Ointment vs. Cream: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Ointment is a greasy, oil-based medication, while cream is a water-based, lighter, and less oily preparation.
Key Differences
Ointments are typically oil-based and have a greasy texture, making them more suitable for dry skin conditions. Creams, in contrast, are water-based and absorb more quickly into the skin, offering a lighter, less greasy feel.
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Nov 15, 2023
The occlusive nature of ointments means they create a barrier on the skin, which helps to retain moisture, making them effective for treating very dry or chapped skin. Creams, due to their water content, are more hydrating and are often used for moist or weeping skin conditions.
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Ointments generally have a higher concentration of active ingredients, providing a potent treatment for skin conditions. Creams, with their lower concentration of active ingredients, are often preferred for mild conditions or for use on sensitive skin areas.
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The thick consistency of ointments can clog pores, making them less suitable for areas prone to acne. Creams, being lighter, are less likely to cause pore blockage and are better suited for use on the face or acne-prone areas.
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Ointments, due to their oil content, can leave a residue on the skin and clothing, requiring careful application. Creams are easier to apply and leave less residue, making them more convenient for daytime use or application under clothes.
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Comparison Chart
Skin Suitability
Better for dry, chapped skin.
Preferred for moist or sensitive skin.
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Moisturization
Creates a barrier, retains moisture.
More hydrating, absorbs quickly.
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Concentration
Higher concentration of active ingredients.
Lower concentration, suitable for mild conditions.
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Ointment and Cream Definitions
Ointment
Ointment formulations are thick and greasy, ideal for severe dryness.
For her psoriasis, a thick ointment provided the best relief.
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Cream
Cream is a water-based skincare product, lighter than ointment.
She used a moisturizing cream to hydrate her face.
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Ointment
Ointments typically contain a higher concentration of active ingredients.
A steroid ointment was used to reduce skin inflammation.
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Cream
Creams are absorbed quickly, suitable for moist skin conditions.
The doctor recommended a cream for the mild rash.
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Ointment
Ointment is a greasy, medicinal preparation for external use.
The doctor prescribed an antibiotic ointment for the wound.
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Cream
Creams have a lower concentration of active ingredients, ideal for sensitive skin.
For her sensitive skin, a gentle cream was the best option.
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Ointment
Ointments are oil-based and used to treat dry skin conditions.
She used an ointment to soothe her dry, cracked hands.
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Cream
The yellowish fatty component of unhomogenized milk that tends to accumulate at the surface.
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Ointment
A highly viscous or semisolid substance used on the skin as a cosmetic, emollient, or medicament; a salve.
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Oct 19, 2023
Ointment
(medicine) A viscous preparation of oils and/or fats, usually containing medication, used as a treatment or as an emollient.
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Oct 19, 2023
Ointment
That which serves to anoint; any soft unctuous substance used for smearing or anointing; an unguent.
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Ointment
Semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation
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Ointment
Toiletry consisting of any of various substances resembling cream that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
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Oct 19, 2023
Ointment
Ointments create a protective barrier on the skin to retain moisture.
To treat eczema, he applied an ointment that locks in moisture.
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Nov 15, 2023
Cream
To take or remove (the best part)
Creamed off the highest-paying jobs for her cronies.
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Cream
To take the best part from
Creamed the whole department to form his management team.
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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…
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Cream
The liquid separated from milk, possibly with certain other milk products added, and with at least eighteen percent of it milkfat.
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Cream
The liquid separated from milk containing at least 18 percent milkfat (48% for double cream).
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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.
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Cream
(informal) Frosting, custard, creamer, or another substance similar to the oily part of milk or to whipped cream.
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Cream
(figuratively) The best part of something.
The cream of the crop
The cream of a collection of books or pictures
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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.
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Cream
(obsolete) The chrism or consecrated oil used in anointing ceremonies.
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Cream
To puree, to blend with a liquifying process.
Cream the vegetables with the olive oil, flour, salt and water mixture.
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Cream
To turn a yellowish white colour; to give something the color of cream.
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Cream
(slang) To obliterate, to defeat decisively.
We creamed the opposing team!
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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.
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Cream
A delicacy of several kinds prepared for the table from cream, etc., or so as to resemble cream.
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Cream
A cosmetic; a creamlike medicinal preparation.
In vain she tries her paste and creams,To smooth her skin or hide its seams.
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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.
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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.
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Cream
The best people or things in a group;
The cream of England's young men were killed in the Great War
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Cream
Toiletry consisting of any of various substances resembling cream that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
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Cream
Put on cream, as on one's face or body;
She creams her face every night
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Cream
Creams are less greasy and do not leave a heavy residue.
He chose a cream for daytime use because it's not oily.
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Cream
Creams are easier to spread and ideal for large areas of the skin.
After sun exposure, she applied a cooling cream all over her body.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
How does ointment differ from cream in texture?
Ointments are greasier and thicker; creams are lighter and less oily.
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Nov 15, 2023
What is an ointment?
A greasy, oil-based medicinal preparation for external use.
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Nov 15, 2023
Can both ointment and cream be used for skin conditions?
Yes, but their suitability varies based on the skin condition.
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Are ointments more potent than creams?
Ointments often have a higher concentration of active ingredients.
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Do creams absorb faster than ointments?
Yes, creams are water-based and absorb more quickly.
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Can ointment be used on sensitive skin?
Care should be taken as they are potent and greasy.
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Which is better for dry skin, ointment or cream?
Ointment is generally better for very dry skin.
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Is cream suitable for acne-prone skin?
Creams, being lighter, are generally better for acne-prone skin.
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Do creams provide hydration?
Yes, creams are hydrating and absorb into the skin.
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Can creams be used on the face?
Yes, especially those formulated for facial skin.
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Can cream be used for a mild rash?
Yes, creams are suitable for treating mild rashes.
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Are there non-greasy ointments available?
Some formulations are less greasy, but most ointments are inherently oily.
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Is ointment suitable for treating eczema?
Yes, ointments are often used for severe eczema.
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Nov 15, 2023
Do ointments leave a residue on the skin?
Yes, they can leave a greasy residue.
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Nov 15, 2023
Is cream good for daily use?
Yes, creams are convenient for daily application.
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Nov 15, 2023
Can ointments be used under clothing?
They can, but may leave stains due to their greasiness.
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Are ointments water-resistant?
Ointments tend to be more water-resistant than creams.
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Nov 15, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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