Creme vs. Cream — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 26, 2023
"Creme" refers to a creamy product, often in cosmetics or food, while "Cream" is the thicker part of milk or a product made from this substance.
Difference Between Creme and Cream
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Creme" and "Cream" both hint at a rich and smooth texture, but their primary uses differ. "Creme" often gets associated with specialty or gourmet foods and cosmetics. For instance, "Creme Brulee" is a popular dessert, and "creme lipstick" denotes a particular texture in beauty products. On the other hand, "Cream" is a dairy product, resulting when milk separates, creating a thicker layer.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
In beauty and skincare, the distinction becomes more pronounced. "Creme" is a term often found in the names of luxury or specialized products, suggesting a lush or velvety texture. Conversely, "Cream" in skincare typically refers to a thicker moisturizing product, more substantive than a lotion.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
While "Creme" carries a somewhat exotic or French connotation, "Cream" is straightforward in its English usage. If a product is labeled "Creme fraiche," it sounds more specialized than simply "sour cream," even if their uses overlap in cooking.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
In the culinary world, "Creme" may refer to products that mimic the texture of dairy cream but don't necessarily contain it, such as "creme patisserie." "Cream," meanwhile, is a fundamental ingredient in many recipes and can be whipped, churned into butter, or used in sauces.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Comparison Chart
ADVERTISEMENT
Definitions
Creme
A term often used for specialty foods.
I love the taste of Creme Brulee.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Creme
A word implying luxury or a higher-end product.
This perfume has a creme de la creme reputation.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Cream
Cream is a dairy product composed of the higher-fat layer skimmed from the top of milk before homogenization. In un-homogenized milk, the fat, which is less dense, eventually rises to the top.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Creme
A creamy filling or layer in desserts.
The chocolate had a mint creme center.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Cream
The yellowish fatty component of unhomogenized milk that tends to accumulate at the surface.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Creme
A descriptor for cosmetics suggesting a smooth texture.
This creme foundation blends seamlessly.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Creme
A non-dairy product with a creamy texture.
The dessert uses almond creme instead of dairy.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Cream
To take or remove (the best part)
Creamed off the highest-paying jobs for her cronies.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
To take the best part from
Creamed the whole department to form his management team.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
The butterfat/milkfat part of milk which rises to the top; this part when separated from the remainder.
Take 100 ml of cream and 50 grams of sugar…
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
The liquid separated from milk, possibly with certain other milk products added, and with at least eighteen percent of it milkfat.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
The liquid separated from milk containing at least 18 percent milkfat (48% for double cream).
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
(tea and coffee) A portion of cream, such as the amount found in a creamer.
I take my coffee with two cream and three sugar.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
(informal) Frosting, custard, creamer, or another substance similar to the oily part of milk or to whipped cream.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
(figuratively) The best part of something.
The cream of the crop
The cream of a collection of books or pictures
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
(medicine) A viscous aqueous oil/fat emulsion with a medicament added, used to apply that medicament to the skin. (compare with ointment)
You look really sunburnt; you should apply some cream.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
To puree, to blend with a liquifying process.
Cream the vegetables with the olive oil, flour, salt and water mixture.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
To turn a yellowish white colour; to give something the color of cream.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
(slang) To obliterate, to defeat decisively.
We creamed the opposing team!
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
The rich, oily, and yellowish part of milk, which, when the milk stands unagitated, rises, and collects on the surface. It is the part of milk from which butter is obtained.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
A delicacy of several kinds prepared for the table from cream, etc., or so as to resemble cream.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
A cosmetic; a creamlike medicinal preparation.
In vain she tries her paste and creams,To smooth her skin or hide its seams.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
The best or choicest part of a thing; the quintessence; as, the cream of a jest or story; the cream of a collection of books or pictures.
Welcome, O flower and cream of knights errant.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
To form or become covered with cream; to become thick like cream; to assume the appearance of cream; hence, to grow stiff or formal; to mantle.
There are a sort of men whose visagesDo cream and mantle like a standing pool.
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
The best people or things in a group;
The cream of England's young men were killed in the Great War
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
Toiletry consisting of any of various substances resembling cream that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
Fiza Rafique
May 25, 2018
Cream
The thick white or pale yellow fatty liquid that rises to the top when milk is left to stand.
I need some cream for my coffee.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Cream
A thick liquid or semi-solid cosmetic or medical preparation.
She applied the cream to her face every night.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Cream
The best individuals or things in a group or category.
Only the cream of the crop gets selected.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Cream
To beat or stir (food, especially butter and sugar) to a smooth, soft, and creamy consistency.
She creamed the butter and sugar together for the cake.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
FAQs
Is "Cream" always a dairy product?
Often, but it can also refer to a consistency or color.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Can "Creme" be used in cosmetics?
Yes, it's common in beauty products, like "creme lipstick."
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Why do some products use "Creme" instead of "Cream"?
"Creme" often suggests luxury or specialization.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
What's a popular dessert using "Creme"?
Creme Brulee is a well-known dessert.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
How does "Cream" relate to excellence?
As in the phrase "cream of the crop," meaning the best.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Is "Creme fraiche" similar to sour cream?
They're similar, but creme fraiche is richer and less tangy.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Is "Cream" used in cooking?
Yes, it's a common dairy ingredient in many recipes.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Does "Creme" imply a thicker consistency in cosmetics?
Often, suggesting a lush or velvety texture.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Can "Creme" be non-dairy?
Yes, it can refer to a creamy texture without dairy.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Can you "cream" ingredients together in cooking?
Yes, like creaming butter and sugar for a recipe.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Is "Cream" a common term in everyday English?
Yes, it's widely used in various contexts.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Do all products labeled "Creme" contain dairy?
No, some might mimic the texture without dairy.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 26, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
