Lotions, creams, and ointments—aren’t they more or less the same? Not quite! Despite their seemingly interchangeable nature, these skincare products come with distinct benefits tailored to specific Skin needs and challenges. Understanding the difference between Cream and ointment can help you determine when exactly you need to use a face cream or reach for a more medicated product.  

We break down the differences between the two products along with how to integrate them into your daily skincare regimen.

What Is Cream

Cream is a versatile skincare product designed to hydrate and nourish your skin. They comprise a water and oil blend and strike a balance between light lotions and heavier ointments. 

Due to their moderately heavier formulation, creams provide effective moisturisation without feeling overly greasy, making them suitable for various skin types. Additionally, creams are enriched with beneficial ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins, and emollients that contribute to your skin health, enhance hydration, promote elasticity, and soothe dry or irritated skin. 

One of the major differences between ointment Vs. cream is that creams play a crucial role in maintaining skin vitality and addressing specific skin concerns, whereas ointments are only preferred for targeted treatments.

What Is An Ointment?

Ointments have heavier consistencies and are ideal for treating severe dry skin / Image credit: Freepik

An ointment is a specialised skincare formulation renowned for its rich and emollient texture, created by blending multiple oils and a small amount of water. Ointments are generally denser than creams and form a protective barrier on your skin’s surface, sealing in moisture and aiding in the healing of dry, cracked, or irritated areas. 

Due to their occlusive nature, ointments are particularly effective in preventing water loss and supporting skin recovery. This skincare product is often recommended for addressing specific dermatological concerns, such as eczema or psoriasis.

The main difference between cream and ointment is that in addition to offering intense hydration, ointments are prized for their ability to deliver targeted relief and promote the restoration of your skin’s natural barrier function.

What Is The Difference Between Cream And Ointment

Composition of Ointment vs Cream

What’s the main difference between cream and ointment, you ask? Well, it’s their composition. Creams are often characterised by water-in-oil emulsions, which combine water-based ingredients with oils to achieve a lighter, easily absorbed texture.

Ointments, on the other hand, have oil-based formulations that are dense and lack water content. This leads to a thicker consistency that leads to the creation of an occlusive barrier on your skin. 

This difference between cream and ointment is what influences their performance and their suitability for different skincare needs and preferences.

So while creams are an ideal addition to your daily skincare routine, ointments should be used only in certain situations to address specific skin concerns.

If you are looking for a daily face cream, you can try The Moms Co.’s Natural Vitamin C Face Cream, which has a lightweight formula and is enriched with antioxidants like vitamin C, ferulic acid, and Canadian willow herb that protect your complexion against free radicals and environmental stressors, squalane that improve hydration and keep your skin soft and plump.

Texture And Absorption

Another distinguishing factor of ointment vs cream is their texture and absorption qualities. Creams have a lighter consistency and effortlessly absorb into your skin. However, ointments have a denser texture, which creates a protective layer on your skin’s surface and is less readily absorbed into your skin.

This is one of the main reasons to use a moisturising cream in your daily skincare routine, instead of ointments. As mentioned, creams are formulated with antioxidants and vitamins that prep your skin for the day and also protect against damage from the sun and pollutants. Hence, consider using ointments only for targeted treatments, and creams as your regular skincare products.

If you want to enhance your skin barrier function and improve hydration, you can try The Moms Co.’s Natural Ceramide Face Cream, which is made with barrier-strengthening ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, cica, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients boost your skin’s vitality and fill in the tiny cracks within your skin to prevent moisture loss and dryness.

Additionally, the face cream contains rice water and squalane that promote an even skin tone and improve hydration to give you that Korean glass-like complexion. 

Moisturisation Intensity

Creams deliver optimal hydration and nourishment and are suitable for daily use / Image credit: Freepik

It’s crucial to understand the moisturising capabilities of cream versus ointment, as that will help you tailor your skincare routine according to your specific needs. Creams have moderate moisturising properties, which makes them well-suited for daily use. They also help maintain the overall health of your skin and are a reliable choice for a broad range of skin types.

