DE LAZA, NICKA VANESSA S. MS.

MARITESS ABAD
HOMEWORK - DDS (LEC)

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OINTMENTS AND CREAMS

Ointment is 80%oil and 20% water while Cream is 50% of oil and 50% of
water ( means balanced). Higher the oil concentration, greasier and stickier
the product is. Skin absorbs cream more quickly and work better on larger
areas due to their spreadability factor. Ointment have a higher
concentration of oil.

Here is a sample chart for their difference:

In general, people prefer using creams to ointments since they are less
sticky and heavy on the skin. Since the viscosity (thickness) of creams is
less than that of ointments, they also work better for covering large areas of
skin.

Reference:
https://www.rmlspecialtyhospital.org/updates/winter-skin-creams-vs-
ointments/#.XlX4dy-B0zU
Charisse Kristine Marcelo
2Y2-IRR1
DDS (Lecture)

Difference between Ointments and Creams

Ointments are oil-based (80% oil and 20% water) and preservative
free. They are the most absorbent and provide an occlusive barrier on
the skin that prevents moisture loss, allowing the greatest benefit. The
greasier the better, especially with dry, cracked skin. They are also
good for allergic skin, sensitive skin and for skin that is not going to
easily absorb, like psoriasis. To improve efficacy, you can even use a
covering over the area. For example, if you have dry and cracked
knuckles, apply the ointment and put on gloves.

Creams (50% oil and 50% water) are non-greasy and disappear when
rubbed in. Typically a patient favorite, creams are useful when it might
not be cosmetically appealing or realistic to use an ointment, such as
on the face or under clothes, which might cause them to get ruined.
However, they wash off easily and contain both preservatives and
alcohol with can burn on allergic or cracked skin.

Source:
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-an-ointment-
and-cream