BB and CC Creams for Skin Beauty: What's the Difference?
If you’re perplexed by what BB or CC creams are supposed to do for your skin — and wondering if you should use one — you’re not alone. With an ever-evolving alphabet soup of beauty products launching in Singapore, it’s easy to get lost in the enticing claims and lettered acronyms. Once you understand the system, choosing the right one becomes much simpler than it seems.
What Are BB Creams?
BB creams first gained popularity in Korea and across East Asia more than a decade ago. The “BB“ originally stood for Blemish Balm — with blemish referring to any skin imperfection, not just acne breakouts. When these beauty products entered the U.S. market, they were renamed Beauty Balms, though there is nothing particularly balm-like about them.
The name is not the only difference. Asian BB creams tend to have a thicker texture and contain higher levels of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for more opaque sun protection and foundation-like coverage. In contrast, most Western BB creams are closer to a lightweight tinted moisturizer with a sheer, natural finish.
Regardless of where they’re made, the main appeal of BB creams lies in their multi-tasking formula — combining sun protection with skin-beneficial anti-aging ingredients. At least, that’s what the best ones contain (we wish more did).
What Are CC Creams?
CC creams are a spinoff of BB creams, with “CC” standing for colour and correct. These versions usually provide UV protection and more coverage for your face. They are also often marketed as offering skin-brightening benefits for uneven or dull skin tones. However, aside from their cosmetic effect, the skincare ingredients in these beauty products don't always live up to those promises.
In general, a great liquid or cream foundation can provide the same “colour correction” as a CC cream, and many include beneficial ingredients, too. That said, a well-formulated CC cream can still be a good choice; it just isn’t as unique as the name or marketing might make it seem.
What About DD, EE…and XYZ Creams?
To stand out from the crowd, some brands have launched creams with new letter combinations – but these are essentially the same type of beauty product: A tinted moisturizer or, in some cases, a creamy foundation with sun care and (hopefully) beneficial ingredients for skin.
Regardless of the name, the best beauty products in this category contain SPF 30 or higher and a mix of anti-aging and skin-restoring ingredients. Rather than feeling you need to buy the next “XYZ” cream, you might already have everything you need with a great foundation and effective skincare routine. Shop skincare products at Paula’s Choice Singapore today to get started.
If you need further pointers, learn more about skincare and beauty tips on our skincare advice page.
