Cream & Ointment

Both creams and ointments can have medicinal or cosmetic uses. The primary difference between the two lies in the ratio between oil and water. While a cream has equal parts oil and water, ointments contain about 80 percent oil.

Creams are water-soluble and are mostly used for cosmetic purposes. They can also be used to treat allergies, rashes or any other skin problem. Ointments are oily substances used for medical purposes or as cosmetics. Essentially, ointments contain high concentrations of oil and are more greasier and stickier.

Ointments are beneficial for very dry, chapped or cracked areas of skin, such as dry heels and psoriasis patches. The ointment is also a good choice for people whose hands are very dry and chapped due to frequent hand-washing. For dry, chapped lips, ointments keep moisture sealed in longer than waxes or balms do.