Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOintment vs. CreamOther Skin Product Types
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Ointment vs. Cream
Other Skin Product Types
Skin products can moisturizedry skinor deliver medicine to theepidermis(outer layer of skin) anddermis(deeplayer of skin).
These topical products typically fall into the following main categories,depending on their ratio of oil to water:
The formulation that’s best for you will depend on the type of skin you’re applying it to and the size of the area you’re treating.
The following article covers the differences between ointments, creams, and other moisturizers and what to consider when choosing a product.
Female hands holding cream tube and applying it.Evgeniia Siiankovskaia / Getty Images
Evgeniia Siiankovskaia / Getty Images
One of the main differences between ointments and creams is how much oil and water they contain. Creams generally contain equal parts oil and water, while ointments typically contain 80% oil and just 20% water.
Creams can be used on all areas of the body, including the face and genitals.They are ideal for skin that is weeping or oozing.
Ointments are best for thickened skin and dry areas of the body with little or no hair.They shouldn’t be used in or around skinfolds (such as groin and armpit areas) or on moist skin.
When choosing a product, read the ingredients list for allergies orhypersensitivitywarnings. Ingredients like oils, fragrances, and preservatives found in creams and ointments may cause side effects like:
Ointments and creams are not oil free, so if you have oily skin, these may not be the best choice for you.
When Should I Use Them?
Determining when to use an ointment vs. a cream can be confusing, particularly when the same medicine is available in both dosage forms.
But sometimes, only an ointment or a cream will be effective, depending on what part of your skin you’re treating.
Ointments are preferable to creams for certain skin conditions, including the following:
Creams, on the other hand, are ideal moisturizers for the face and hands.Some examples include:
Creams are also used as local anesthetics (numbing agents) before surgical or cosmetic procedures. Active ingredients of these include:
And because creams (not ointments) are effective for the rectal and genital areas, they are essential OTC or prescription medications for conditions like:
What Do They Look Like?
Creams disappear in the skin after they’re applied.
Ointments typically cause the skin to look greasy or glossy.
How Do They Feel on the Skin?
Creams feel light on the skin and are easy to apply and remove.
In contrast, ointments are thick.They feel greasier than creams and may be more challenging to spread and remove.They may stain clothing or sheets.
How Do They Work?
Ointments are occlusive, which means they form a barrier on the skin and lock in moisture to keep the skin hydrated.
Creams are less occlusive than ointments. They are still frequently used as moisturizers but can also be used for weepy or oozy skin conditions likepsoriasis.
Which Absorbs Best?
Traditionally, ointments were thought to absorb into the skin the best. But research shows that there’s no significant difference in the effectiveness of creams and ointments.The choice over which to use will often come down to personal preference. People sometimes prefer creams because they may be a bit less messy.
Which Delivers the Most Moisture?
Ointments are better moisturizers than creams.This is because they are more occlusive and prevent water from leaving the skin.
A Word From VerywellTiming of administration for applying these products can be important when convenience is a concern. For example, if someone needs an ointment to be applied to an undesirable place, such as the feet or face, applying it when expected to be home for a more extended period or at bedtime might be ideal.—ERIKA PROUTY, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Timing of administration for applying these products can be important when convenience is a concern. For example, if someone needs an ointment to be applied to an undesirable place, such as the feet or face, applying it when expected to be home for a more extended period or at bedtime might be ideal.—ERIKA PROUTY, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Timing of administration for applying these products can be important when convenience is a concern. For example, if someone needs an ointment to be applied to an undesirable place, such as the feet or face, applying it when expected to be home for a more extended period or at bedtime might be ideal.
—ERIKA PROUTY, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Cream vs. Lotion
Though they’re similar, some significant differences exist between creams and lotions. While creams are classified as semisolid, lotions are liquids.This means they’re thinner and able to be poured.
Lotions contain a higher percentage of water than creams, and they don’t moisturize as well as creams.Remember that creams and lotions can dry out your skin compared to ointments.
Lotions feel cool on the skin.Because they are easy to apply and spread, lotions are a good choice for large areas of the body.
Lotions are commonly applied to large parts of the body via products like:
Lotions are also ideal for the scalp and other hairy areas.Examples include:
Balms
Modern balms contain oils likearganor jojoba oil and waxeslike beeswax, which give them a waxy appearance.
