What is the Difference Between Lotion and Cream

The main difference between lotion and cream is that lotion has a high water percentage, while cream has a high oil percentage. Therefore, creams have a thicker consistency than lotion.

Lotions and creams are skincare products that help to moisturize our skin. Both products are a mixture of oil and water. However, there is a difference between the percentage of oil and water. Lotions contain oil droplets mixed in the water while creams contain water droplets mixed in oil.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Lotion
     – Definition, Features, Benefits
2. What is a Cream
     – Definition, Features, Benefits
3. What are the Similarities Between Lotion and Cream
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Lotion and Cream
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Cream, Lotion, Skincare

What is a Lotion

A lotion is a thick, smooth liquid solution we apply on the skin, for cosmetic or medicinal purposes. Lotions can help to cleanse, moisturize, soften or heal the skin. They are basically a mixture of oil and water. When compared to creams, lotions have a higher percentage of water – they are mainly oil droplets blended in water.

Due to their composition, lotions tend to be non-greasy, light-weight and more easily absorbed into the skin. Lotions are typically used during the day and during hot summer days. However, due to its watery composition, it doesn’t last on the skin. They are ideal for people with normal to slightly dry skin. Moreover, lotions generally come in bottles, which makes it easy to squeeze into hands.

What is a Cream

A cream is a thick liquid or a semi-solid we apply on the skin. Creams have a cosmetic or a medicinal purpose. Like lotions, they help to cleanse, moisturize, soften or heal the skin. They are also a blend of water and oil; however, they are a mixture of water and a higher percentage of oil – basically, water droplets mixed in oil. Therefore, they have a thick consistency, richer, and thicker than lotions. Due to this consistency, they usually come in jars, not bottles. 

Since creams have a thick consistency,  they provide a barrier that helps to keep the skin hydrated. This is why it’s ideal for people with dry or very skins. It’s also good for use in harsh winter months. In comparison to lotions, creams last longer on the skin, and they are good as night creams.

Similarities Between Lotion and Cream

• Both lotions and creams are a blend of oil and water.
• They help to cleanse, moisturize or soften skin.
• Both may have cosmetic or medicinal uses.

Difference Between Lotion and Cream

Definition

A lotion is a thick, smooth liquid solution we apply on the skin while the cream is a thick liquid or a semi-solid we apply on the skin.

Composition

Both are made of oil and water, but lotions have a higher percentage of water while creams have a higher percentage of oil. Lotions contain oil droplets mixed in water while creams contain water droplets mixed in oil.

Consistency

Creams have a thicker consistency than lotions.

Nature

Lotions tend to be non-greasy and light-weight while creams tend to be greasy, rich and heavy.

Type of Skin

Moreover, lotions are ideal for normal to slightly dry skin while creams are ideal for dry to very dry skins.

Weather

Lotions are perfect for use during the day and during hot summer months while creams are perfect for night and during harsh winter months.

Packaging

Due to their difference in consistency, lotions come in bottles while creams come in jars.

Conclusion

Lotions and creams are skincare products that help to moisturize our skin. The main difference between lotion and cream is that lotion has a high water percentage, while cream has a high oil percentage. Therefore, creams have a thicker consistency than lotion.

Image Courtesy:

1. “4713579” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Cream, skin care, eye cream, cream colors, against dark circles, rosenblatt, out of focus, cell renewal, cosmetics, beauty, rejuvenation” (CC0) via Pickpik