Arko Classic in a green and white tube, our grandfather’s favourite, which must have been in the house of every family elder at one time, the intense Nivea moisturizing creams in the iconic blue tin box that turned into our grandmothers’ needle storage box after it was finished, and those fragrant aftershave lotions used by our fathers and grandfathers, you probably will too. you remember.
In fact, ointment, cream, and lotion sound like products with different names used for the same things. But do these terms mean the same thing? If so why do they have different names? Today we will talk about the differences between these expressions.
What is the “ointment” that is the subject of the phrase “to be an ointment to the wound”?
Ointment, which is frequently used in the phrase “to be an ointment to the wound”, is a word of Arabic origin in our language. In fact, the ointment in this metaphorical discourse is a form of spreadable medicine that also physically heals wounds. ointments; They are drugs that can be obtained by prescription, which are frequently used in many skin diseases such as fungus, eczema, dermatitis and skin burns.
For those who need hydration: What is a cream?
Cream; It comes from the French word “créme”. Creams used as skin care products soften and moisturize the skin and provide protection on the skin. The creams, which are basically categorized as water and oil-based, protect the applied area against external factors such as cold weather, sun and air pollution.
What is the indispensable aftershave lotion?
The word “lotion”, which means “bath water” in French, is referred to as “lotion” in our language. Lotions containing alcohol in addition to high water content are used to moisturize, soften and soothe the skin. Especially after shave lotions used by men, water and alcohol are used at high rates. These lotions have antiseptic properties for cuts and scratches that occur during shaving.
What do ointments, creams and lotions have in common?
We can say that the most basic and obvious common feature of these products, which are created by formulating almost the same basic ingredients in different proportions, is “moisturizing the skin”. In addition to moisturizing, they provide physical protection on the surface they are applied to. Cream and Lotion forms; It has almost the same usage areas in areas such as body, face, hands, feet, hair and eyes.
What are the different aspects of ointments, creams and lotions?
As indicated in the image above, dark blue color; water, and the light blue represents oil and its different derivatives. While ointments, creams, and lotions have some similarities, they have a much broader range of differences. These differences are as follows:
- While ointments are oil-based product forms, creams have both water and oil-based forms. Lotions, on the other hand, are in liquid form, unlike creams and ointments.
- Ointments in oil-based form contain 80% oil. In creams, water and oil are found in different proportions, but in general, 50% water and 50% oil form. Lotions contain high amounts of water and alcohol.
- While ointments are used in the treatment of skin diseases, creams are not medicinal drugs. Despite this, we see creams in cosmetic and dermocosmetic fields. Lotions, on the other hand, are used for purposes such as softening the skin, providing refreshment and soothing.
- In essence, ointments are used to treat, creams are used to moisturize and protect the skin, and lotions are used for soothing and refreshing.
- Ointments should be taken under the supervision of a doctor due to the drug doses in their formulas. Since creams and lotions are not drugs, you can choose the ones that are suitable for your skin.
- The one with the most dense consistency is the ointment. Creams have a softer consistency and faster absorption than ointments. Lotions, on the other hand, are in fluid form, close to liquid.
- While ointments are produced in smaller and more protected packages due to their high oil content, creams are produced in jars or similar packages. We see lotions in large sizes and usually in pump packages.
In this content, we talked about the common and different features of common products such as ointments, creams and lotions that are often used interchangeably. If you want more content like this, you can contact us in the comments section.
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