What is the difference between lotions, creams, and ointments?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOTIONS, CREAMS, AND OINTMENTS?

The biggest difference between these moisturizers is the amount of alcohol in each one.

LOTIONS have the most alcohol, so they are thinner, less greasy, and go on easily. But lotions are also less likely to fix dry hands. In dry climates, it is best to avoid lotions.

CREAMS are a happy medium—not too thick and not too thin. Creams are the best for regular use to avoid or fix dry hands. Creams have some alcohol in them but less than lotions. My favorite creams are Vanicream moisturizing cream and CeraVe moisturizing cream.

NOTE: Creams include cocoa butter and shea butter. They are the fatty portion of the cacao (cocoa) bean or the African shea nut. They are rich in fatty acids. These are great options as moisturizers, ideally with minimal added fragrance. Vaseline has a great option.

OINTMENTS are the thickest. They are often just petrolatum (Vaseline) or a combination of petrolatum and mineral oil (Aquaphor). These have little to no alcohol in them and are the best moisturizers and the best for fixing dry hands. They are also the most greasy.

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