How does lotion or creme hydrate skin? which works better?

Cream is better: The purpose of emollients (creams and lotions) is to help maintain the hydration of the skin. Both lotions and creams contain water and oils (lipids), but they differ on the amounts. Lotions have more water, less oil, but creams have the opposite composition. The water hydrates, but the oil keeps the water in the skin. Without oil, the water would just evaporate off. Use creams.