Side-by-side comparisons

Lab Series Max LS Cream vs Ultra-Light Lotion

Should I choose Lab Series Anti-Age Max LS Cream Moisturizer or Ultra-Light Lotion Moisturizer?

By Nora Ellison · Published

Short answer

Choose the Ultra-Light Lotion for oily, combination or normal skin, or warm weather; it has a 5% niacinamide and resveratrol complex and peptides in a refillable bottle. Choose the Cream for dry skin; it's richer, with paraffin, coffee seed oil and peptides. Both list fragrance.

What this means for you

Start with what you notice

If you want Lab Series' top anti-aging moisturizer and can't decide between the cream and the lotion, the choice comes down to your skin type and how much richness you like.

The ingredient names, translated

Both are from the Anti-Age Max LS line and share peptides such as acetyl hexapeptide-8 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. The lotion leads with niacinamide and a resveratrol complex in a light base. The cream adds richer ingredients, including paraffin and coffee seed oil. The results figures come from Lab Series' own tests on small groups of men.

How to decide

  • Oily or combination skin, or you dislike heavy creams? Ultra-Light Lotion.
  • Dry skin, or a dry climate? Cream.
  • Avoiding fragrance? Neither; both list fragrance.

What to expect

Expect better hydration and softer-looking fine lines with regular use; daily sunscreen matters more for preventing new lines. We haven't tested either product.

General guidance, not a test of these products: AAD: skin care in your 40s and 50s. Each product's label source is linked on its product page.

ProductSizeKey ingredientsSkin type (brand)FragranceWorth knowingSource
Lab Series Anti-Age Max LS Ultra-Light Lotion Moisturizer
45 ml5% niacinamide + resveratrol complex, peptidesoily, dry, combination, sensitive, normal skinScent ingredients flaggedFragrance (Parfum), PineneBrand's page
Checked
Lab Series Anti-Age Max LS Cream Moisturizer
50 mlPalmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, acetyl hexapeptide-8, sodium hyaluronate, coffee seed oiloily, dry, combination, sensitive, normal skinScent ingredients flaggedFragrance (Parfum), PineneBrand's page
Checked

Swipe the table sideways on your phone to see every column.

Light lotion vs rich cream

Lab Series Anti-Age Max LS Ultra-Light Lotion Moisturizer is a 1.5 fl oz lotion in a refillable bottle. Niacinamide is second on its list, as part of a 5% niacinamide and resveratrol complex, with peptides, trehalose and a little salicylic acid. Lab Series directs using it after serum, morning and night. In its testing over 12 weeks of twice-daily use, the look of fine lines dropped 16% (48 men) and radiance rose 15% (49 men).

Lab Series Anti-Age Max LS Cream Moisturizer is a 1.7 fl oz cream with peptides, hydrolyzed rice extract, sodium hyaluronate, coffee seed oil and hydrolyzed oat protein. Paraffin is near the top of its list, which makes it richer. In Lab Series testing on 28 men using it twice daily for 12 weeks, skin was 14% smoother.

Both list fragrance (parfum).

Which to pick

The two share a line and several peptides, so texture is the honest decision. Light lotions suit oily skin; richer creams suit dry skin. For more options, see our anti-aging cream guide for men.

Manufacturer sources

Sources and label-check dates are recorded on the product pages.

Which is best for you?

From each brand's published ingredient list; see the product pages for sources. We haven't tested either product.

Common questions

Do both contain peptides?

Yes. Both list acetyl hexapeptide-8 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, among others.

What did Lab Series' tests find?

For the lotion, 16% fewer visible fine lines after 12 weeks in 48 men. For the cream, 14% smoother skin after 12 weeks in 28 men. Both were the brand's own tests.

Is the lotion refillable?

Yes. Lab Series sells a refill cartridge.