What’s the Difference Between BB, CC and DD Creams?

You’ve probably heard of BB creams and CC creams by now, and you may have even heard of their  arguably less buzzy counterpart, DD creams, but it can be tricky to tell the difference between the products based on their packaging alone. We’re here to dissect the differences between BB, CC and DD creams to help you figure out which formula is best for your skin type. 

What Is a BB Cream?

BB stands for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm.” They started becoming popular in the U.S. thanks to the K-beauty boom and have remained a go-to minimalist makeup staple ever since. BB creams offer sheer coverage in addition to skincare benefits, like SPF and added moisture. The texture is more lightweight than that of a foundation or tinted moisturizer, making them an easy way to even out your skin without looking cakey. Looking for a BB cream rec? We love the Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB Cream 8-in-1 Skin Perfector, a hydrating, dermatologist- and allergy-tested formula with SPF 30.  

What Is a CC Cream?

Looking for something with more coverage than a BB cream, with the added skincare benefits? Add a CC cream to your makeup bag. CC stands for “color correcting,” so you can count on CC creams to cover up redness and discoloration while protecting your skin with SPF. We recommend the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ and the Dermablend Correction Tone-Evening CC Cream with SPF 50+. Both formulas offer flawless full coverage plus SPF and antioxidant benefits to fight free radicals.

What Is a DD Cream?

DD stands for “daily defense.” Like BB and CC creams, these creams typically offer lightweight coverage in addition to SPF protection. However, DD creams are also formulated with anti-aging benefits intended for mature skin. We like the Dermaceutic Derma Defense Daily Defense Cream, which has SPF 50 and vitamin E to combat free radicals and licorice extract to help fade discoloration. 

Photo: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy

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