Because they are very occlusive,balms can create a solid barrier to lock in moisture. But unlike ointments, they don’t leave the skin sticky or greasy.
Use balms such as the following to moisturize very dry or rough patches of skin, including the lips:
Gels
Gels are semisolidand consist of a liquid inside a solid structure.Gels typically contain gelling agents like glycerolthat cause them to be stiff.
Gels can be either water-based (hydrogels) or alcohol-based (oleogels).They tend to dry out the skinbecause they are not occlusive.
Gels are known to have a cooling effect on the skin,but they may also cause stinging or redness.
Gels aren’t greasy, so they’re ideal for oily skin like the face and for hairier parts of the body.
Gels can be used in the mouth without breaking down.Some gels make a reservoir under the skin that gradually releases medication over time.
Gel-based medications include:
Serums
Serums are distinct from other skin products in that they provide highly concentrated ingredients to the skin. Because of this, small amounts of serums act quickly and can dramatically affect the skin’s appearance.
Serums are typically used cosmetically to support conditions that come with aging,such as wrinklesand dull skin.They make the skin feel smooth.
Some specific uses of serum include the following:
Summary
Choosing a skin product that’s right for you can be overwhelming as there are seemingly limitless options. Keeping in mind the area of skin you’re treating and whether your skin is dry or oily will help narrow down your choices.
Ointments lock moisture in the skin, which is excellent for dry skin conditions like eczema. A few drawbacks: Ointments are thick and greasy, and they may need to be avoided on the face, armpits, or genitals.
Creams can be used anywhere on the body. They contain equal parts oil and water, providing moisture but not as much as ointments. Besides their use as moisturizers, creams are often used for conditions like yeast infections and vaginal dryness.
Lotions are liquids, easily spreadable on large areas of the body, and ideal for use on hairy skin. Sunscreens, lice treatments, and poison ivy remedies come in lotion form.
Other topical dosage forms include gels, balms, and serums. Gels can be used to release medicine through the skin gradually. Balms are ideal for dry, rough skin like the lips. Serums are commonly used cosmetically to deliver highly concentrated ingredients.
Because these dosage forms have pros and cons, discuss your treatment goals with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before using.
26 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Barnes TM, Mijaljica D, Townley JP, et al.Vehicles for drug delivery and cosmetic moisturizers: Review and comparison.Pharmaceutics. 2021;13(12):2012. Published 2021 Nov 26. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics13122012Ridd MJ, Santer M, MacNeill SJ, et al.Effectiveness and safety of lotion, cream, gel, and ointment emollients for childhood eczema: a pragmatic, randomised, phase 4, superiority trial.Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2022;6(8):522-532. doi:10.1016/S2352-4642(22)00146-8Purnamawati S, Indrastuti N, Danarti R, et al.The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: a review.Clin Med Res. 2017;15(3-4):75-87. doi:10.3121/cmr.2017.1363Thompson T, Grace T.Gluten in cosmetics: is there a reason for concern?.J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012;112(9):1316-1323. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2012.07.011Mehta AB, Nadkarni NJ, Patil SP, et al.Topical corticosteroids in dermatology.Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2016;82(4):371-8. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.178903Woo TE, Kuzel P.Crisaborole 2% ointment (Eucrisa) for atopic dermatitis.Skin Therapy Lett. 2019;24(2):4-6.Trookman NS, Rizer RL, Weber T.Treatment of minor wounds from dermatologic procedures: a comparison of three topical wound care ointments using a laser wound model.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011;64(3 Suppl):S8-S15. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.11.011Robin JS, Ellis PP.Ophthalmic ointments.Surv Ophthalmol. 1978;22(5):335-340. doi:10.1016/0039-6257(78)90178-9Garg T, Rath G, Goyal AK.Comprehensive review on additives of topical dosage forms for drug delivery.Drug Deliv. 2015;22(8):969-987. doi:10.3109/10717544.2013.879355Kyle AA, Dahl MV.Topical therapy for fungal infections.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2004;5(6):443-451. doi:10.2165/00128071-200405060-00009Food and Drug Administration.Estrace cream (estradiol vaginal cream, USP, 0.01%) prescribing information.Stacey SK, McEleney M.Topical corticosteroids: choice and application.Am Fam Physician. 