Beauty
BB Cream and CC Cream: Understanding the Difference and Choosing the Best for Your Skin
BB Cream vs. CC Cream: Discover the key differences, benefits, and how to choose the right option for your skin type and beauty routine.
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BB and CC creams have completely changed my beauty routine by offering a simple, multipurpose solution that combines skincare and makeup.
These all-in-one products not only provide coverage but also nourish and protect my skin.
At first glance, they might seem similar, but understanding their differences is key to choosing the right one for your skin type and needs.
BB creams are perfect for hydration and a natural finish, while CC creams offer extra coverage and target concerns like redness and uneven skin tone.
In this guide, I’ll break down what each one does, highlight their benefits, and help you find the best option for your skin.
Photo by Canva
In This Post:
• What is BB Cream?
• What is CC Cream?
• Key Differences Between BB Cream and CC Cream
• Pros and Cons of Using BB Cream and CC Cream
• Recommended BB and CC Creams for Every Skin Type
What is BB Cream?
Photo by Lisa Seaphan
Photo by Lisa SeaphanBB creams are a revolutionary product that combines both makeup and skincare. “BB” stands for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm,” and it first gained popularity in Germany in the 1960s before taking off in East Asia.
Eventually, it made its way worldwide, thanks to its ability to hydrate, protect, and even out skin tone—all while providing lightweight coverage.
I love having this option because, on busy days, it’s my go-to for quick and effortless coverage
The thing that makes BB creams so great is their skincare benefits. Many formulas include SPF, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and antioxidants like vitamin C and green tea extract.
These ingredients help moisturize, protect against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution, and even out skin tone for a more youthful glow. And honestly, who doesn’t want younger-looking skin?
If I can slow the aging process, I’m all for it!
So, who should use BB creams? BB creams cater to various skin types, making them a great option for anyone looking for a quick and effortless routine.
For example, if you have oily skin, can oil-free formula like Garnier SkinActive 5-in-1 Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream Oil-Free, which evens skin tone, minimizes pores, and controls shine. can help even out skin tone, minimize pores, and control shine.
I personally love how convenient BB creams are—it’s amazing to get skincare and coverage in one step, especially on days when I want a fresh, natural look without the hassle of a full makeup routine.
What is CC Cream?
Photo by Lisa Seaphan
Photo by Lisa SeaphanSo now we know all about the wonderful aspects of BB creams, let us dive into what CC creams are, their birth story, and how they differ from BB creams.
The “CC” stands for ‘color and care’ or ‘color and correct’. It is similar to a BB cream in the sense that both give you coverage with added skincare benefits and protection. However, CC creams are the amped-up versions of the BB creams.
They were developed as a more advanced solution, initially inspired by the success of BB creams in the Korean beauty market. CC creams were introduced to address more specific concerns like uneven skin tone and discoloration, offering more effective anti-aging benefits and greater coverage without sacrificing sheerness.
I’ve used the CC cream from It Cosmetics for years—it’s lightweight, and at times I forget I’m even wearing it.
CC creams, similar to tinted moisturizers, balance uneven skin tone and minimize discoloration.
They feature undertones like green, lavender, peach, or orange, each targeting specific skin concerns. Green reduces redness, lavender brightens, and peach/orange neutralizes purplish discolorations.
Lighter peach shades are ideal for fair skin, while darker orange suits deeper tones.
Most CC creams offer buildable light to medium coverage, which is why I love my iT CC cream—it allows me to achieve the coverage I need without layering multiple products.
Similar to foundation, CC creams give me medium to full coverage while additionally offering skincare benefits including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and antioxidants that improve my skin both instantly and over time.
Additionally, they offer broad-spectrum protection that blocks UV rays.
If your issue is redness or dullness, it can help effectively; lavender brightens aged skin, and green CC creams regulate redness.
Although makeup is personal, I love how it gives me a flawless complexion; what works for me may not work for you.
I encourage everyone to find the product that best suits their skin type.
Key Differences Between BB Cream and CC Cream
Original Image created by Lisa Saephan in Canva
Original Image created by Lisa Saephan in Canva- Coverage:
- BB cream offers sheer to medium coverage; CC cream offers medium to full coverage.
- Focus:
- BB cream focuses on hydration and natural radiance.
- CC cream focuses on color correction and a matte finish.
- Skin Concerns Addressed:
- BB cream: hydration, SPF, light blemishes.
- CC cream: redness, sallowness, uneven skin tone.
- Consistency:
- BB cream is creamy and lightweight.
- CC cream has a slightly thicker texture.
Despite both BB and CC creams being multipurpose solutions that combine skincare and makeup benefits in one product, their consistency, focus, coverage, and skin concerns are different.
Considering their many uses, BB and CC creams are ideal for easing my morning routine and saving money, time, and space on my vanity.
