Differences between emollient and moisturizing creams, when to use each and eight options for all budgets

When we look for nutrition for our skin, we often come across many moisturizing and emollient options without knowing the difference between them or the advantages of each one. Today we will tell you what they are for, which one will benefit your skin the most and the best shopping options we have tried.

What is a moisturizer and what is an emollient cream

Both creams are formulated to treat dry skin and therefore confusion about their use is created. But from the Institute of Advanced Dermatology (IDERMA) they put the key difference in their virtues.

In this way, moisturizing creams provide water to the face to recover lost moisture. But emollient formulas go further and treat skin that has been damaged by this dryness, resulting in skin diseases.

When to use each and which skins benefit

Since moisturizers only provide water, they're perfect for use on healthy, unaffected skin that just needs an extra dose of moisture to replenish moisture.

However, emollient options "are especially indicated for the care of very dry skin or skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis or psoriasis", according to IDERMA. If we are not sure what our case is, it is best to consult a dermatologist.

Shopping proposals for any budget

Moisturizers

C-VIT moisturizing facial cream from Sesderma, 27.60 euros.

Vera&The Birds moisturizing cream for combination skin, 22 euros.

MAAR night moisturizing cream, 32 euros.

Moisturizing cream with SPF20 Hydra Végétal by Yves Rocher, 8.50 euros.

Emollient creams

A-Derma Exomega Control emollient cream, 14.95 euros.

Intensive emollient cream for atopic skin by LetiAT4, 22.65 euros.

Emollient cream for atopic skin from the Spanish Institute, 2.44 euros.

Mustela Stelatopia emollient cream, 7.99 euros.

Note: some of the links posted here are from affiliates. Despite this, none of the items mentioned have been proposed by either the brands or the stores, their introduction being a sole decision of the team of editors.

Photos | Pexels, Druni, El Corte Inglés, Vera&The Birds, MAAR, Yves Rocher, Primor.