What is a serum, and how does it differ from a cream?
A serum is a product that carries active ingredients in a concentrated, lightweight base, usually water-based or gel-like; it absorbs quickly and does not leave a heavy layer behind. A cream, by contrast, is an emulsion made largely of oil and water; it sits on the surface of the skin, acting as a barrier and helping to slow the evaporation of moisture. That is why a serum and a cream are not interchangeable — they work together: the serum delivers the targeted ingredients, and the cream seals and holds them in place on top. A serum is not a skincare routine on its own; it is one layer of the routine. For a closer look at the concept, see what a serum is and what it does.
Where does a serum belong in the routine?
The general order is cleansing, then a no-rinse toner, then serum, and moisturizer or cream on top; during the day, sunscreen is added at the very end of that sequence. Serums are applied to clean, dry skin — with Water Glow Serum specifically, applying it to damp skin reduces its effect, so you should wait for the skin to dry after the toner. Quantity matters too: more product does not do more for the skin, it simply goes to waste, so following the amount recommended on the product label (two pumps, for example) is enough.
Two serums, two different focuses
Although they sit in the same category, Water Glow Serum and Shine Boost Face & Body Serum are designed for different needs. The table below compares the two serums on their key characteristics:
| Feature | Water Glow Serum | Shine Boost Face & Body Serum |
|---|---|---|
| Series | GLOW | SHINE |
| Focus | Hydrated look, everyday care | Radiant look, special occasions and evenings |
| Size / Price | 30 ml, 999 TL | 50 ml, 1,140 TL |
| Primary area of use | Face | Mainly the body (arms, legs, décolleté); can also be used on the face |
| Frequency of use | Daily | Not daily; for special occasions and evenings |
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic acid complex, ectoin, betaine, sodium PCA | Real pearl extract, niacinamide, squalane, ceramide NP |
| Note | Leaves no oily film; two pumps are enough | Contains no synthetic glitter or mica; not vegan (pearl is mollusk-derived); provides no sun protection |
Which serum for which need?
If you are looking for a lightweight serum you can use every day to support the hydrated look of your skin, Water Glow Serum is part of the GLOW series; its hyaluronic acid complex and ectoin help support the skin's moisture balance. More on hyaluronic acid is covered in a separate article.
If you want a radiant look for a special invitation, an evening event, or on body areas such as the décolleté, arms and legs, Shine Boost Face & Body Serum is the product in the SHINE series. It is not designed for daily use and does not replace sunscreen; this way of using it is explained in more detail in body glow care.
The two serums do not rule each other out: Water Glow Serum can serve as the daily hydration layer and Shine Boost as the special-occasion glow layer within the same routine. To see side by side which product answers which need, take a look at the product comparison page.