Ointments, on the other hand, are more intensive in nature, which makes them more suitable for specific dermatological issues, such as severe dryness or targeted skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

So as per moisturisation, the main difference between cream and ointment is that creams have an ideal consistency that is suited for skin protection and health. So if you are looking for a moisturising face cream, you can opt for The Moms Co.’s Natural Vita-Rich Face Cream, which is enriched with vitamin-rich ingredients like kakadu plum chia seed oil, and hyaluronic acid that tackle hyperpigmentation and promote an even-toned skin.

The face cream also contains arbutin, which lightens dark spots to reveal a radiant and nourished complexion.

Water Content

Creams contain a higher percentage of water, contributing to their lighter feel and quick absorption. Ointments, being water-free, create a more substantial barrier on the skin, aiding in moisture retention.

While both products offer hydration, the difference between ointment versus cream is that creams offer instant hydration and prevent water loss, whereas ointments effectively work to retain moisture and stay on your skin’s surface, rather than absorbing for deeper hydration.

Hence, if you are wondering what to apply for instant nourishment, cream versus ointment, the answer is cream. Moreover, if you are looking for a lightweight night cream that serves as a powerful hydrator, you can try The Moms Co.’s Natural Green Tea Night Gel.

This night cream is formulated with moisture-boosters, such as green tea, aloe vera, and oats, which tackle acne and blemishes with their anti-inflammatory properties and also regulate sebum production in your skin to maintain the right balance of hydration. 

Occlusiveness

Wondering what’s the main difference between cream and ointment based on their occlusiveness? Well, ointments are more occlusive and serve as a barrier on your skin to prevent moisture loss and offer a strong defence against external irritants.

Creams, on the other hand, have a more moderate formulation and deliver optimal hydration without the excessive occlusive sensation. This ensures that your pores are unclogged and also helps manage acne breakouts and blemishes.

Suitability For Skin Type

Creams are versatile and suitable for various skin types, making them an excellent choice for those with normal to moderately sensitive skin. Ointments are better suited for extremely dry or damaged skin, providing intense hydration and support.

So the main difference between cream and ointment is that creams are better suited for most skin types, including those on the sensitive side, and ointments are specifically designed to treat severe dryness, especially in affected areas.

If you are looking for a face cream for sensitive skin, you can try The Moms Co.’s Purifying Turmeric Face Cream. As the name suggests, the cream contains turmeric, Kashmiri saffron, and sandalwood oil that detoxify your skin, protect against UVB damage, and prevent acne breakouts.

In addition, the cream also has liquorice extracts that lighten the appearance of dark spots and enhance your overall skin tone. 

Everyday Use vs. Targeted Treatment

Creams have a lightweight consistency and are ideal for daily use. They are also suitable for a range of skin types and contribute to your overall skin health. However, ointments, are designed for targeted treatments. They play a crucial role in addressing severe dryness or specific skin conditions.

The distinction between ointment vs cream is fairly simple! You can use creams as any other cosmetic product, such as lotions or serums, and reach out for ointments only when your dermatologist recommends or prescribes them.

Looking for a face cream that helps protect your skin from environmental damage and also tackles acne? Try The Moms Co.’s Natural Green Tea Face Cream. Enriched with anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea extracts, niacinamide, and squalane, this face cream effectively reduces acne marks and scars, while improving hydration.

This face cream also contains willow bark, which reduces the inflammation and redness caused by acne and blemishes to reveal a nourished and glowing complexion. 

In the grand world of skincare, understanding the difference between cream and ointment can help you select the right products tailored to your skin’s specific needs. While creams offer a lighter touch for daily use and general moisturisation, ointments step in as heavy-duty warriors, providing formidable protection and targeted relief. 

If you are confused about which one to choose, ointment vs cream, then consult your dermatologist to determine your skin’s unique needs and make informed choices that contribute to the health and radiance of your skin.

Also Read:

Difference between cream and lotion: Learn the difference between cream and lotion and when to use them for optimal benefits. Tap this post to know more.

Face serum or moisturiser: Do you need both face serum and moisturiser in your skincare routine? Get all the details in this post.

Day cream vs night cream: Does your day cream double up as a night cream? If not, what should you do? Tap this post to know.

Cover Image Credit: Freepik.com

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