BB creams provide sheer coverage, making them perfect for concealing minor blemishes and achieving a natural “no makeup” looks. Their lightweight finish allows for a subtle, flawless appearance.
CC cream is similar to BB cream but offers more coverage. CC cream is specifically formulated to address discoloration, including:
- Redness
- Dullness
- Dark under-eye circles
- Uneven skin tone
- Hyperpigmentation (like brown spots)
- Acne scarring
What makes BB creams unique is that they often contain skincare ingredients, allowing me to cover imperfections while simultaneously caring for my skin.
I have to admit it does amazingly for my under-eye circles. The primary advantage of BB cream is its moisturizing texture, which provides my skin with (much-needed) hydration.
However, because SPF can vary, professionals suggest using more sunscreen if it contains less than SPF 30.
CC cream shares many of the same skin benefits as BB cream, including ingredients like:
- Skin protectants: vitamins, antioxidants
- Mineral SPF: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
- Brighteners: niacinamide, licorice root
- Skin firming agents: peptides, hydrolyzed collagen
- Soothing agents: green tea, soy, shea butter
While both creams offer skincare benefits, CC creams tend to focus more on anti-aging, with formulas designed to help me blur any wrinkles or age spots I may have.
Most CC creams include SPF and ingredients that help address signs of aging that I might want to address.
When it comes to the consistency of BB and CC creams, there is also a difference. BB creams are perfect for everyday usage because of their velvety textures and hydrating qualities.
Compared to BB creams, CC creams typically have a lighter, whipped texture that gives them a more airy feel without diminishing coverage.
They usually have a thicker consistency than BB creams, which enhances color correction and gives my skin a matte appearance. As I said, sometimes I forget that I’m wearing any makeup at all.
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How Do I Choose Which One Is For Me?
○ Skin Type:
- BB cream for dry or normal skin.
- CC cream for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin.
○ Skin Concerns:
- Choose BB cream for hydration and subtle coverage.
- Choose CC cream for targeted color correction and better coverage.
○ Coverage Needs:
- BB cream for a natural, no-makeup look.
- CC cream for a polished, more refined finish.
○ Skin Type:
- BB cream is ideal for dry skin because it often features moisturizing qualities. Among the moisturizing ingredients to be on the lookout for are:
Ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol
- CC cream is ideal for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin due to its matte finish and lightweight texture, which helps prevent breakouts. For acne-prone skin, opt for oil-free formulas with ingredients like colloidal clay, tea tree extract, or salicylic acid for added skin benefits.
○ Skin Concerns and coverage needs
- BB cream is ideal for people who want a natural look with more moisture because it offers hydration and light coverage for days when I am in a hurry or just don’t want to do much for a no-makeup makeup look.
- CC cream is intended to provide more coverage and targeted color correction, tackling problems like redness, dullness, and uneven skin tone. This creates an even skin tone and an overall polished and flawless look of foundation, which I love.
Tips for Using BB and CC Creams
Photo by Lisa Seaphan
Photo by Lisa Seaphan- Application Techniques:
- Use fingers for a natural finish, or a brush/sponge for more precision.
- Layering:
- It can be worn alone or layered with foundation for additional coverage.
- Blending:
- Blend outward for a seamless look.
- Finishing Touches:
- Set with powder for a matte look or leave dewy for a natural glow.
Pros and Cons of Using BB Cream and CC Cream
- BB Cream:
- Pros: Hydrating, lightweight, multi-functional.
- Cons: Limited coverage, not ideal for major skin tone issues.
- CC Cream:
- Pros: Great for correcting redness and dullness, provides better coverage.
- Cons: Can feel heavier on the skin, less hydrating than BB cream.
When choosing BB creams, and CC creams, it’s critical to take into account your skin type, desired coverage, and specific skin issues. To assist you in making an informed choice, the following breakdown is provided:
○ BB Cream:
- Coverage: Light to medium; ideal for a natural look.
- Best For: Sensitive or dry skin, as they often contain hydrating ingredients.
- Benefits: Moisturizing evens out skin tone and may include SPF.
- Considerations: May not provide enough coverage for significant blemishes or redness.
○ CC Cream:
- Coverage: Medium; offers more coverage than BB creams.
- Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin, as they are often lighter and more matte.
- Benefits: Helps correct uneven skin tone and redness, often including SPF and anti-aging properties.
- Considerations: May not be hydrating enough for dry skin types.
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Recommended BB and CC Creams for Every Skin Type
- BB Cream Recommendations:
- Top 5 products with features and benefits (hydration, SPF, etc.).
- CC Cream Recommendations:
- Top 5 products for color correction, matte finish, and skin tone perfection.
- Comparison Table:
- Side-by-side analysis of the top BB and CC creams.
Recommended BB cream products:
Maybelline dream fresh skin BB cream is the one I like using. It’s great because it’s light and provides a natural look.
My face feels extremely hydrated while wearing it, normally I have dry skin on my cheeks.
