Skincare Products You Think Are The Same But Are Different

When walking down the skincare aisle of a store, you can be greeted by varying forms of cleansers and different textured creams. What's the difference between cleansing balms and cleansing oils? How about serums and ampoules? We're here to help you distinguish between these types of products and guide you to what works best for you!

Cleansing Balms vs. Oils

Oil-based cleansers come in two forms: cleansing balms and cleansing oils. What differentiates a cleansing balm and a cleansing oil is the packaging and the texture. 

Cleansing balms are oil cleansers in a solidified form. Most cleansing balms are packaged in a jar or tub and come with a spatula for hygienic purposes. When using a cleansing balm, scoop out some of the product, warm it up in your hands, and massage it into your face. Its rich and creamy texture will melt into your skin and remove skin impurities. 

Typically packaged in a pump bottle, cleansing oils are in a liquid form. They can be described as both light and heavy in consistency, depending on the type of texture. With 2-3 pumps of cleansing oil, you’ll be able to deeply cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils. When washing off the cleanser, the oil then emulsifies into creamy milk. 

For those who are concerned with being able to fully remove makeup and sunscreen, a cleansing balm’s gritty texture can help thoroughly get rid of excess impurities. 

The I’m From Fig Cleansing Balm is a cleansing balm with a sherbet-like texture. Formulated with 7.8% Fig and Oil Water, this cleanser has powerful antioxidant properties that help reduce transepidermal water loss, skin melanin, and sebum levels. 

On the other hand, those looking for a gentle and effortless first cleanse should reach out for cleansing oils.

This cult favorite cleanser is chock full of skin-happy ingredients: mung bean extract, mung bean sprout, and green tea seed oil. Not only do these ingredients help purify the skin, but they also help improve your skin barrier, skin tone, and skin texture.

Serums vs. Ampoules

Serums and ampoules fall into the category of being a targeted treatment product for your skin. The difference between the two is their consistency and the level of concentration in their formulations. 

Serums deliver a concentrated formula of active ingredients, targeting skin issues from redness to hyperpigmentation. They are usually lightweight and used on a regular basis. 

Ampoules are considered to be the “supercharged” version of serums. Thicker in consistency and more potent in concentration, ampoules are used on an occasional basis for certain skin boosts or emergencies.

If you’re looking for a lightweight product that targets a specific skin concern, a serum would be a perfect addition to your routine.

In need of a product specifically for skin optimization? This refreshing and lightweight toner serves to increase skin moisture. Anti-aging ingredients such as black rice extract and bamboo shoot extract improve skin elasticity, making the skin bounce with vitality!

When serums aren’t enough, try turning to skincare ampoules for an intense treatment.

The Real Noni Energy Ampoule boasts rich nourishing properties through the inclusion of 71.77% Noni fruit extract, an ingredient traditionally used to prevent cures and illnesses. 0.04% adenosine rejuvenates the skin because of its wrinkle-improving properties.

In an industry that continually pumps out new products one after another, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the number of skincare products. With this knowledge, we hope you can confidently pick the products that suit your skincare needs the best!

For more BAZZAAL tips, tricks, and skincare hacks, check out our blog here!