What is the difference between cream and ointment

Their absorption is very fast. Most over-the-counter body moisturizers are lotions but they are terrible because they absorb quickly and evaporate just as quickly. The skin is then left just as dry as before.

They do not form the emollient barrier that makes an ointment so effective. So, what treatment is right for you? It depends on the skin condition, but as a general rule choose something in a tub, not a pump.

Ointments are thicker. They are ideal to treat dry and scaly skin conditions. Creams and ointments can be either medicinal or cosmetic. However, the primary difference between the two is the ratio between oil and water. While creams are mostly water-based, ointments are oil-based.

Before you decide on a cream or ointment, know more about your skin condition. If you are still not sure, consult a dermatologist for advice. Begin By Knowing Your Skin. This offer is only valid till 30th November Image: Shutterstock.

What Are Creams And Ointments? What's the Difference Between Cream and Ointment? Absorption Creams have better absorption rates as compared to ointments. Consistency Creams tend to have lighter texture and consistency. Appearance Creams are usually light weight with a smooth texture. Proportion Of Oil Creams contain contain less oil than water, making it easy for absorption. Preadability Creams have a watery base, so they can be applied on larger areas of your skin. Stability On The Skin Creams tend to get absorbed by your skin faster and are less stable.

Uses Creams are moderate in moisturizing. Healing Power In general, creams are better than ointments for treating oozing or wet skin conditions like eczema. Wrapping Up Creams and ointments can be either medicinal or cosmetic.

Was this Article helpful? How can we make this page better? What did you like about this page? Order Now. Click here if you need any help? Unlike ointments, it does not make the area sticky or oily.

The Cream is prepared with an equal amount of oil and water. It has comparatively lesser oil content than ointments. This is why it cannot trap moisture onto the skin and does not go deep into it. It stays on the surface of the skin and gets evaporated and absorbed within seconds. Although creams have a watery base, some substances are added to them in order to provide that semi-solid consistency.

Oil, water, emulsifier and thickening agent are the primary ingredients of the Cream. Creams are divided into two categories based on the type of their emulsion. Creams with oil-in-water emulsions have small droplets or amount of oil disseminated in the watery phase, while creams with water-in-oil emulsions have small droplets of water disseminated in the oily phase. Oil-in-water creams are less oily and greasy in texture than water-in-oil creams.

With a smooth and light consistency, creams are way more easily spread on the skin as compared to ointments. So they are mostly preferred for larger areas of skin.

Even creams are moisturising, but they are not as oily as ointments. Therefore, they are mostly preferred for avoiding greasiness. Topical medication is a common way of treating skin diseases and allergies. The Ointment has an oily base, while the Cream has a watery base. This is why Ointment takes longer to absorb in comparison to Cream. When it comes to healing power, ointments are preferred because of their ability to go deeper into the skin and make sure the allergy or rash is cured.

While creams just stay on the surface of the skin and evaporate thereafter, without going deep into it. However, both Ointment and Cream have their advantages and disadvantages.