip serums typically contain active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or collagen, which work to improve lip texture, reduce fine lines, and provide a plumper lip effect.
Key Differences Between Lip Balm and Lip Serum
In addition to differences in definition, these two lip care products have several other distinctions, ranging from benefits, ingredients, texture, to usage methods. Here are the differences between lip balm and lip serum:
1. Benefits of lip balm vs lip serum
Lip balm is designed to provide instant moisture to the surface of the lips, making it suitable for use when lips feel dry or chapped.
Its main benefit is to form a protective layer that maintains the lips’ natural moisture while protecting them from external factors like extreme weather, wind, or sun exposure, especially if the lip balm contains SPF.
Meanwhile, lip serum offers deeper benefits as it is formulated to penetrate the layers of the lips’ skin.
Due to its focus on long-term care, lip serum is often used as part of a nighttime routine or before applying lip balm to enhance its effectiveness.
Read more: 7 Best High-end Lip Balm Recommendations for Dry Lips
2. Ingredients
Lip balm typically uses ingredients that function to moisturize and protect the lips’ surface. Key ingredients in lip balms often include beeswax, petroleum jelly, or lanolin, which help create a protective layer on the lips and prevent moisture loss.
Unlike lip balm, the ingredients used in lip serums generally include hyaluronic acid, peptides, or collagen. Additionally, lip serums are often enriched with vitamin E or antioxidants.
3. Texture and consistency
Lip balm has a thicker texture and tends to be solid or semi-solid. This allows it to form a protective layer on the lips’ surface. The consistency of lip balm usually feels heavier and more oily.
In contrast, lip serum has a more liquid and lightweight texture, resembling a gel or thin oil. Its consistency is designed to easily absorb into the layers of the lips’ skin, providing deep hydration and effectively nourishing the lips.
4. How to use
The usage of each product depends on its purpose. Lip balm is typically used as the final step in a lip care routine, as its function is to protect the surface of the lips. You can apply lip balm at any time, especially when the lips feel dry or chapped.
Meanwhile, lip serum is used as the first step in lip care because it is formulated to penetrate the skin. Lip serum is most effective when applied to clean lips, such as after washing your face or before bed.
Read more: 7 Must-Follow Steps for a Flawless Night Skincare Routine
5. Purpose and result
The purpose of using lip balm is to provide instant protection and maintain surface lip moisture. Therefore, lip balm is more focused on prevention and daily protection. However, its effects are temporary, so it needs to be reapplied several times a day to maintain moisture.
Conversely, lip serum has a deeper purpose, aiming to improve overall lip condition and provide intensive care. The results of using lip serum are more long-lasting, especially with regular use.
Lip Balm vs. Lip Serum: Which One Is Better?
From the explanation of the differences between lip balm and lip serum above, which one is better? In fact, both have their own benefits. But their use can be adjusted based on your lips’ needs and condition.
If you’re looking for an instant solution to tackle dry, chapped lips or want to protect your lips from external factors like extreme weather or UV rays, then lip balm is the right choice.
However, if you want to provide deep care to improve your lips’ overall condition, lip serum is a better option.
So, which one do you prefer, lip balm or lip serum? Whichever product you choose, you can find it at Luxehouze Beauty.
Luxehouze Beauty offers a wide range of beauty and lip care products, all available at the best prices. Find your preferred lip balm or lip serum at Luxehouze Beauty now!
