Should I use a BB Cream or a CC Cream? It’s what we’ve all been wondering. Now that these products have become more popular because of the rise of Korean Beauty in America, the options and variations seem to be limitless but really what do these creams do and how are they different from each other.
The Down and Dirty:
Foundation + Skincare = BB Cream
BB stands for blemish or beauty balm. It originated as a protecting and regenerating cream for patients of dermatological laser treatment before becoming wildly popular in Asia and Southeast Asia, especially Korea. This style of product has since spread to western countries and can be found in just about any department store or drugstore in the US.
If you’re looking for a good face cream that also has the built in properties of a sunscreen, a BB Cream might be for you. It is good for light coverage and is a combination of a serum, moisturizer, primer and foundation. It will cover scars and blemishes easily but for higher coverage pair it with a concealer. Most will also allow for buildable coverage.
The Big Sister of the BB Cream = CC Cream
“CC” stands for “color correcting” or “complexion correcting.” CC Creams claim to do just that – they offer the combined benefits of cutting edge skin care and flawless foundation coverage in one easy to use product. Many CC Creams have sun protection, Antioxidants, Anti-Aging or Collagen Building Ingredients, Skin Brightening Ingredients and oil control benefits.
CC cream is like the big sister of a BB cream containing the same crucial properties with an enhanced focus on skin care. The heavier consistency of CC cream also has more impact on age spots, uneven skin tone and wrinkles than the lightness of a BB cream.
Is a BB or CC Cream good for Oily Skin?
CC cream has a matte texture and is less oily than BB cream, so we would recommend trying CC cream. Product selection.
Should I use BB or CC Cream for Redness?
CC cream has colour correcting properties so is ideal to soothe redness and sallowness. I have naturally pink cheeks and on days where it might be worse than others I use my Too Cool for School dinoplatz CC Cream that I bought from Memebox.
BB or CC cream for Sensitive Skin?
Yes, of course you can! There are tons of options for hypoallergenic or sensitive skin BB or CC Creams.
- Kiehl’s Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream
- Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF20
Should I use BB or CC Cream for a Natural Look?
A natural look is attainable with both, however it depends on what you’re going for. Some have a more matte finish while others are dewy. I tend to prefer my Missha BB Cushion because it is fairly dewy and I like having light, fresh dewy skin.
Should I use BB or CC cream for Acne Prone Skin?
The lightweight formula of a BB Cream lets skin breathe and so is less likely to trigger a spot outbreak versus a heavier foundation formula which can clog the skin.
Should I use BB or CC cream for Anti-Aging?
Yes, a CC cream would be perfect for this. Most CC Creams like I said above come with extra skincare loving properties such as SPF and PA+++. I always recommend pairing anything with an extra sunscreen though. My favorite is the Biore Watery Essence.
I hope this was helpful! Please feel free to ask anymore questions down below and I’ll be glad to give recommendations as I can!
<3 -K
Thank you for explaining this. It seems both have benefits. Do you have a favorite brand or brands?
My favorite is the IT Cosmetics CC Cream or the BB creams from Asian Beauty Brand Missha.