2021;103(6):337-343.Zivkovich AH, Feldman SR.Are ointments better than other vehicles for corticosteroid treatment of psoriasis?.J Drugs Dermatol. 2009;8(6):570-572.Eichenauer E, Jozić M, Glasl S, et al.Spruce balm-based semisolid vehicles for wound healing: effect of excipients on rheological properties and ex vivo skin permeation.Pharmaceutics. 2023;15(6):1678. Published 2023 Jun 8. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics15061678Tamura E, Yasumori H, Yamamoto T.The efficacy of a highly occlusive formulation for dry lips.Int J Cosmet Sci. 2020;42(1):46-52. doi:10.1111/ics.12583Thouvenin MD, Dalmon S, Theunis J, et al.Tolerance and efficacy of a new celastrol-containing balm as adjunct care in psoriasis.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020;34 Suppl 6:10-16. doi:10.1111/jdv.16691Fiorillo L, Romano GL.Gels in medicine and surgery: current trends and future perspectives.Gels. 2020;6(4):48. Published 2020 Dec 3. doi:10.3390/gels6040048Eichenfield DZ, Sprague J, Eichenfield LF.Management of acne vulgaris: A review.JAMA. 2021;326(20):2055-2067. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.17633Khan N, Ahmed S, Sheraz MA, et al.Pharmaceutical based cosmetic serums.Profiles Drug Subst Excip Relat Methodol. 2023;48:167-210. doi:10.1016/bs.podrm.2022.11.006Gold MH, Biron JA, Wilson A, et al.Efficacy and tolerability of a hyaluronic acid-based serum and a peptide-rich cream for the face and neck in subjects with photodamaged skin.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(8):3458-3463. doi:10.1111/jocd.14981Draelos ZD.Active agents in common skin care products.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010;125(2):719-724. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181c83192Draelos ZD, Diaz I, Namkoong J, et al.Efficacy evaluation of a topical hyaluronic acid serum in facial photoaging.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(4):1385-1394. doi:10.1007/s13555-021-00566-0Werschler WP, Trookman NS, Rizer RL, et al.Enhanced efficacy of a facial hydrating serum in subjects with normal or self-perceived dry skin.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011;4(2):51-55.Moy M, Diaz I, Lesniak E, et al.Peptide-pro complex serum: Investigating effects on aged skin.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023;22(1):267-274. doi:10.1111/jocd.14992Zasada M, Budzisz E, Erkiert-Polguj A.A clinical anti-ageing comparative study of 0.3 and 0.5% retinol serums: A clinically controlled trial.Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2020;33(2):102-116. doi:10.1159/000508168Kohli M, Ganjoo A, Sharma A, et al.Prospective efficacy and safety study of an innovative Kerascalp hair growth serum in mild-to-moderate alopecia in India: Regrowth Study.Cureus. 2023;15(5):e38742. Published 2023 May 8. doi:10.7759/cureus.38742
26 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Barnes TM, Mijaljica D, Townley JP, et al.Vehicles for drug delivery and cosmetic moisturizers: Review and comparison.Pharmaceutics. 2021;13(12):2012. Published 2021 Nov 26. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics13122012Ridd MJ, Santer M, MacNeill SJ, et al.Effectiveness and safety of lotion, cream, gel, and ointment emollients for childhood eczema: a pragmatic, randomised, phase 4, superiority trial.Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2022;6(8):522-532. doi:10.1016/S2352-4642(22)00146-8Purnamawati S, Indrastuti N, Danarti R, et al.The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: a review.Clin Med Res. 2017;15(3-4):75-87. doi:10.3121/cmr.2017.1363Thompson T, Grace T.Gluten in cosmetics: is there a reason for concern?.J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012;112(9):1316-1323. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2012.07.011Mehta AB, Nadkarni NJ, Patil SP, et al.Topical corticosteroids in dermatology.Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2016;82(4):371-8. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.178903Woo TE, Kuzel P.Crisaborole 2% ointment (Eucrisa) for atopic dermatitis.Skin Therapy Lett. 2019;24(2):4-6.Trookman NS, Rizer RL, Weber T.Treatment of minor wounds from dermatologic procedures: a comparison of three topical wound care ointments using a laser wound model.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011;64(3 Suppl):S8-S15. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.11.011Robin JS, Ellis PP.Ophthalmic ointments.Surv Ophthalmol. 1978;22(5):335-340. doi:10.1016/0039-6257(78)90178-9Garg T, Rath G, Goyal AK.Comprehensive review on additives of topical dosage forms for drug delivery.Drug Deliv. 