What is the difference between ointments, creams and lotions?
Ointments are emollients (moisturisers) which contain a high proportion of lipid and a low amount of water; some ointments are anhydrous (i.e. they do not contain any water at all). Conversely, lotions contain lower levels of lipid and higher levels of water. Creams tend to be somewhere in between ointments and lotions in terms of their lipid and water content. One of the most important differences between ointments, creams and lotions is their aesthetics. Lotions tend to be ‘lighter’ and have greater cosmetic appeal as they are cooler to the touch and easier to rub into the skin. However, ointments, which can feel sticky and/or greasy, contain higher levels of lipid and correspondingly more efficacious. .
