Terms such as "moisturizer," "emollient," "lotion," and "cream" are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Types of moisturizers include lotions and creams, as well as oils, gels, and ointments. These products are all used to moisturize, smooth, and help repair skin, but each has different characteristics and purposes.
The biggest difference between lotions and creams is their thickness, which is based on their levels of water and oil contents. Creams have a higher oil content and are thicker than lotions, which makes them more hydrating.
What’s the Difference?
The main difference between creams and lotions is their viscosity (thickness).
Creams are thicker than lotions, with about a 50/50 emulsion of oil and water. They maintain their shape better than lotion.
Lotions are likely to contain oil as well, but in a lower ratio than creams.
Characteristics of creams vs. lotions include that they:
- Are better at sealing in moisturizer than lotions
- Are better for palms of the hand and soles of the feet than lotions
- Are better for people with dry skin
- Are often better in winter
- Sometimes contain stabilizers or preservatives
Characteristics of lotions include that they:
- Evaporate more quickly than creams
- Are less moisturizing than creams
- Are thin and spread easily
- Are often used for hairy areas of skin such as the scalp
- Are good for mild dryness on the body
- Are easier to apply to large areas
- Work better in people with oily skin
- Can be better for summer
Creams and lotions can both be used, as well as ointments, as carriers for topical medications, such as hydrocortisone. Which is used depends on different factors. Creams may be better for moist and weepy skin, lotions may be better for treating large or hairy areas, and ointments may be better for dry or flaky areas.
Barrier Creams
Barrier creams are different from moisturizing creams. They are applied to the skin surface to help protect and maintain the skin's physical barrier. Barrier products can also come as pastes, ointments, and sprays.
Barrier creams stay on the skin for several hours, even through gentle washing. They are often used to manage conditions such as hand dermatitis, diaper rash, and very dry skin.
Best by Body Location
Best for Hands
Hands are exposed to the elements more than any other part of the body, so keeping them moisturized is important.
Look for a cream that comes in a tube rather than a pump bottle, contains mineral oil or petrolatum (petroleum jelly), and says "fragrance-free" and "dye-free" on the label.
If you are prone to dry hands, carry hand cream with you and apply it (including to fingertips and nails) after each time you wash your hands.
Some of Verywell Health's hand moisturizer recommendations are:
- Best for frequent hand washing: L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream at Amazon ($30)
- Best cruelty-free product: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Touch Hand Cream at Amazon ($16)
- Best dermatologist recommended product: Eucerin Repair Hand Cream at Walmart ($7)
- Best for diabetes: Fenty Skin Recovery Glycerin Hand Mask at Sephora ($14)
- Best for eczema: CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream at Amazon ($11)
- Best for sensitive skin: Soap & Glory Pink Hand Food at Amazon ($17)
- Best for sun protection: Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40 at Amazon ($14)
- Best for working hands: Benton Hand Cream at Amazon ($11)
- Best natural product: Grown Alchemist Hand Cream at Amazon ($26)
Best for the Face
Using lotion or cream on your face depends on factors like your skin type. Lotions may be a good choice for the face for:
- Mild dryness
- Seasonal dryness in people under age 50 with otherwise normal skin
Cream-based moisturizers may work best for:
- People age 50 and older
- People experiencing perimenopause (the time leading up to menopause, when the menstrual cycle stops for 12 straight months)
- People whose skin holds less moisture
How you use skin care products on your face makes a difference. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends the following order:
- Wash your face using a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
- Apply medication or treatment, if needed. (You may need to wait a certain amount of time before applying more products. Check with your healthcare provider.)
- Apply moisturizer and/or sunscreen.
- Apply makeup, if you are using it.
Sometimes, less is more. Applying too many products—particularly more than one product to reduce the signs of aging ("antiaging" products)—may irritate the skin and make signs of aging more noticeable.
Best by Skin Type
Ideal for Dry Skin
Some people are prone to dry skin, and other people may experience periods of dry skin with weather conditions (such as wind, low humidity, or cold temperatures), harsh soaps, or prolonged exposure to water.
Signs of excessive skin dryness include:
- Cracking
- Itching
- Stinging
- Rash
- Redness
Creams or thicker moisturizers like ointments are more effective than lotions at adding moisture to dry skin and holding it in.
For dry skin, apply cream at least twice daily, and more if necessary.
Check labels and look for a cream or ointment that contains at least one of the following:
- Dimethicone
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Jojoba oil
- Lactic acid
- Lanolin
- Mineral oil
- Petrolatum
- Shea butter
Ideal for Oily Skin
Too much moisturizer can clog pores and aggravate oily skin. Moisturizer may not be needed for oily skin, but if moisturizer is used, lighter types of moisturizers like lotions or gels may be the best option.
Ideal for Combination Skin
Combination skin means that some areas of your skin are dry, and others are oily. Often this occurs in what is known as the T-zone (which makes up the forehead, nose, and chin) are more oily than the rest of the face.
For combination skin, a good option is to use lotion or cream (depending on level of dryness) on the face, skipping the more oily T-zone.
If you prefer to use moisturizer all over, sorbolene cream may be a good choice. It is a nongreasy, moderate-strength, general-purpose moisturizer.
Best for Certain Skin Conditions
Some skin conditions may require medical treatments, such as medicated cleansers and other topical (on-the-skin) medications. These may be over the counter (OTC) or by prescription, depending on your needs and what your healthcare provider recommends.
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about how to use this treatment, and if you need to wait between applying other skin care products, or do so in a particular order.
Eczema
Creams and ointments are more moisturizing than lotions for skin affected by eczema. Look for products that are developed for eczema, are anti-itch, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and contain ingredients such as:
- Aloe
- Ceramides
- Glycerin
- Humectants
- Hyaluronic acid
- Lanolin
- Mineral oil
- Niacinamide
- Oatorshea butter
- Petrolatum
- Vitamin E
Psoriasis
Psoriasis may also be treated with topical medications and sometimes other treatments such as light therapy or systemic medications.
Using a moisturizing cream or ointment after handwashing, showering, and bathing can help lock in moisturizer, help reduce redness and itching, and help skin heal.
Talk to your healthcare provider for more specific treatment as there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for psoriasis.
Acne
Medications used to treat acne can dry and irritate the skin. Using a moisturizer may help your skin better tolerate these medications. Using moisturizer when your skin feels dry can also help prevent your skin from producing extra oil to combat the dryness, which could lead to further breakouts.
Look for a moisturizer labeled as one or more of the following:
- Noncomedogenic
- Oil-free
- Won’t clog pores
Never Use Creams, Lotions, or Butters on Broken Skin
When applying lotions or creams, including medicated ones, avoid applying it directly onto/into a wound or broken skin. If you have broken skin in the area that needs to be treated, talk to your healthcare provider about what products are safe to use.
Summary
The main difference between lotions and creams is that creams are thicker than lotions due to their higher oil content.
Creams are more moisturizing than lotions, making them better for dry skin. Lotions can be helpful for skin that is less dry, larger areas to cover, and places that are hairy, like the scalp.
If using lotions, creams, or other moisturizers along with topical medications, talk to your healthcare provider for instructions such as order of use and if there needs to be a time gap between applying them.
