At the pharmacy, you may be asked, “Cream or ointment?” The choice is about more than how greasy a product feels. Its formulation can affect absorption, skin tolerance and ease of use. If your doctor prescribed a particular form, ask before changing it.
What is the difference?
A cream is usually a mixture of water and oily ingredients. It spreads easily and leaves less grease on the skin. An ointment is generally oilier and forms a protective layer that reduces water loss. Exact formulations vary; the appearance of a tube does not tell you what it contains.
Which form suits which situation?
For very dry, thickened or scaly skin, a plain moisturising ointment may be useful, particularly at night. A cream is often more convenient during the day. Lotions or lighter formulations are easier to apply to hairy areas. For skin folds, weeping lesions or suspected infection, the choice should follow an assessment: a greasy ointment is not suitable for every inflamed rash.
An ointment is not necessarily a steroid
“Cream” and “ointment” describe the formulation, not the active ingredient. Either may be a plain moisturiser or a medicine containing a steroid. Check the medicine name, concentration, application site and treatment duration.
With topical steroids, even the same ingredient name and percentage do not make a cream and an ointment automatically interchangeable. The vehicle affects absorption. Extra care is needed on the face, eyelids, genital area and skin folds; follow specific instructions for children too. Do not cover a steroid with plastic or an occlusive dressing unless your doctor advises it.
Before buying or switching
- Bring the previous tube, a clear photograph of its packaging and your prescription.
- Ask whether the product is a plain moisturiser or an active medicine, and which body area it is intended for.
- Choose fragrance-free products for sensitive skin. If significant burning or new redness develops, stop the suspected product and seek advice.
- Do not mix steroid cream into a moisturiser yourself. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to apply them and how to space applications.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ointment always stronger?
No. Strength depends on the active ingredient, concentration, vehicle and application site. Greasiness alone is not a measure of potency.
Can I use cream by day and ointment at night?
That can work for plain moisturisers, but do not change the schedule of prescribed medicines without advice.
When should I get examined?
Arrange an assessment if the diagnosis is unclear, the problem persists, or the skin becomes painful and starts weeping. Rapidly spreading redness, fever or severe pain needs urgent assessment.
For advice about choosing a suitable product, you can contact Arvin Skin Hospital at info@arvin.af. This guide does not replace an examination or an individual prescription.
Sources
- NHS — Emollients
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS — Emollients
- DermNet — Topical steroids
- DermNet — Topical formulations
Sources checked: 9 November 2026.