Ointment vs. Cream — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 19, 2023
An "Ointment" is a thick, greasy medicinal preparation. A "Cream" is a semi-solid emulsion of oil and water, used medicinally or cosmetically. Ointments are oil-based, while creams are water-based or oil-in-water emulsions.
Difference Between Ointment and Cream
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Key Differences
An "Ointment" is primarily an oil-based preparation which is used for its medicinal properties. It provides a barrier and is designed to have a longer contact time with the skin. Contrarily, a "Cream" is a mixture of oil and water and has a lighter texture.
The composition of an "Ointment" makes it more occlusive, meaning it retains moisture effectively and is excellent for dry skin conditions. A "Cream", on the other hand, is absorbed more quickly into the skin due to its water content, making it suitable for moist or weeping skin conditions.
While both "Ointments" and "Creams" can deliver medication to the skin, their usage can vary. An "Ointment" might be preferred when prolonged contact with the skin is desired, whereas a "Cream" might be chosen for its cooling and hydrating effects.
The feel of an "Ointment" is generally greasier, making it less cosmetically appealing to some individuals. In contrast, "Creams" have a smoother texture and are often preferred for daytime use or application to exposed skin areas.
In essence, while both "Ointments" and "Creams" serve to treat or protect the skin, their base components and textural differences determine their specific uses and benefits.
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Comparison Chart
Base
Oil-based
Water-based or oil-in-water emulsion
Texture
Greasier, thicker
Lighter, smoother
Absorption
Slower, forms a barrier
Faster absorption into the skin
Use
Preferred for dry skin conditions
Suitable for moist or weeping skin conditions
Cosmetic Appeal
Less appealing due to greasy texture
More appealing due to lighter texture
Compare with Definitions
Ointment
A greasy medicinal preparation applied externally.
The doctor prescribed an antibiotic ointment for the rash.
Cream
A thick, smooth liquid or lotion of cosmetic or medicinal quality.
She uses a moisturizing cream every night.
Ointment
A salve or unguent designed to promote healing or protection.
She applied a soothing ointment to her chapped lips.
Cream
A soft-solid or thick liquid used to treat or beautify the skin.
The sunscreen cream protected her from UV rays.
Ointment
A semi-solid substance that remains on the skin's surface.
The wound required a specific antiseptic ointment.
Cream
Cream is a dairy product composed of the higher-fat layer skimmed from the top of milk before homogenization. In un-homogenized milk, the fat, which is less dense, eventually rises to the top.
Ointment
A dense preparation that forms a barrier on the skin.
Use the ointment sparingly, as it's quite potent.
Cream
The yellowish fatty component of unhomogenized milk that tends to accumulate at the surface.
Ointment
A smooth oily substance that is rubbed on the skin for medicinal purposes or as a cosmetic
Scented ointments for the skin
He rubbed some ointment on his leg
Cream
Any of various substances resembling or containing cream
Hand cream.
Ointment
A highly viscous or semisolid substance used on the skin as a cosmetic, emollient, or medicament; a salve.
Cream
A pale yellow to yellowish white.
Ointment
(medicine) A viscous preparation of oils and/or fats, usually containing medication, used as a treatment or as an emollient.
Cream
The choicest part
The cream of the crop.
Ointment
A substance used to anoint, as in religious rituals.
Cream
To form cream.
Ointment
That which serves to anoint; any soft unctuous substance used for smearing or anointing; an unguent.
Cream
To form foam or froth at the top.
Ointment
Semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation
Cream
To have an orgasm.
Ointment
Toiletry consisting of any of various substances resembling cream that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
Cream
To be excited or delighted about something.
Ointment
A thick, oil-based solution used to deliver medication to the skin.
The burn ointment provided immediate relief.
Cream
To remove the cream from; skim.
Cream
To take or remove (the best part)
Creamed off the highest-paying jobs for her cronies.
Cream
To take the best part from
Creamed the whole department to form his management team.
Cream
To beat into a creamy consistency.
Cream
To prepare or cook in or with a cream sauce.
Cream
To add cream to.
Cream
To defeat overwhelmingly
Creamed our rival on their home court.
Cream
To damage severely; destroy
My camera got creamed when I dropped it.
Cream
Vulgar Slang To have an orgasm in (one's pants, for example).
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…
Cream
The liquid separated from milk, possibly with certain other milk products added, and with at least eighteen percent of it milkfat.
