Ointments and creams both are the semi solid topical preparations applied on skin, hairs, nails etc. With some similarities between ointment and cream, there are some differences also like:
- Ointment and cream both are differ in oil to water content. They both contains oil to water in different proportions. As the proportion of oil in ointment is greater as compared to the proportion of oil in creams.
- Creams have much better spread ability properties as compared to ointments so creams can be applied on larger area of skin whereas ointments cannot.
- Creams have better absorption rate as compared to absorption rate of ointments. So, creams can be absorbing through skin faster than ointment.
- Creams are less viscous as compared to ointments.
- Ointments are greasier in nature as compared to cream, because of the more oil contents.
- Ointments are always in medicated forms where as cream can be available in both cosmetic forms as well as in medicated form.
- Ointments are the better option as compared to creams in treating patients having dry skin conditions.
In India, there are several pharmaceutical manufacturers are involved in manufacturing of semi solid dosage forms. Like Affy group is an ointment manufacturer in India. Along with ointments they also manufacture gel, cream, lotions etc. They are involved in generic manufacturing, contract manufacturing, third party manufacturing as well as also involved in export manufacturing.