Ointment Vs Cream: What's the Difference?

What are the main differences between ointments and creams ?

Ointments

• Oil based formula product—around 80%

• Formulated to seal and lock in moisture

• Slow absorption

• Usually for short-term application

• Best for targeted hydration for very dry, rough or damaged skin.

• Prone to clogging pores and not recommended for very oily skin

Creams

• Higher water concentration

• Formulated to draw in moisture for daily hydration

• Faster absorption

• General, frequent application

• Best for normal to dry skin

• Hydrate skin without clogging pores (depending on formula)

 

What's the difference between ingredients of creams and ointments?

Ointments 

Ointments have a far higher concentration of oil and use ingredients like petroleum jelly, lanolin and mineral oil, to trap moisture.

Creams

Creams tend to be water based or be equal parts water and oil. and can be formulated with active ingredients that target specific concerns. They tend to contain moisturising agents like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that draw in moisture without being too heavy. 

 

 

How do ointments and creams differ in absorption?

Ointments

Ointments can withstand prolonged periods without reapplication. Because of their texture, these take time to absorb into the skin, and work as a protective barrier to trap moisture in the skin.

Creams

Creams absorb faster to provide hydration and support the skin's natural moisture barrier. Because of their faster absorption, they usually require more regular application. 

 

 

What the difference between the texture of ointment vs cream?

Ointments

Ointments usually have a thicker consistency— they may be sticky or greasy as they are very rich in oil content (around 80%). Because of the heavy oil content they are highly effective at sealing in skin hydration.

Cream

Creams are a lot lighter in consistency —but still thicker than lightweight lotions—and have a more balanced water-oil ratio. Creams absorb in the skin faster than ointments.

 

 

What are the differences in applying creams vs ointments ?

Ointments

Ointments are usually applied as a short-term treatment for skin concerns. They’re also suited for rougher areas like the elbows or knees. While they may not be ideal for large expanses of skin, they are great for localised, concentrated skin concerns. 

Creams 

Creams tend to be suitable for application across a larger area of skin and less targeted. The smooth texture means they can spread over more of the skin's surface than a topical ointment. They are more evenly spread across the skin to address general skin dryness.

 

How do creams and ointments differ in their usage?

Ointments

Ointments are more of a topical product, generally for targeted skin conditions concerns and usually address a localised area. Ointments are suited to extremely dry or visibly flaky skin as they create a thick protective layer that minimises moisture loss and alleviates irritation.

Best suited for very dry, rough or cracked skin.

Creams 

Creams are for more general use and are better for combatting milder forms of dryness as they are easily absorbed and add moisture with heaviness. They're also better for general, daily use and are better suited for oily skin types as they won’t leave oil on the surface of the skin. 

Best suited for dry, normal or oily skin (depending on the formula). 

 

 

How do ointments and creams compare to lotions, gels, and balms?

Lotions

Lotions are generally lighter in texture than creams and are designed to be easily absorbed by the skin. Lotion formulas contain skin-softening ingredients, providing rich but non-greasy hydration year-round. Lotions are ideal for normal, dry and combination skin. 

Gels

Gels contain water, cellulose and alcohol. Gels are generally the most lightweight of formulas because they contain the most water. Gels can provide weightless hydration, but can also be formulated for specific skin concerns for everyday use. The Blemish Control Gel is a good example of a gel formulated for blemishes while nourishing the skin.

Balms

Similar to ointments, balms create a barrier that locks in moisture. They don’t absorb as quickly as creams and lotions but provide intense hydration that helps to restore the skin moisture barrier. Balms, like the Advanced Repair Balm are ideal for very dry, cracked or rough skin. 

 

 

How to choose the right CeraVe moisturiser for your skin

For intense hydration for very dry, rough skin: 

• Advanced repair balm

For rich hydration without the heaviness:

• Moisturising Cream

For daily, lightweight hydration:

• Moisturising Lotion

• Ceramides AM Facial Moisturising Lotion

For soothing oily and blemish-prone skin: 

• SA Soothing Cream

• Blemish Control Gel