---
title: "Why Formulate a Separate Facial Estrogen Cream"
description: "Why use facial estrogen cream instead of vaginal estrogen? Learn how estriol, estradiol, and formulation affect skin absorption, comfort, and results."
url: "https://www.myalloy.com/knowledge-base/why-formulate-a-separate-facial-estrogen-cream"
---

# Why Formulate a Separate Facial Estrogen Cream

> Why use facial estrogen cream instead of vaginal estrogen? Learn how estriol, estradiol, and formulation affect skin absorption, comfort, and results.

## If the active hormone is the same, why formulate a separate estrogen cream for the face?

It really comes down to two things, even when the hormone itself seems similar: the *type* of estrogen used and the *formula* that carries it.

For facial skin, here at Alloy we use estriol in our M4 line because it’s a gentler form of estrogen that works beautifully on skin and stays local on the surface. Vaginal estrogen creams usually contain estradiol, which is stronger and designed to absorb into the vaginal tissue specifically. They also use a heavier, waxier base that’s meant to help absorption in the vaginal wall and preserve the product during long storage. That texture is great for the vagina but not so great on your cheeks or under your eyes.

Dr. Corinne Menn explains it really clearly in this chapter of our skincare video, where she talks through the differences in hormone strength, ingredients, and consistency. You can watch it here: [Vaginal vs. facial estrogen creams](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW48U6HSkcc&t=1717s).


[Watch video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW48U6HSkcc&t=1717s)

The M4 products are formulated to feel good on facial skin, absorb quickly, layer with other skincare, and avoid the stinging that some people get if vaginal cream gets near the eyes. If you want to explore the face cream itself, you can take a look at the M4 Face Cream Rx here: [M4 Face Cream Rx](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/m4).


**M4 Face Cream Rx**

Estriol

Restore elasticity, hydrate deeply and build collagen—this powerful estriol-enriched face cream does it all

[Start Now](https://secure.myalloy.com/experience?categories%5B%5D=skin-health&sku-ids%5B%5D=d7fe4df5-7fd8-42c1-86d5-9be36bd6833c&skip-category-select=true&type=intake)

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This answer was created using the following resources:

- [A New Approach to Aging with Alloy - Vaginal Estrogen Cream for Facial Use](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voedsMd4Zsc)
- [Skin Deep with Dr. Menn: Let's Talk Skincare & Estrogen | Dr. Corinne Menn - Vaginal vs. Facial Estrogen Creams](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW48U6HSkcc)
- [What's the Difference Between Estradiol Vaginal Cream and Estriol Face Cream?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxLJLs4R1l0)
- [Hormone Therapy 101 (pt.2) | Dr. Corinne Menn - FDA-Approved Vaginal Estrogen and Compounded Face Creams](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PC4MY3yCZs)
- [The Science Behind Putting Estrogen On Your Face](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/the-science-behind-putting-estrogen-on-your-face)
- [What is estrogen's role in health?](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/what-is-estriol-and-what-is-estrogens-role-in-skin-health)
- [Topical Estrogen: Why Use Cream? | Alloy](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/topical-estrogen-why-use-cream)
- [Skincare Routine | M4](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/why-estrogen-belongs-in-your-skincare-routine-and-not-just-in-your-hormone)

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*This is a markdown version of [https://www.myalloy.com/knowledge-base/why-formulate-a-separate-facial-estrogen-cream](https://www.myalloy.com/knowledge-base/why-formulate-a-separate-facial-estrogen-cream) for AI/LLM consumption.*