In this article:
What are BB creams?
What are CC creams?
So, what’s the difference between them?
BB and CC creams are hitting the mainstream makeup scene at full speed. Popularized in South Korea, these face-focused makeup creams are a great alternative to traditional foundation, with some BB and CC creams even offering skin benefits.
Although these creams sound similar and share benefits, BB and CC creams are separate products, each with their own area of expertise. Below, we break down the differences between BB and CC creams so you can determine which best suits your needs and preferences.
What are BB creams?
BB creams are a makeup and skin care hybrid, providing sun protection, light coverage and, usually, some extra skin-beneficial anti-ageing ingredients. Think of them as the more makeup-focused cousin of lightweight tinted moisturisers, serving to protect skin from sun damage.
The BB portion of the name originally stood for "blemish balm" (blemish referring to any skin imperfection, not just breakouts). However, when BB creams gained popularity, global audiences began referring to them as “beauty balms.”
What are CC creams?
CC creams are a spinoff of BB creams, with the CC standing for "colour" and "correct." These creams usually provide more coverage with a focus on helping to subtly disguise redness, post-blemish marks, discolourations and an uneven tone. Most still contain ingredients that help with sun protection as well.
Although these creams have more coverage than BB creams, they originally were still lighter than traditional foundations. Now, some CC creams rival foundations in terms of coverage.
Depending on the CC cream, it might also contain green, yellow, orange or blue pigments. Fear not! These colours won’t show up on skin. CC creams contain green pigments (to counteract redness) or yellow/orange pigments (to neutralise purple and blue; like seen in dark undereye circles). They're simply another way to provide coverage.
So, what’s the difference between them?
It’s true BB and CC creams are similar, but there are key differences between the two!
BB creams:
- Prove sheer-to-light coverage
- Focus on skin hydration and sun protection
- Contain skin-beneficial ingredients
CC Creams:
- Usually provide light-to-medium coverage
- Focus on visibly evening skin tone with pigments
- Can also contain skin beneficial ingredients
Due to their differences, BB creams are best suited for those that love makeup and skin care hybrid products that are looking for a sheer wash of colour and sun protection. CC creams provide more coverage and are focused on helping counteract redness, dark spots and an uneven tone.
If BB creams sound right up your alley, check out Paula’s Choice Skincare’s sunscreen offerings. In particular, our RESIST Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 and 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer offer light tints alongside broad-spectrum sun protection.
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