If you use both a hydrating face serum and a face cream, the usual order is serum first and cream second. For EXOLUME™, this is also the order supported by the product directions: apply EXOLUME™ Serum after cleansing, then follow with EXOLUME™ Face Cream. During the morning, sunscreen remains a separate final skincare step.
That does not mean everyone needs both products. A simple routine with cleansing, face moisturiser and daytime sunscreen may be enough for someone who prefers fewer layers. A serum becomes relevant when you want a separate, lightweight hydration-focused step before your cream.
What is the difference between a hydrating face serum and a face cream?
A hydrating face serum is generally designed as a lighter layer used after cleansing. Its role is to add concentrated, hydration-focused skincare before the moisturising step.
A face cream or face moisturiser has a different place in the routine. It provides moisturising care and can help maintain moisture and comfort after the lighter steps have been applied.
The categories can overlap: both may contain humectants, skin-conditioning ingredients and ingredients associated with moisture support. The useful distinction is therefore not simply which ingredient appears in each product. Consider the product’s texture, stated purpose and directions within the routine.
Which comes first: face serum or face cream?
When the directions support using both, apply the face serum first and the face cream afterwards. This places the lighter hydration-focused step before the restorative moisturising layer.
For the EXOLUME™ routine, the confirmed sequence is:
- Cleanse.
- Apply EXOLUME™ hydrating face serum to the face and neck.
- Follow with EXOLUME™ Face Cream.
- In the morning, finish with a separate sunscreen.
ZENA DermaSun Protect SPF 50 is the separate ZENA sunscreen that complements the EXOLUME™ routine. Neither EXOLUME™ Serum nor EXOLUME™ Face Cream provides SPF or replaces sunscreen.
Do you need both serum and moisturiser?
No. The number of products should reflect what you want from your routine and what feels comfortable to use consistently.
When a face cream alone may suit your routine
You may prefer to cleanse and move directly to a face moisturiser if you want fewer steps, if multiple layers feel excessive, or if your chosen cream already provides the level of comfort you are seeking. In the morning, sunscreen still follows as a separate step.
When adding a hydrating serum may make sense
A hydrating serum may appeal when you want a lighter, separate hydration-focused layer before moisturising. It can also make sense when you enjoy a layered routine and the serum and cream sit comfortably together.
Using both should have a clear purpose. More steps are not automatically better, and a routine that feels complicated is less likely to remain practical.
How the EXOLUME™ products differ
EXOLUME™ Serum: the lightweight hydration-focused step
EXOLUME™ Serum is a lightweight face serum developed to support hydration, skin-barrier comfort and a smooth, plump and naturally radiant-looking appearance. Its verified formula includes milk exosomes, Bifida ferment lysate, NMN, multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, peptides and ceramides.
It is applied after cleansing and before Face Cream as EXOLUME™ Step 3 — REVITALIZE.
EXOLUME™ Face Cream: the restorative moisturising step
EXOLUME™ Face Cream is developed to help retain moisture and support skin-barrier comfort. It leaves skin feeling nourished, soft and supple. Its verified formula includes milk exosomes, Bifida ferment lysate, panthenol, NMN, bakuchiol, arbutin, multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, peptides and ceramides within a wider moisturising and skin-conditioning system.
It is applied after Serum when both products are used, completing EXOLUME™ Step 4 — RESTORE.
How to choose based on your routine
Before buying one product or both, consider these practical questions:
- How does your skin feel after cleansing? Notice whether it feels comfortable or whether you want an additional hydration or moisturising step.
- How many layers do you enjoy using? A short routine may suit you better than one you find difficult to maintain.
- What other products are already present? Consider how serum and cream will sit alongside treatments, makeup and sunscreen.
- Which texture do you prefer? Some people enjoy beginning with a lightweight serum; others prefer moving directly to cream.
- Does each product have a clear role? Avoid adding a step solely because it is popular.
If you are still deciding which cream texture and routine style might suit you, read our guide to choosing a face moisturiser for UAE heat and air conditioning.
Keeping the routine comfortable in UAE conditions
Moving between outdoor heat and indoor air conditioning can make the same routine feel different during the day. Rather than assuming you need more products, first consider the amount and number of layers you apply.
You might use a smaller amount of Face Cream when several layers feel heavy, or keep the routine simpler when that feels more comfortable. If Serum followed by Face Cream layers well for you, both can remain part of the routine. Product directions and your own experience of comfort should guide the choice.
Simple EXOLUME™ routine examples
Streamlined routine
Morning: Cleanse → EXOLUME™ Face Cream → separate sunscreen
Evening: Cleanse → EXOLUME™ Face Cream
Layered hydration and moisture routine
Morning: Cleanse → EXOLUME™ Serum → EXOLUME™ Face Cream → separate sunscreen
Evening: Cleanse → EXOLUME™ Serum → EXOLUME™ Face Cream
These examples show product order, not a requirement that every reader use every step. Follow each product’s directions and adjust the routine if it feels uncomfortable.
Compare the products or choose the coordinated routine
Choose EXOLUME™ Serum if you want the lightweight, hydration-focused step. Choose EXOLUME™ Face Cream if your priority is the restorative moisturising step. Choose both when you want the confirmed serum-then-cream sequence and the textures feel comfortable together.
You can compare the complete ingredient lists, directions and product details on the individual EXOLUME™ Serum page and EXOLUME™ Face Cream page. If you also want the daily Cleansing Foam, the EXOLUME™ Essential Skin Longevity Routine contains Cleansing Foam, Serum and Face Cream as three full-size products.