Ointment Versus Cream

What’s The Difference Between Ointment And Cream?

Ointment Versus Cream

Cream 

• The majority of topical medications are creams, which contain equal amounts of water and oil. Their textures are light and they are rapidly absorbed by the skin. Most creams are water-soluble and are used for cosmetic purposes. Allergies, rashes, and other skin problems can also be treated with these products.
• Creams absorb better than ointments. Some creams are water-based and come in lighter textures. The water in the emulsion evaporates off your skin as you apply cream, leaving a thin layer of medication and oil on your skin. Creams are preferred by doctors when they want their medications to be quickly absorbed by the skin.
• The texture and consistency of creams tend to be lighter. Water and oil are mainly used to formulate them.
• The texture of creams is usually smooth and light. Creams absorb quickly and are usually invisible on the skin, unlike ointments.
• It is easier for creams to absorb than water because they contain less oil. Their high water content makes them more easily absorbed into the skin.
• It is possible to treat large areas of skin with creams due to their watery base. Using a cream instead of an ointment may be easier and less messy if your back is covered in a rash.
• As a rule, creams absorb into your skin faster and are less stable than lotions. Creams are best for skin conditions like eczema. They dry up faster than ointments.
• Creams are moderately moisturizing. People with oily skin should use creams. Since they contain less oil, they can keep your skin dry. Also, creams are said to be less likely to irritate your skin. People with sensitive skin can safely use them.
• Generally, creams are better than ointments for moist or oozing skin conditions such as eczema. These conditions will be treated faster with creams.

Ointment 

• Medicinal or cosmetic oils are used as ointments. In general, ointments are thicker, greasier, and stickier due to their higher oil content. The skin usually takes longer to absorb ointments. Nonetheless, they are a great moisturizer. Oils like petroleum jelly are highly recommended for their healing properties.
• The nature of ointments is occlusive. The gels stay on the surface of the skin longer, trap moisture in to prevent wounds from drying out, and are not well absorbed into the skin. You can keep dry skin moisturized by using an ointment.
• Generally, oils have a thicker consistency and are greasy in nature. Compared to creams, oils have more oil content.
• Ointments tend to be thick and greasy. As they leave a thick layer after you apply them, they might appear shiny.
• Unlike lotions, ointments contain more oil and less water. An ointment is best used for treating dry skin. Because of the high oil content, they tend to be greasier than creams.
• An ointment has a thicker texture and is greasier. They are thus difficult to spread evenly over large areas of skin.
• Compared to creams, ointments trap moisture and absorb more slowly into the skin. They stay on the skin longer than creams. You should choose ointments if you need a medication that penetrates deeply into your skin.
• Because ointment are greasier, they are excellent for treating conditions like psoriasis. Oil-based ointments may clog pores and irritate skin since they contain a higher concentration of oil.
• The consistency of ointments is thicker. They add moisture to your skin and keep it hydrated since they stay on the surface longer. These moisturizers are great for skin conditions such as dryness and eczema.