Do you have dry or very dry skin? A rich cream or ointment can help keep your skin soft and supple while reducing dryness. Rich creams and ointments are types of dermatological emollients. They differ in their oil content, composition and how quickly they are absorbed into the skin. On this page, you'll learn about the difference between a cream and an ointment, the different categories based on oil content and which products belong to each category.
A rich cream or fatty ointment is a so-called indifferent skin preparation. This means the product contains no medicinal active ingredient, but is intended to care for the skin, protect it and prevent it from drying out. Indifferent products are widely used for dry skin and often complement the treatment of various skin conditions.
Applying it regularly keeps the skin more supple, makes it feel less tight and helps it retain moisture better.
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. You can read about the differences in the table below.
| Cream | Ointment |
|---|---|
| Contains relatively more water | Contains relatively more fat |
| Absorbs more quickly | Stays on the skin for longer |
| Feels less greasy | Feels greasier |
| Suitable for normal to dry skin | Suitable for very dry skin |
In addition to regular creams and ointments, there are also rich creams and gels. Rich creams contain more oil than regular creams, but less than ointments. Gels generally contain little to no oil and are often used for specific purposes, such as cooling the skin.
Dermatological base creams and base ointments are often divided into fat classes. These indicate how much fat a product contains. The higher the fat class, the higher the fat content. A higher fat class does not mean a product is better; it simply indicates how greasy the base is.
Which fat class is most suitable depends on the condition of your skin, your personal preference and, where relevant, the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Fat class | Type | Fat content | Often chosen for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Gel | 0% | Specific applications |
| 1 | Cream | Up to 35% | Normal skin |
| 2 | Rich cream | 35% - 50% | Slightly dry skin |
| 3 | Rich cream | 50% - 70% | Dry skin |
| 4 | Rich cream | 70% - 90% | Very dry skin |
| 5 | Ointment | 90% - 100% | Very dry or chapped skin |
The table above shows which fat class is often chosen for different skin types. Below you will find a suitable product from our range for each fat class. Click on a product for more information about its properties, composition and use.
A gel contains hardly any fat and feels light. This type of product is mainly used when a cooling effect is desired.
Creams in fat class 1 contain relatively little fat and absorb quickly. They are suitable for normal or slightly dry skin.
Fat class 2 is the transition between a regular cream and a richer cream. These products contain more fat, but are still relatively easy to spread.
Products in fat class 3 contain more fat and leave a protective layer on the skin. This makes them suitable for dry skin.
Products in fat class 4 have a high fat content and form a protective layer on the skin. This fat class includes various types of products, such as rich creams and cooling ointments. Which base suits you best depends on the condition of your skin and your personal preference.
View Cooling Ointment (without rose oil)
Ointments have the highest fat content. They seal the skin well and help limit moisture loss. This makes them particularly suitable for very dry or chapped skin.
View Lanette Cream with 10% Vaseline
An indifferent cream contains no active medicinal ingredients. The cream cares for and protects the skin and helps keep it supple.
A base cream is a neutral cream that is often used as a skincare product. Depending on its composition, a base cream can contain more or less fat.
A fatty ointment usually contains more fat and less water than a rich cream. As a result, an ointment stays on the skin for longer and feels greasier.
Both are commonly used base creams, but they differ in composition. Which cream suits you best depends on your skin, your personal preference and any sensitivity to certain ingredients. You can read more about the properties of both products on the product pages.
