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You can now buy glutathione as a serum, a cream, a face wash, a sunscreen and more. For something that stays on your skin, most people choose between a serum and a cream. Which one suits you mostly depends on your skin type.
How are they different?
| Serum | Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Light, watery or gel-like | Thicker and richer |
| How it feels going in | Soaks in quickly | Stays on the skin longer |
| Moisturising | Low, so you usually need a moisturiser on top | Higher, and it can replace your moisturiser |
| Best for | Oily, acne-prone or combination skin | Normal, dry or mature skin |
| Best time | Morning or night | Usually night |
| Routine steps | Adds a step | Fewer steps |
When a serum is the better pick
Pick a serum if your skin is oily or breaks out easily and heavy textures bother you. It also fits if you already have a moisturiser you love, if you enjoy layering (serum, moisturiser, then sunscreen in the morning), or if you live somewhere humid.
When a cream is the better pick
A cream works well for normal, dry or combination skin, and for anyone who wants fewer steps or night-time care that also moisturises. It helps, too, if you sit in air-conditioning all day or live in a dry climate.
Is one “stronger” than the other?
Not necessarily. A serum feels more concentrated, but what counts is:
- how much glutathione is in the product
- what it's paired with (vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha lipoic acid)
- how stable the formula is, since glutathione and vitamin C can break down in air and light, and good packaging helps
- how regularly you use it
Can you use both?
Yes, you can. Layer them in this order:
- Wash your face.
- Apply the serum in a thin layer.
- Put the cream on top.
- In the morning only, finish with sunscreen, SPF 30+.
Don’t overload your skin, though. If you also use strong acids or retinoids, add new products slowly and watch for irritation.
A few tips, whichever you choose
- Do a patch test before you use it for the first time.
- Keep it somewhere cool, out of the sun, with the cap shut tight.
- Use it daily for 8 to 12 weeks before you decide whether it's working. See how long glutathione takes to work.
- Wear sunscreen every morning. Without it, any brightening product has a hard time.
Which one we'd pick for you
For oily or acne-prone skin, go with a serum and a light gel moisturiser. For normal or dry skin, a cream at night is the easier option.
For the simplest routine, a glutathione night cream at bedtime and sunscreen in the morning is enough.
No single form is the “best”. Choose the texture you'll actually use every day, because consistency matters most. For the cream route, our guide on how to use a glutathione night cream walks you through it.
From the makers of this guide
Glutanex Glutathione Night Cream
It combines glutathione and vitamin C with nourishing oils in one night-time step, ideal if you want a simple routine. See ingredients and how to use it.
Follow @glutanexofficial on Instagram
Disclosure: Glutanex is our own brand. Individual results vary.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or dermatologist before you start any supplement or treatment.
This article is for general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or dermatologist before starting any supplement or treatment. Disclaimer · Disclosure