Photo by Lisa Seaphan
Photo by Lisa SeaphanCOVERGIRL Smoothers Lightweight BB Cream is one my friend Wynter Willson uses and here’s what she has to say about it, “I like the CoverGirl lightweight bb cream because it not only allows me to apply a moisturizer to my skin, but I can skip having to wear foundation through the day.
After applying, my skin has a much more even tone and my blemishes are less noticeable. It’s quick and easy which is great for the amount of makeup I wear on a daily basis. I also have sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts, and this cream has worked well.
I would recommend this bb cream to all my friends/family.”
MISSHA M Perfect BB Cream No.21 my friend Nai Saephan loves this product and says “I wear this product when I don’t feel like putting my whole face on but want some coverage and protection. It feels light and keeps my face hydrated, since I have dry skin”.
Erborian BB Cream with Ginseng this one made to Byrdie’s top 13 BB creams, read about it here.
Physicians Formula Super BB Cream I have used this in the past and really liked it. It was also an Amazon overall pick.
Recommended CC cream products:
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream – Color Correcting Cream is my favorite CC cream.
I love that I can get extra coverage and still feel like I don’t have loads of makeup on. The best part is that it has an SPF 40 UV protection.
Photo by Lisa Seaphan
Photo by Lisa SeaphanErborian Women’s CC Red Correct with Centella– Brenda Saeteurn says, “Love it! Use it every day as a red corrector/primer.”
e.l.f. Hydrating Camo CC Cream is what my daughter likes to use, and she likes to layer it with her makeup to create a super smooth and blemish free coverage.
“It makes my face look so smooth and flawless. It doesn’t feel any heavier than if I were to use concealer foundation even though I use it under my foundation”
Neutrogena Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream this one was ranked pretty high on Amazon, and on Byrdie’s website it made it to top15 best CC creams.
Honest Beauty CCC Clean Corrective with Vitamin C another product that was mentioned highly by Byrdie as one of the best overall CC creams and a great seller on amazon.
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Here is the top 5 BB and CC creams and its features I compiled to help you decide on how to choose your next BB or CC cream.
BB Creams
| Feature | Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream | CoverGirl Smoothers BB Cream | Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream | Erborian BB Cream | Physicians Formula Super BB |
| Coverage | Sheer to light | Sheer to light | Medium to full | Light to medium | Light to medium |
| Finish | Natural, dewy | Natural, slightly luminous | Semi-matte | Natural, radiant | Satin |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 21 | SPF 42 | SPF 20 | SPF 30 |
| Skin type | Normal to dry | Normal to dry | All skin types, especially dry | All skin types | Normal to combination |
| Key benefits | Hydrating, lightweight | Moisturizing, evens tone | Anti-aging, brightening | Smoothing, complexion-enhancing | Hydrating, blurring pores |
| Notable ingredients | Aloe, chamomile | Vitamin E, Shea Butter | Hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Ginseng, Licorice | Antioxidants, botanical extracts |
| Best for | Everyday natural glow | Light hydration & even skin | Full coverage with skincare benefits | Subtle skin enhancement | Hydrating & smoothing skin |
CC creams
| Feature | IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream | Erborian CC Red Correct | e.l.f. Hydrating Camo CC Cream | Neutrogena Clear Coverage Flawless Matte CC Cream | Honest Beauty CCC Clean Corrective with Vitamin C Tinted Moisturizer |
| Coverage | Medium to full | Sheer | Medium to full | Medium to full | Light to medium |
| Finish | Natural, radiant | Natural, radiant | Natural | Matte | Natural |
| SPF | SPF 50+ | SPF 25 | SPF 30 | None | SPF 30 |
| Skin type | All skin types | All skin types | All skin types | Oily, acne-prone | All skin types |
| Key benefits | Anti-aging, hydrating | Redness correction, illuminating | Color correcting, hydrating | Matte- finish, oil- free | Brightening, hydrating |
| Notable ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide | Centella Asiatica, green pigments | Collagen, peptides, niacinamide | Niacinamide | Vitamin C, pearl, hyaluronic acid |
| Available shades | 12 | 1 (universal) | 20 | 5 | 3 |
Final Thoughts
In summary, BB and CC creams provide individual benefits suited for different skin types.
While CC creams offer additional coverage and address issues like redness and uneven skin tone, BB creams are ideal for hydration and a natural finish.
To choose the best option, consider your skin type, specific concerns, and desired coverage. If you’re unsure, I recommend experimenting with both.
After all, there’s nothing to lose—especially if you have sensitive skin like me, where trying out products is essential.
You may find that the right BB or CC cream not only streamlines your routine but also enhances your complexion.
With these tips, I hope you find a product that works for you, just as I have. That’s a win-win situation, my friends!
THAT’S A WRAP! THIS ARTICLE WAS ALL ABOUT BB BR CREAM AND CC CREAM!
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