Difference between ointment and lotion

The major difference between ointment and lotion is the composition of the water and oil mixture used in their formulation. Ointments have a higher percentage of oil in their formulation, while lotions have a higher percentage of water.

Dosage forms are intended to provide active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) to the site of action. They are solid, liquid, semisolid, or gaseous dosage forms based on the physical form, and based on the route they are oral, parenteral, topical, and inhalation route of drug administration.

Table of Contents What is ointment?  What is lotion?  Difference between ointment and lotion  Similarities between ointment and lotion

The topical drug delivery system is the local drug delivery system for the skin as well as the local delivery of active ingredients through the skin for cosmetic purposes. The topical formulations are available in different forms, such as cream, ointment, suppositories, paste emulsion, lotion, gel, and liniment, etc.

Ointments:

Ointments are homogeneous semisolid preparations intended for application to the skin or mucous membranes, in which active ingredients can be suspended, emulsified, or dissolved in the ointment base. The ointments are thick, so they keep the skin hydrated, as they are not easily absorbed. It is a strong absorbent and has an occlusive barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and maximizing the advantages.

Lotions:

Lotions are aqueous or alcoholic emulsions/suspensions of insoluble ingredients that are applied without rubbing. It is a medicated or non-medicated topical preparation with a low to medium viscosity that is applied to unbroken skin. The majority of lotions are o/w emulsions, but there are also w/o lotions. Lotions are ideal for normal to slightly dry skin because they contain less oil and absorb more rapidly than ointments and creams.

Difference between ointment and lotion:

• The ointment contains mostly oil and is very greasy, while the lotion contains mostly water and is less greasy than ointments.
• Ointments are suitable for dry or very dry skin, whereas lotions are suitable for normal to slightly dry skin.
• Ointments are a thick, smooth, and soften preparation, whereas lotions are a thin, smooth liquid solution.
• In ointments, 70 percent or more oil is used, while in lotions, 70 percent or more water is used.
• Ointments are sticky and are difficult to spread on the skin, particularly on hairy areas, while lotions are liquid and easy to spread on the skin and other hairy areas of the body.
• The ointment has a slower onset of action, while the lotion has a rapid onset of action.
• The ointment does not need to be applied repeatedly, while the lotion needs to be applied repeatedly.
• Many people prefer to use the ointment only at night, while lotions are preferred during the day and the summer.
• The ointment may stain clothing due to its greasiness, while the lotion is less stained on clothes due to less greasy.
• Most ointments don't have any preservatives, whereas most lotions have preservatives in them.

Ointment vs Lotion

The similarity between lotion and ointment:

The major similarity between lotion and ointment is that both lotions and ointments are topical medicine or treatment or cosmetic that can be applied to the skin. Since they are both a combination of oil and water, they are used for facial and body moisturizers.

Commonly asked questions on ointment and lotion are as follows.

Why are creams preferred to ointments?

Creams are preferred over ointments because they are less sticky and heavy on the skin.

Which is better ointment or lotion?

Ointment and lotion both are used for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes however ointment is better for dry to very dry skin, while the lotion is better for normal to slightly dry skin.