2015;22(8):969-987. doi:10.3109/10717544.2013.879355Kyle AA, Dahl MV.Topical therapy for fungal infections.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2004;5(6):443-451. doi:10.2165/00128071-200405060-00009Food and Drug Administration.Estrace cream (estradiol vaginal cream, USP, 0.01%) prescribing information.Stacey SK, McEleney M.Topical corticosteroids: choice and application.Am Fam Physician. 2021;103(6):337-343.Zivkovich AH, Feldman SR.Are ointments better than other vehicles for corticosteroid treatment of psoriasis?.J Drugs Dermatol. 2009;8(6):570-572.Eichenauer E, Jozić M, Glasl S, et al.Spruce balm-based semisolid vehicles for wound healing: effect of excipients on rheological properties and ex vivo skin permeation.Pharmaceutics. 2023;15(6):1678. Published 2023 Jun 8. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics15061678Tamura E, Yasumori H, Yamamoto T.The efficacy of a highly occlusive formulation for dry lips.Int J Cosmet Sci. 2020;42(1):46-52. doi:10.1111/ics.12583Thouvenin MD, Dalmon S, Theunis J, et al.Tolerance and efficacy of a new celastrol-containing balm as adjunct care in psoriasis.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020;34 Suppl 6:10-16. doi:10.1111/jdv.16691Fiorillo L, Romano GL.Gels in medicine and surgery: current trends and future perspectives.Gels. 2020;6(4):48. Published 2020 Dec 3. doi:10.3390/gels6040048Eichenfield DZ, Sprague J, Eichenfield LF.Management of acne vulgaris: A review.JAMA. 2021;326(20):2055-2067. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.17633Khan N, Ahmed S, Sheraz MA, et al.Pharmaceutical based cosmetic serums.Profiles Drug Subst Excip Relat Methodol. 2023;48:167-210. doi:10.1016/bs.podrm.2022.11.006Gold MH, Biron JA, Wilson A, et al.Efficacy and tolerability of a hyaluronic acid-based serum and a peptide-rich cream for the face and neck in subjects with photodamaged skin.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(8):3458-3463. doi:10.1111/jocd.14981Draelos ZD.Active agents in common skin care products.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010;125(2):719-724. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181c83192Draelos ZD, Diaz I, Namkoong J, et al.Efficacy evaluation of a topical hyaluronic acid serum in facial photoaging.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(4):1385-1394. doi:10.1007/s13555-021-00566-0Werschler WP, Trookman NS, Rizer RL, et al.Enhanced efficacy of a facial hydrating serum in subjects with normal or self-perceived dry skin.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011;4(2):51-55.Moy M, Diaz I, Lesniak E, et al.Peptide-pro complex serum: Investigating effects on aged skin.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023;22(1):267-274. doi:10.1111/jocd.14992Zasada M, Budzisz E, Erkiert-Polguj A.A clinical anti-ageing comparative study of 0.3 and 0.5% retinol serums: A clinically controlled trial.Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2020;33(2):102-116. doi:10.1159/000508168Kohli M, Ganjoo A, Sharma A, et al.Prospective efficacy and safety study of an innovative Kerascalp hair growth serum in mild-to-moderate alopecia in India: Regrowth Study.Cureus. 2023;15(5):e38742. Published 2023 May 8. doi:10.7759/cureus.38742
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Barnes TM, Mijaljica D, Townley JP, et al.Vehicles for drug delivery and cosmetic moisturizers: Review and comparison.Pharmaceutics. 2021;13(12):2012. Published 2021 Nov 26. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics13122012Ridd MJ, Santer M, MacNeill SJ, et al.Effectiveness and safety of lotion, cream, gel, and ointment emollients for childhood eczema: a pragmatic, randomised, phase 4, superiority trial.Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2022;6(8):522-532. doi:10.1016/S2352-4642(22)00146-8Purnamawati S, Indrastuti N, Danarti R, et al.The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: a review.Clin Med Res. 2017;15(3-4):75-87. doi:10.3121/cmr.2017.1363Thompson T, Grace T.Gluten in cosmetics: is there a reason for concern?.J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012;112(9):1316-1323. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2012.07.011Mehta AB, Nadkarni NJ, Patil SP, et al.Topical corticosteroids in dermatology.Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2016;82(4):371-8. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.178903Woo TE, Kuzel P.Crisaborole 2% ointment (Eucrisa) for atopic dermatitis.Skin Therapy Lett. 2019;24(2):4-6.Trookman NS, Rizer RL, Weber T.Treatment of minor wounds from dermatologic procedures: a comparison of three topical wound care ointments using a laser wound model.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011;64(3 Suppl):S8-S15. