Cream vs ointment - What are their purposes and differences?

Published: August 2025

Eucerin has several different skincare solutions for various conditions and skin concerns. Learn more about the differences between creams and ointments below.

While creams and ointments are similar and can be used medicinally or for cosmetic purposes, there are key differences such as the appearance and consistency of the two.

Creams: Smooth texture and thick consistency, which can also be non-greasy or mildly greasy depending on the type of cream.

Ointments: Thicker consistency than creams, but due to their higher quantity of oils, allows larger coverage of skin. Ointments tend to have a greasier and stickier feel than creams generally.

Creams: As mentioned, creams are typically used for cosmetic purposes and to hydrate the skin as needed. They also absorb faster than ointments, due to their higher water content, which also allows for more coverage of large areas of skin. Combined with equal parts oil, this also means that the cream stays on the skin to allow protection against moisture loss, which is also why creams are more suitable for conditions concerning dry skin, lesions and rashes.

Ointments: With more oil content than creams, ointments stay on top of the skin to act as a protective layer and do not absorb straight away. This helps to combat moisture loss or external factors like cold or dry air.

Creams: Creams are typically more lightweight with a smoother texture than ointments and appear invisible on the skin due to their quick absorption. Due to their oil-to-water ratio, creams are thick enough to maintain shape when squeezed or scooped from a container.

Ointments: Ointments appear thick and greasy as well as opaque or translucent. Once applied, it can leave a shiny glow to the skin. Like creams, ointments also hold their shape well.

Creams and ointments are designed to address specific issues on the skin, and what you will use will depend on the type of condition you want to treat or improve.

Creams are ideal for conditions such as dry skin on the face, the body, the feet, the lips and hands, as well as other conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Babies can also be prone to dry skin, which creams can help with.

For dry skin on the body, the Eucerin UreaRepair Plus Lotion 10% is ideal for treating dry skin conditions, leaving the skin hydrated and smooth. The cream acts as an intensive moisturiser for very dry and rough skin, offering immediate dry skin relief within 48 hours.

For dry skin on the face, the UreaRepair Replenishing Face Cream 5% Urea is a light face cream for dry to very dry skin, which instantly moisturises and soothes tightness to give the skin a smooth and supple feel.

If you experience dry feet symptoms, UreaRepair Plus 10% Urea Foot Cream offers a pleasant fragrance and quick absorption with no greasy residue. It's also suitable for those with xerosis, psoriasis and diabetes.

For dry hands, UreaRepair Plus 5% Urea Hand Cream is a suitable option for those who want immediate hydration and relief from dry, rough hands. With quick absorption and no greasy residues, the cream offers intensive 48-hour moisture and is suitable for individuals experiencing xerosis, psoriasis, diabetes and mature skin.

Ointments, as mentioned above, are ideal for those with conditions that cannot be resolved solely with creams or gels.

For very dry, irritated body skin, Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray intensively moisturises to sooth and relieve dry, cracked and rough skin. It’s water-free and can be used anywhere on the body, such as the arms, armpits, legs and other larger or hard to reach areas to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated.

Aside from ointments and creams, there are other products that are suitable for the skin for different reasons.

Balms are another product which can be useful for various conditions and cosmetic reasons, such as for the lips, cleansing the skin or helping to relieve itchy skin.

Eucerin AtoControl Balm is ideal for itchy, very dry and irritated skin, as well as being fragrance-free and having a light texture. It's a calming balm, suitable for newborns and is a daily care for atopic skin.

For dry or chapped lips, Acute Lip Balm is a highly effective balm that instantly soothes and moisturises dry, chapped and cracked lips, as well as the perioral area around the lips.

Finding the right product for your skin condition can be confusing at times. For dry skin, you may find it helpful to consult a dermatologist to assess whether you are more suitable for cream or ointment treatment, depending on the condition. For general dry skin conditions, you should typically be able to treat them with creams to alleviate any symptoms such as flakiness, dryness or itching. For other conditions that may need stronger treatment, a dermatologist may recommend specific ointments.