Cream
The liquid separated from milk containing at least 18 percent milkfat (48% for double cream).
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.
Cream
A yellowish white colour; the colour of cream.
Cream
(informal) Frosting, custard, creamer, or another substance similar to the oily part of milk or to whipped cream.
Cream
(figuratively) The best part of something.
The cream of the crop
The cream of a collection of books or pictures
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.
Cream
Semen.
Cream
(obsolete) The chrism or consecrated oil used in anointing ceremonies.
Cream
Cream-coloured; having a yellowish white colour.
Cream
To puree, to blend with a liquifying process.
Cream the vegetables with the olive oil, flour, salt and water mixture.
Cream
To turn a yellowish white colour; to give something the color of cream.
Cream
(slang) To obliterate, to defeat decisively.
We creamed the opposing team!
Cream
To ejaculate used of either gender.
Cream
To ejaculate in (clothing or a bodily orifice).
Cream
To rub, stir, or beat (butter) into a light creamy consistency.
Cream
(transitive) To skim, or take off by skimming, as cream.
Cream
To take off the best or choicest part of.
Cream
(transitive) To furnish with, or as if with, cream.
Cream
(intransitive) To gather or form cream.
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.
Cream
The part of any liquor that rises, and collects on the surface.
Cream
A delicacy of several kinds prepared for the table from cream, etc., or so as to resemble cream.
Cream
A cosmetic; a creamlike medicinal preparation.
In vain she tries her paste and creams,To smooth her skin or hide its seams.
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.
Cream
To skim, or take off by skimming, as cream.
Cream
To take off the best or choicest part of.
Cream
To furnish with, or as with, cream.
Creaming the fragrant cups.
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.
Cream
The best people or things in a group;
The cream of England's young men were killed in the Great War
Cream
The part of milk containing the butterfat
Cream
Toiletry consisting of any of various substances resembling cream that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
Cream
Make creamy by beating;
Cream the butter
Cream
Put on cream, as on one's face or body;
She creams her face every night
Cream
Remove from the surface;
Skim cream from the surface of milk
Cream
Add cream to one's coffee, for example
Cream
The fatty part of milk, from which butter is made.
She loves a dollop of whipped cream on her pie.
Cream
To beat or blend until smooth and fluffy.
Cream the butter and sugar together for the cookie batter.
Cream
A water-based preparation with a light texture.
The doctor gave a medicinal cream for the fungal infection.
Common Curiosities
Which has a longer shelf life, "Ointment" or "Cream"?
Generally, "Ointments" have a longer shelf life due to fewer preservatives compared to "Creams".
Can I use a cosmetic "Cream" on a wound?
No, wounds require medicinal "Creams" or "Ointments", not cosmetic ones.
Can "Creams" be used for cooking?
Yes, but in cooking, "Cream" refers to the fatty layer from milk, not the cosmetic or medicinal product.
Which is better for dry skin, "Ointment" or "Cream"?
"Ointments" are typically better for dry skin due to their oil-based nature.
Can I use an "Ointment" as a facial moisturizer?
Yes, but it may feel greasier than typical facial "Creams".
Are "Ointments" always medicinal?
No, while many are medicinal, some "Ointments" can be protective or moisturizing.
Are all "Creams" water-based?
Most "Creams" are water-based or oil-in-water emulsions, but formulations can vary.
Which is more hydrating, an "Ointment" or a "Cream"?
While "Ointments" lock in moisture, "Creams" provide hydration due to their water content.
Is it okay to apply "Cream" over an "Ointment"?
Generally, "Ointments" should be applied after "Creams" for better absorption.
Why do "Ointments" feel greasy?
Because they are primarily oil-based, which gives them a greasy texture.
Are there any side effects to using medicated "Ointments" or "Creams"?
Yes, depending on ingredients, side effects may occur; always read labels and consult with healthcare professionals.
Are there "Creams" that are oil-based?
While most "Creams" are water-based, there are oil-in-water emulsions that contain oil.
How should I store my "Ointment" or "Cream"?
It's best to store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, unless specified otherwise on the label.
Why are "Creams" preferred for daytime use?
Due to their lighter texture, "Creams" are less greasy and more cosmetically appealing.
Can "Ointments" cause acne?
Some "Ointments", due to their occlusive nature, might contribute to breakouts in acne-prone individuals.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
