You might not think about it, but creams and ointments are likely part of your daily routine. That face lotion you smooth on each morning? Probably a cream. The lip balm you swipe on before heading out? That’s an ointment. While they might look similar at a glance, their makeup and uses are quite distinct. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you pick the right one for your skin’s needs.
Creams: The Hydrating Multitaskers
Creams are a clever mix of water and oil, fused together with an emulsifier—think of it like whisking oil and vinegar into a dressing that holds steady. Emulsifiers, thickeners, and stabilizers maintain this emulsion’s stability, but creating a cream isn’t simple:
- Process: Heating water and oil to over 70°C, blending them in precise ratios with rapid mixing to form a stable, smooth texture. Thickeners and stabilizers often join the mix to keep it consistent.
- Considerations: The water content makes creams vulnerable to bacteria, so preservatives are essential (yes, even in “natural” ones). Their shelf life is typically shorter than ointments unless bolstered by extra stabilizers.
- Benefits: Creams hydrate with water, nourish with oils, and absorb quickly into the skin’s upper layers. They’re ideal for delivering active ingredients efficiently.
Think of creams as your go-to for everyday hydration—light enough for a morning routine but versatile enough to tackle specific concerns, depending on what’s added to the formula.
Ointments: The Heavyweight Healers
Ointments are water-free, composed of oils, butters, or waxes. Without water, there’s no need for emulsifiers or preservatives, giving them a simpler, often more “natural” appeal.
- Process: It’s a time-tested method—melt the oils (or waxes and butters) together, then let them cool into a dense, spreadable form. Ancient Egyptians nailed this over 3,000 years ago with beeswax and olive oil, a combo still effective today.
- Benefits: Ointments form a protective shield, locking in moisture. Research, like a 2021 study in Pharmaceutics on lipophilic drugs, highlights their knack for deeper penetration and longer-lasting delivery of active ingredients thanks to this occlusive layer.
- Note: While they’re more stable than creams, the oils in ointments can still oxidize or turn rancid over time if not stored properly.
Ointments shine when you need serious repair—think chapped lips, cracked heels, or rough patches that demand a moisture-locking shield.
Whether it’s
a cream or an ointment, you’ll often find extras like vitamins, essential oils for a pleasant scent, or even pigments for visual appeal. Packaging, like airless pumps or dark jars, can also boost stability by shielding them from air and light.
So, What’s the Difference—and What Should You Choose?
The key difference lies in their purpose:
- Creams: Act as skincare multitaskers, providing hydration and nourishment. They absorb fast, targeting the skin’s surface layers without feeling heavy—ideal for daily use or when you want hydration without clogging pores. Perfect for normal to mildly dry skin or as a base for ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
- Ointments: Thicker and more intense, they’re built to lock in moisture and protect. They’re best for dry, cracked, or irritated skin, offering intensive repair through a long-lasting barrier.
A Common Question: Is a Face Cream a Moisturizer?
Moisturizing is about hydrating the skin, and creams are one way to do it—alongside lotions, gels, or even serums. But creams can go beyond hydration. Depending on the recipe, they might fight wrinkles (with retinol or coenzyme Q10), soothe redness (with niacinamide), or rebuild your skin barrier (with ceramides or fatty acids). So, yes, they moisturize—but they can also do more.
Choosing Wisely
Worried about clogged pores or excess oil? Go for a lightweight cream—your skin will love the balance. Facing stubborn dryness or craving overnight repair? An ointment’s protective seal is your best bet. At O’Black Cosmetics, we’re working on our Target Face Skincare Palette, a lineup of creams tailored to different skin types and ages—hydrating, effective, and never greasy. Want to be the first to try it? Follow us or drop us a line to stay in the loop! Plus, if you’re into fuss-free lip care, let us know—are you interested in lip balms? Tell us your preferences, and we’ll craft the best ones just for you.
Prepared by: A. Oblak, BSc Chemist
Reference: Tanya M. Barnes et al., “Vehicles for Drug Delivery and Cosmetic Moisturizers: Review and Comparison” (Pharmaceutics, 2021)
Photos: Unsplash+