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Last Updated on May 26, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

bb creams vs tinted moisturizer

Since BB Creams took the beauty world by storm, every brand is rushing to release one of their own. Should you rush to buy one, too, or you should you stick to your tinted moisturiser, instead? It depends. At first glance, it may seem like tinted moisturizers and BB Creams are pretty much the same thing.

And here’s where it gets confusing: some brands blur the line so hard between the two, they basically sell a tinted moisturiser and slap a BB label on it. Or the other way around. That’s why knowing the real differences helps you actually choose the one that works for your skin, instead of just buying the trendiest one on the shelf. But, they’re more different than you think. What are the differences between BB Creams and Tinted moisturizers and which one should you choose?

What Are Tinted Moisturisers?

Tinted moisturisers are moisturizers with pigment. Available in several shades, they hydrate skin like a moisturizer and provide a nice sheer coverage that’s enough to even out the skin tone, but not to conceal any imperfections. If your skin isn’t almost flawless to begin with, tinted moisturizers aren’t for you.

Basically, they’re your no-makeup makeup bestie. The one you reach for when you want to look a little more alive on a grocery run or Zoom call, but can’t be bothered with a full face. And let’s be honest – on a good skin day, they do look amazing.

Their texture is usually lightweight too and they tend to fade quite quickly. Plus, they usually don’t contain any anti-aging or sunscreen ingredients (not that any makeup product or moisturizer is as a substitute for sunscreen, anyway).

Also worth noting: some people think they can layer on extra tinted moisturiser like foundation to get more coverage. Don’t. You’ll just end up looking greasy or patchy because they’re not designed for that. If you want buildable coverage, you’re in BB/CC/foundation territory.

Related: Why Cosmetics With SPF DON’T Work

What Are BB Creams?

BB Creams is short for Blemish Balm Creams. They were created by German dermatologists to help soothe and regenerate the skin of patients who had undergone laser skin surgery. But they first became popular in Korea, from where they spread to the rest of the world. So yes, these weren’t originally created as makeup. They were made for skin healing. Which is why so many BB Creams still lean heavily into skincare benefits today.

BB Creams have a thicker texture than tinted moisturizers, but not as thick as that of foundations. They are more pigmented than tinted moisturizers, evening out the skin tone while covering minor imperfections too. Great if you have some redness, unevenness, or dullness but still want that natural skin look without layering five different products.

Plus, they are full of hydrating, anti-aging (and in Asia also whitening) ingredients and provide some sun protection too (although not as well as sunscreen). If your BB Cream says SPF 15 or even 30, don’t rely on it as your main sunscreen – especially if you’re not applying a full 1/4 teaspoon to your face, which let’s be honest… most people don’t. But, they usually come in only one or two shades so not everyone will be able to find a good match for their skintone. And yeah, that’s annoying. Some brands have improved their ranges recently, but it’s still not great. Especially if you have deeper skin.

Related: Do BB Creams Provide Adequate Sun Protection?

There Are CC Creams Too!

CC Creams, or Color Control Creams, are often described as BB Creams on steroids. Developed in Korea, CC Creams are improved BB Creams, and contain more anti-aging ingredients, a higher SPF and provide more coverage, yet their texture is lighter, which allows them to go on smoother and look more natural. They usually have brightening properties as well. So if you’ve got dullness or discolouration you’re trying to tone down and you hate the feeling of makeup on your skin? CC creams might be your holy grail.

However, at the moment, they’re not easily available out of Asia. Which sucks, because a good CC cream is like a real-life Instagram filter. Still, if you’re curious, some Korean and Japanese brands do ship internationally, and a few Western brands (like IT Cosmetics) have CC options that are easy to get your hands on.

Can I Wear A BB Cream Over My Skincare Routine?

Yes! You absolutely should. BB creams don’t replace your skincare – they’re more like makeup with benefits. Cleanse, moisturise, SPF (yes, still), then BB.

Are BB Creams/Tinted Moisturizers Good For Oily Skin?

Tinted moisturisers tend to get shiny fast unless they’re oil-free. BB creams can be hit or miss. Look for matte versions if you’re oily, or try powdering your T-zone.

What If I Want To Cover Pimples?

Neither of these are full-coverage products. For pimples, you’ll need concealer or foundation on top. BB Cream can help tone things down, but it won’t hide a big red spot.

Do Men Use BB Creams And Tinted Moisturizers?

Absolutely. There’s no gender label on glowy skin.

Tinted Moisturiser VS BB Cream: Which One Should You Use?

It depends on what your needs are. If you just need a product that will keep your skin soft and hydrated while providing the sheerest coverage to even out the skintone, a tinted moisturizer will do. If instead, you need more coverage and would like a product that offers anti-aging benefits too, opt for a BB Cream. CC Creams are slightly better than BB Creams as their texture is lighter and less oily, and they contain even more anti-aging ingredients, but they’re not as easily available outside Asia.

And if you’re still unsure, think about your lifestyle. Want something that takes 10 seconds to slap on in the car mirror? Tinted moisturiser. Want one product that kind of does everything? BB cream. Want your skin to look like you’ve had 8 hours of sleep when you’ve had 4? Find a CC cream.