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.11.011Robin JS, Ellis PP.Ophthalmic ointments.Surv Ophthalmol. 1978;22(5):335-340. doi:10.1016/0039-6257(78)90178-9Garg T, Rath G, Goyal AK.Comprehensive review on additives of topical dosage forms for drug delivery.Drug Deliv. 2015;22(8):969-987. doi:10.3109/10717544.2013.879355Kyle AA, Dahl MV.Topical therapy for fungal infections.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2004;5(6):443-451. doi:10.2165/00128071-200405060-00009Food and Drug Administration.Estrace cream (estradiol vaginal cream, USP, 0.01%) prescribing information.Stacey SK, McEleney M.Topical corticosteroids: choice and application.Am Fam Physician. 2021;103(6):337-343.Zivkovich AH, Feldman SR.Are ointments better than other vehicles for corticosteroid treatment of psoriasis?.J Drugs Dermatol. 2009;8(6):570-572.Eichenauer E, Jozić M, Glasl S, et al.Spruce balm-based semisolid vehicles for wound healing: effect of excipients on rheological properties and ex vivo skin permeation.Pharmaceutics. 2023;15(6):1678. Published 2023 Jun 8. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics15061678Tamura E, Yasumori H, Yamamoto T.The efficacy of a highly occlusive formulation for dry lips.Int J Cosmet Sci. 2020;42(1):46-52. doi:10.1111/ics.12583Thouvenin MD, Dalmon S, Theunis J, et al.Tolerance and efficacy of a new celastrol-containing balm as adjunct care in psoriasis.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020;34 Suppl 6:10-16. doi:10.1111/jdv.16691Fiorillo L, Romano GL.Gels in medicine and surgery: current trends and future perspectives.Gels. 2020;6(4):48. Published 2020 Dec 3. doi:10.3390/gels6040048Eichenfield DZ, Sprague J, Eichenfield LF.Management of acne vulgaris: A review.JAMA. 2021;326(20):2055-2067. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.17633Khan N, Ahmed S, Sheraz MA, et al.Pharmaceutical based cosmetic serums.Profiles Drug Subst Excip Relat Methodol. 2023;48:167-210. doi:10.1016/bs.podrm.2022.11.006Gold MH, Biron JA, Wilson A, et al.Efficacy and tolerability of a hyaluronic acid-based serum and a peptide-rich cream for the face and neck in subjects with photodamaged skin.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(8):3458-3463. doi:10.1111/jocd.14981Draelos ZD.Active agents in common skin care products.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010;125(2):719-724. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181c83192Draelos ZD, Diaz I, Namkoong J, et al.Efficacy evaluation of a topical hyaluronic acid serum in facial photoaging.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(4):1385-1394. doi:10.1007/s13555-021-00566-0Werschler WP, Trookman NS, Rizer RL, et al.Enhanced efficacy of a facial hydrating serum in subjects with normal or self-perceived dry skin.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011;4(2):51-55.Moy M, Diaz I, Lesniak E, et al.Peptide-pro complex serum: Investigating effects on aged skin.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023;22(1):267-274. doi:10.1111/jocd.14992Zasada M, Budzisz E, Erkiert-Polguj A.A clinical anti-ageing comparative study of 0.3 and 0.5% retinol serums: A clinically controlled trial.Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2020;33(2):102-116. doi:10.1159/000508168Kohli M, Ganjoo A, Sharma A, et al.Prospective efficacy and safety study of an innovative Kerascalp hair growth serum in mild-to-moderate alopecia in India: Regrowth Study.Cureus. 2023;15(5):e38742. Published 2023 May 8. doi:10.7759/cureus.38742
Barnes TM, Mijaljica D, Townley JP, et al.Vehicles for drug delivery and cosmetic moisturizers: Review and comparison.Pharmaceutics. 2021;13(12):2012. Published 2021 Nov 26. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics13122012
Ridd MJ, Santer M, MacNeill SJ, et al.Effectiveness and safety of lotion, cream, gel, and ointment emollients for childhood eczema: a pragmatic, randomised, phase 4, superiority trial.Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2022;6(8):522-532. doi:10.1016/S2352-4642(22)00146-8
Purnamawati S, Indrastuti N, Danarti R, et al.The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: a review.Clin Med Res. 2017;15(3-4):75-87. doi:10.3121/cmr.2017.1363
Thompson T, Grace T.Gluten in cosmetics: is there a reason for concern?.J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012;112(9):1316-1323. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2012.07.011
Mehta AB, Nadkarni NJ, Patil SP, et al.Topical corticosteroids in dermatology.Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2016;82(4):371-8. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.178903
Woo TE, Kuzel P.Crisaborole 2% ointment (Eucrisa) for atopic dermatitis.Skin Therapy Lett. 2019;24(2):4-6.
