Why choose a Natural Serum over a Cream
There is often a lot of misunderstanding and confusion around what a serum is, exactly why they are more potent than most creams and what a well formulated serum can do for you. If you’re serious about natural skincare, a high‑quality plant‑based serum delivers targeted results that creams often just can’t match - and here is why.
Benefits of a plant-based serum for sensitive skin
- Higher active concentration: Natural serums deliver clinically supported actives (bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C) in a lightweight base for better bioavailability.
- Faster absorption: Ideal if you’re searching for a lightweight hydrating serum for sensitive skin or a vegan serum for sensitive skin that won’t clog pores.
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Customisable routine: Layer serums (e.g., Light Primer Serum followed by Moisture Rich Repair Serum) for targeted treatment without heavy occlusion or clogging pores.
Reduced irritation risk: Fewer emulsifiers and no heavy waxes mean cleaner, gentler formulations—perfect for reactive or acne-prone skin. - Cost and eco efficiency: Concentrated serums last longer, reducing packaging waste and aligning with eco-conscious values.
Why many shoppers still pick creams!
- Familiar sensory experience and immediate comfort (creams have long dominated skincare storytelling; serums are newer and still gaining trust among some buyers.)
- Misunderstanding of serums’ targeted benefits vs moisturizers’ occlusive role
- Perceived value from thicker textures - even though the active dosage may be much lower yielding minimal (if any) long term results.
Why you should switch to a natural serum if results matter
- For measurable anti‑aging, brightening and hydration results, targeted plant-based serums outperform creams in delivery and efficacy almost every time.
- If you prioritize sensitive-skin skincare, Lily Bee & Me’s serums use minimal, ethically sourced ingredients and airless packaging to protect active potency.
- Serums are ideal if you want a vegan, cruelty-free, and naturally preserved option like our oil-free hyaluronic serum or our lightweight bakuchiol retinol alternative.
- Most creams require stronger preservatives because of their emulsification process. If you have sensitive skin or seek a truly natural, preservative-free or naturally preserved option, consider choosing a well-formulated serum that doesn't rely on emulsification for stronger chemical preservation.
Short Serum FAQ
Q: Are natural serums better than creams for sensitive skin?
A: Yes — A natural facial serum with targeted actives (like Bakuchiol or Kakadu Plum) typically offers better absorption and fewer irritants than heavier creams, making it a great option for sensitive skin.
Q: What is the best serum for sensitive, reactive skin?
A: Look for a plant-based, premium non-comedogenic hydrating serums formulated for sensitive skin—Lily Bee & Me focuses on gentle serums with clinically supported actives and natural preservatives. Always check your ingredients list - a good brand will be transparent.
Q: How do I layer a serum with a cream?
A: Apply your serum to clean skin, let it absorb for a second, then follow with a light natural moisture repair serum or sunscreen. For daytime, use vitamin C serums; for night, choose repair-focused serums like Bakuchiol Retinol+, Radiance or Defy. Or for best results layer them morning and night! See our Easy Skincare Routine page for more direction.
In Summary
Choose a natural facial serum versus a cream when you want concentrated actives, faster absorption, and visible improvements in hydration, texture and tone. Because while some creams may look and feel luxurious (and let's face it we've all tried those that don't! Is there anything worse than feeling your skin weighed down by a poorly formulated heavy cream?), they are far less likely to achieve the visible long term results we are all after.
At Lily Bee & Me, we specialise in creating the best natural skincare face serums in Australia (plus a small range of natural toners!). Our formulas prioritise potency, purity and tolerance for sensitive skin - We try to keep our formula's affordable, safe, clean, and most importantly of all effective! Please enjoy our shop and once again if you have any questions we are always here to help.
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Let customers speak for us
Love this product. My skin has been so dry and now it’s soft and supple.
I’ve always been sensitive to retinol, so I was on the lookout for something gentler. I came across Bakuchiol and I’m honestly amazed at how effective it is! My skin feels smoother, my tone looks more even, and the fine lines around my eyes are already softening. The best part? No redness, peeling, or irritation like I used to get with retinol.
I love that it’s 100% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free, and that I can use it both morning and night without worrying. It really does everything retinol does—boosting collagen, improving texture, and keeping breakouts at bay—just without the side effects. Perfect for my sensitive, acne-prone skin. Highly recommend!”
Love this serum.Would buy again.Makes my skin feel alive.
So nice! I don't use much skincare - but this is really nice. Smells really good, and sunk right in. Really like it, tks
I don't usually do this, but i really like this serum. I've been using it for about 4 weeks now, and it's made a massive difference in my skin! I was using something similar before this, and it cost about twice as much and didn't seem to do anything. A really nice natural product for once. Thanks.
Good body oil - skin feels real soft and nice
This is a really beautiful serum. It just absorbed right in and I could see the difference right away, I'm really impressed. I'll be buying this one again for sure. It's not often you find something online that can live up to the hype.
This is really nice, just absorbed right into my skin. I use it under my Defy Serum and honestly my skin is looking legitimately amazing.
This is really nice, I take it to work and use it during the day. Smells great too. It seems to have helped clear up my skin too... not sure if it's this or the defy (I bought that too) but it's one of them - or both. Nice stuff, and the customer service was great (I stuffed up my original order - thanks for fixing!!) Really recommend.
Highly recommend to everyone!! Seriously the best collagen serum I’ve ever used. My friend at work looked at me the other day and asked if I’d had “work” done because I looked so good lol If I could give this more stars I would! This and the bakuchiol - I use them together. THANK YOU.
This is a really good body oil! I bought this other stuff about a month ago for twice the price at Sephora and it was terrible. This absorbed SO well, smells great and made my skin feel ridiculously soft!! I’ll be buying again - thanks so much x
Amazing... I've always had really cracked sore hands in Winter (I'm outside a lot) and I started using this product. It's made a massive difference in a REALLY short period of time! At first I thought oil might not be so great... but I used a couple of solid pumps of this for my hands and it seeped in like within seconds. My hands seriously look so much better. I've tried a lot of stuff over the years but this is by far the best thing I've used. Anyone that has the same problem with their hands really needs to try this.
This tester pack has everything in it to keep your skin looking and feeling its best when you’re traveling or just want a little bit of everything ready to go when you need it
I love this Bakuchiol Retinol! I was a little dubious with it being an oil as my skin is prone to breakouts but I have had no problems. I put it on before bed and could see the difference in my skin the next morning even after the first use.
The Kakadu plum is Devine! Smells so good! Love the feel too! I’ve reviewed a few products now! Add some to your cart! Honestly your skin will thank you!
