Topical Medications: Ointments vs. Creams vs. Lotions

Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by skin problems. In fact, skin-related health conditions impact as many as 1 in 3 people at any given time. Skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis are all common reasons why you could be considering a topical medication as a source of relief from your symptoms. 

If you’ve gone to purchase a topical medication online or at your local pharmacy, you may have noticed that these medications are often available in a few distinct versions. Understandably, the differences between them can seem vague — at best. So if you’ve ever been confused about needing an ointment versus a cream or lotion, you’re not alone.

Here, we’ll compare ointments, creams, and lotions.

What’s the difference between ointments, creams, and lotions?

Ointments, creams, and lotions are all topical products that you can apply to your skin. Some of them are simply cosmetic products, while others are medications. Regardless, you may have noticed a few differences between them.

• Ointments: Ointments tend to feel greasy. Your skin may appear glossy or shiny after using an ointment. Ointments are also usually thick and heavy. An ointment usually forms a thick barrier or protective layer on top of your skin.

• Creams: Compared to ointments, creams are not as heavy and thick. Creams also tend to have a more cosmetically-pleasing appearance.

• Lotions: Lotions are non-greasy products. They’re also thinner than ointments and creams. So, you can easily apply them to a larger area of your body.

These differences in appearances and textures are due to the various amounts of oil and water they each contain. Ointments are generally 80% oil and 20% water, and creams are typically 50% oil and 50% water. Lotions tend to contain a lot more water than oil. 

Are there any other types of topical medications?

Yes. Although they’re not as common, other types (formulations) of topical medications include:

• Foams

• Gels

• Mousses

• Shampoos

• Solutions

• Suspensions

Do some ointments, creams, and lotions have the same active ingredient?

In many cases, yes. Several ointments, creams, and lotions have the same active ingredient. 

A common example is hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid medication that’s available as an ointment, cream, and lotion. It also comes as a topical solution and spray. Hydrocortisone is typically used for the short-term relief of itching, redness, and swelling caused by various skin conditions.

Another common example is Neosporin. Neosporin is available as an ointment and cream. Both versions contain antibiotics called neomycin and polymyxin that help prevent infection from minor skin injuries. However, the two formulations also have minor differences in other active ingredients they contain. 

On the other hand, some medications only come as one formulation. For instance, pimecrolimus (Elidel) is a prescription-only medication that treats eczema. It only comes as a cream — it doesn’t come as an ointment, lotion, or gel. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of medicated ointments, creams, and lotions?

When comparing topical products to each other, each type of topical product has a few advantages and disadvantages.

Does your skin type determine if you need an ointment, cream, or lotion?

In some cases, yes. Your skin’s composition can play a role in which product type might be best for your skin. 

However, your skin type isn’t the only deciding factor. Certain topical medications might be better than others depending on where you apply them on your body. The skin condition that you’re treating is also a big factor. 

Can you combine medicated ointments, creams, and lotions?

While you might use multiple topical products for your skin condition, you shouldn’t typically combine them on your skin at the same time.

For instance, eczema is a common skin condition that often requires multiple topical products. If you have eczema, healthcare providers may prescribe a topical steroid medication, like a hydrocortisone ointment or cream. But they could also recommend using another moisturizer to help soothe and protect your skin.

However, two topical products generally shouldn’t be applied to the same area of skin at the same time. In fact, combining them can lower a treatment’s effectiveness and spread the mixture to unaffected skin areas. Experts usually suggest separating products by at least 10 to 30 minutes. 

Depending on your skincare routine and medications that you use, your healthcare provider can give you more specific guidance on how to use your products together in a safe and effective way. 

Which topical medication formulation is the best?

It depends. One formulation isn’t “better” than the other. 

The best topical medication will vary from person-to-person. They are all tools that come in handy in different situations. An ideal topical product will depend on the following factors:

• Your skin type

• Application site

• Skin condition being treated

• Medical history

• Preferences

• Previous experience with a topical medication (if applicable)

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Ross Phan, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, BCPS

Ross Phan is a board-certified clinical pharmacist. She has roughly two decades of healthcare experience — with most of her experience being pharmacy related.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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