The 5 Best CC Creams

First, there were BB creams. Now, we have CC creams cropping up in the beauty aisles (and DD creams are on their way, no joke). Is this alphabet beauty for real? And if so, what’s the difference between these two types of facial treatments?

BB creams, which were first created and have been overwhelmingly popular in Asia for years, only crept into the US market a few years ago. But they became instantly popular. BB stands for “Beauty Balm,” “Blemish Balm,” or “Blemish Base.” The creams serve as multi-functional face fixers—moisturizing, priming, treating problem spots, protecting against sun damage, smoothing out texture and infusing skin with anti-oxidants and vitamins. And for those lucky ladies who have faces that do not require a lot of coverage, BB creams can even replace foundation (though they are perfect for wearing underneath liquid makeup, as well).

CC creams, on the other hand, are a little more specific. The two Cs stand for “Color Correcting,” or “Color Correction,” and their main purpose is to address issues such as redness and/or pallid and uneven skin tones. But many also have some skin-sential benefits thrown, in much the same way that BB creams do, and contain ingredients that nourish, protect and add essential nutrients to the skin. They also work well as moisturizing anti-aging lotions. The formulas are a little bit more lightweight than that of BB creams, and they are rarely used solely for coverage. But they are still fabulous for the face and do so much in one simple step.

So really, these two types of skin creams are quite similar. The trick is figuring out which kind will best suit you and your skin’s needs. If redness, dull skin, sensitivity, or overall irritation is your main issue, using a CC cream is probably your better bet. As always, it’s always best to try out a few options to see which formulas are most effective for your specific issues. So read on and find out if one of our five favorite CC cream might be the one for you!

1. Smashbox Camera Ready Dark Spot CC Cream, $42

Say cheese! Smashbox’s Camera Ready Dark Spot CC Cream is perfect for those occasions (such as holiday parties and formal events) when you know that many pictures will be taken. Pictures that will no doubt be shared all over social media. This cream covers all of your dark spots (especially those hard-to-hide, post-acne scars), brightens your complexion, evens out your skin tone, and with regular use, helps to prevent future facial discoloration. It’s also available in five shades, so you can truly find a match that’s perfect for your face.

2. Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream, $35

Dry skin suffers should try Clinique’s Moisture Surge CC Cream. In addition to correcting color complexion concerns, such as redness or a pasty skin tone, it’s also highly hydrating, working as a hard-core moisturizer for severely parched faces. It has an SPF of 30 to protect your skin from the sun, and the formula is oil-free, so it won’t cause shininess or excess oil production, even as it retains moisture in the skin. It comes in 10 shades, from Very Light to Deep.

3. Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting Moisturizer CC Cream, $20

Inside Olay’s see-through tube is a cream that contains an anti-aging moisturizer, SPF 15, and a sheer tint that evens out skin tone, minimizes pores, and adds a radiant glow to the face. Olay’s Total Effects Tone Correcting Moisturizer CC Cream also reduces the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet and fine lines, as well as strengthens the skin’s natural defenses against moisture loss. It works overtime to make sure that your skin maintains a youthful, yet completely natural looking, glow.

4. Supergoop SPF 35 Daily Correct CC Cream, $32

Supergoop makes some of the best sun protection products on the market, so there’s no doubt that the brand’s CC Cream is also a winner. The lightweight formula is made up of mica minerals that bind together to create a strong, sheer cream, reflecting light away from creases and dark spots. It also protects skin with a SPF of 35, corrects discoloration, reduces inflammation and smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles. Supergoop calls it a “multivitamin for your skin,” as it’s also infused with Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids that add moisture and improve the overall health of your face’s delicate derma.

5. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream, $39

This organic CC Cream is formulated to color correct (obviously!) but it also serves as an excellent anti-ager. In addition to moisturizing, evening texture and tone, and protecting the face with an SPF of 30, it’s also rich in age-defying anti-oxidants, and helps to increase cell turnover to reveal a more youthful, radiant glow. It targets fine lines and wrinkles, reducing their appearance and wearing them away over time. There are two shades to choose from—Natural Glow and Warm Glow—so make sure you give both a try to find your perfect match.