The major difference between cream and lotion is that the formulation of cream contains a higher percentage of oil, whereas the formulation of lotion contains a higher percentage of water.
Dosage forms are important because they deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) to a particular body site. Different types of dosage forms exist, and they can be classified based on their physical form as well as the route of drug delivery/method. Depending on the physical form, the dosage forms are solid, semisolid, liquid, and gaseous dosage forms. Depending on the route of administration, the dosage forms are oral, parenteral, topical, inhalation, and instilled in the body cavities. Each dosage form and route of drug administration has its advantages.
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To produce the local and systemic effects of the drug the topical route is used in which medication is applied to a particular part of the body such as the skin or mucous membrane. It is often used to treat ailments and skincare via a large range of classes including lotion, cream, emulsion, suspension, transdermal patch, paste, ointment, gel, eye drops (ophthalmic), and ear drops (otic), etc.
Lotions and creams both are moisturizers that are formulated to keep your skin hydrated. They are emulsions that are made up of both water and oil. The emulsion is a biphasic liquid or semi-solid dosage form, and the semisolid dosage form is neither solid nor liquid.
What is Cream?
The cream is semi-solid emulsions made with a combination of oil and water. It is divided into two types oil-in-water (O/W) cream made from small droplets of oil dispersed in a continuous water phase, and water-in-oil (W/O) cream made from small droplets of water dispersed in a continuous oily phase.
A cream is a mixture of oil and water, similar to a lotion, however the oil content in the cream higher than the lotion. Creams have a thicker consistency compared to the lotions and act as a barrier, keeping the skin ultra-hydrated. There are different types of creams are available in the market, because of their thickness, body cream is commonly sold in jars or tubs.
What is lotion?
The lotion is a smooth, thick liquid preparation used to apply to the skin for cosmetic or medicinal purposes. It is an aqueous or sometimes alcoholic preparation containing insoluble substances in the form of a suspension or emulsion intended for external application without rubbing. Since lotions contain less oil and absorb more easily than creams, they are better suited for normal to slightly dry skin.
Lotion vs Cream:
Creams and lotions are a mixture of oil and water and both are used for the same purpose, which helps to moisturize our skin. However, there are some differences in creams and lotions which are mentioned here.
- The cream is a thick liquid or a semi-solid preparation, while a lotion is a thick, smooth liquid solution, both are used to apply to the skin.
- Creams have a higher percentage of oil whereas lotions have a higher percentage of water.
- While preparing the cream, drops of water are added to the oil, whereas in the lotion, drops of oil are added to the water.
- Creams are greasy, rich, and heavy, whereas lotions are non-greasy and light-weight.
- Creams are more suitable for dry to extremely dry skin, whereas lotions are ideal for mild to slightly dry skin.
- Creams are ideal for use at night and during winter, while lotions are ideal for use during the day and during summer.
- Creams have a thicker consistency than lotions, while lotions have a thinner consistency than creams.
- Because of differences in their consistency, creams are packaged in jars while lotions are packaged in bottles.
Similarity between lotion and cream:
The major similarity between lotions and creams is that both are semi-solid dosage forms and are applied to the skin for medicinal as well as cosmetic purposes. Lotions and creams are made with a mixture of oil and water that help to cleanse, moisturize and soften the skin.
Commonly asked questions on lotion and cream are as follows.
Is cream better than lotion for dry skin?
Yes, creams are perfect for very dry skin and are suitable for skincare in winter and cold weather.
What is the advantage of lotion over cream?
The major advantage of lotion over cream is that lotion has a lower viscosity than cream, making it easier to absorb by the skin.
What is the difference between body creams and body lotions?
Body creams are thicker, heavier, and contain more oil than body lotions, allowing them to penetrate deeper into your skin and form a moisture barrier.
Body creams are thicker, heavier, and contain more oil than body lotions, allowing them to penetrate deeper into your skin and form a moisture barrier.
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