Trookman NS, Rizer RL, Weber T.Treatment of minor wounds from dermatologic procedures: a comparison of three topical wound care ointments using a laser wound model.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011;64(3 Suppl):S8-S15. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.11.011
Robin JS, Ellis PP.Ophthalmic ointments.Surv Ophthalmol. 1978;22(5):335-340. doi:10.1016/0039-6257(78)90178-9
Garg T, Rath G, Goyal AK.Comprehensive review on additives of topical dosage forms for drug delivery.Drug Deliv. 2015;22(8):969-987. doi:10.3109/10717544.2013.879355
Kyle AA, Dahl MV.Topical therapy for fungal infections.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2004;5(6):443-451. doi:10.2165/00128071-200405060-00009
Food and Drug Administration.Estrace cream (estradiol vaginal cream, USP, 0.01%) prescribing information.
Stacey SK, McEleney M.Topical corticosteroids: choice and application.Am Fam Physician. 2021;103(6):337-343.
Zivkovich AH, Feldman SR.Are ointments better than other vehicles for corticosteroid treatment of psoriasis?.J Drugs Dermatol. 2009;8(6):570-572.
Eichenauer E, Jozić M, Glasl S, et al.Spruce balm-based semisolid vehicles for wound healing: effect of excipients on rheological properties and ex vivo skin permeation.Pharmaceutics. 2023;15(6):1678. Published 2023 Jun 8. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics15061678
Tamura E, Yasumori H, Yamamoto T.The efficacy of a highly occlusive formulation for dry lips.Int J Cosmet Sci. 2020;42(1):46-52. doi:10.1111/ics.12583
Thouvenin MD, Dalmon S, Theunis J, et al.Tolerance and efficacy of a new celastrol-containing balm as adjunct care in psoriasis.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020;34 Suppl 6:10-16. doi:10.1111/jdv.16691
Fiorillo L, Romano GL.Gels in medicine and surgery: current trends and future perspectives.Gels. 2020;6(4):48. Published 2020 Dec 3. doi:10.3390/gels6040048
Eichenfield DZ, Sprague J, Eichenfield LF.Management of acne vulgaris: A review.JAMA. 2021;326(20):2055-2067. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.17633
Khan N, Ahmed S, Sheraz MA, et al.Pharmaceutical based cosmetic serums.Profiles Drug Subst Excip Relat Methodol. 2023;48:167-210. doi:10.1016/bs.podrm.2022.11.006
Gold MH, Biron JA, Wilson A, et al.Efficacy and tolerability of a hyaluronic acid-based serum and a peptide-rich cream for the face and neck in subjects with photodamaged skin.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(8):3458-3463. doi:10.1111/jocd.14981
Draelos ZD.Active agents in common skin care products.Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010;125(2):719-724. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181c83192
Draelos ZD, Diaz I, Namkoong J, et al.Efficacy evaluation of a topical hyaluronic acid serum in facial photoaging.Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;11(4):1385-1394. doi:10.1007/s13555-021-00566-0
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