Ointment vs. Balm — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Ointments are oil-based semisolids used for skin application, often medicinal, while balms use wax to form thicker, protective barriers.
Difference Between Ointment and Balm
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ointments are predominantly oil-based and designed to hydrate or deliver active medicinal ingredients through the skin. Whereas, balms have a base that includes wax, typically beeswax, which helps in forming a protective layer on the skin.
The texture of ointments is usually greasier and softer, making them easier to spread across affected areas. On the other hand, balms are generally firmer and thicker, which makes them stay longer on the surface of the skin.
Ointments are often used for their therapeutic properties in treating dry skin or dermatological conditions. Whereas balms are favored for their ability to protect and repair, making them suitable for chapped lips or skin.
Due to their composition, ointments may contain a higher percentage of active ingredients, which are absorbed into the skin. Balms, however, focus more on creating a barrier that aids in the healing of the skin's surface.
While ointments are usually packaged in tubes to prevent contamination and control dosage, balms are often found in pots or sticks, reflecting their thicker consistency and ease of application directly by hand.
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Comparison Chart
Base Ingredients
Oil-based (petroleum jelly, lanolin)
Wax-based (beeswax, herbal waxes)
Texture
Greasy and soft
Thicker and firmer
Primary Use
Medicinal, hydrating
Protective, repairing
Application Area
Broad skin surfaces
Specific areas like lips, hands
Packaging
Tubes, jars
Pots, tubes, sticks
Compare with Definitions
Ointment
Used for healing or soothing purposes.
Use this ointment to soothe your dry skin.
Balm
Contains wax to provide a protective layer.
This balm forms a protective barrier that lasts long.
Ointment
A semisolid preparation for external use on the skin or mucous membranes.
The doctor prescribed an antibiotic ointment for the rash.
Balm
A solid substance used to heal or soothe the skin.
She used a natural balm to heal her chapped lips.
Ointment
Often has a greasy texture.
Apply the ointment gently, as its greasy texture can stain clothes.
Balm
Used for areas requiring extra care.
Apply the balm to the areas exposed to cold air.
Ointment
Usually comes in a tube for easy application.
Squeeze a small amount of ointment from the tube.
Balm
Often herbal or natural ingredients.
The balm is made with herbal extracts for soothing effects.
Ointment
Used to deliver active ingredients.
This ointment contains steroids to reduce inflammation.
Balm
Comes in compact packaging for easy portability.
The balm comes in a small pot, perfect for carrying in a purse.
Ointment
A smooth oily substance that is rubbed on the skin for medicinal purposes or as a cosmetic
Scented ointments for the skin
He rubbed some ointment on his leg
Balm
A chiefly Mediterranean perennial herb (Melissa officinalis) in the mint family, grown for its lemon-scented foliage, which is used as a seasoning or for tea. Also called lemon balm.
Ointment
A highly viscous or semisolid substance used on the skin as a cosmetic, emollient, or medicament; a salve.
Balm
Any of several related plants in the mint family, such as the bee balm and the horse balm.
Ointment
(medicine) A viscous preparation of oils and/or fats, usually containing medication, used as a treatment or as an emollient.
Balm
Any of various aromatic resins exuded from several trees and shrubs, especially the balm of Gilead (Commiphora) and related plants in the family Burseraceae.
Ointment
A substance used to anoint, as in religious rituals.
Balm
An aromatic salve or oil.
Ointment
That which serves to anoint; any soft unctuous substance used for smearing or anointing; an unguent.
Balm
A pleasing aromatic fragrance.
Ointment
Semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation
Balm
A soothing, healing, or comforting agent or quality.
Ointment
Toiletry consisting of any of various substances resembling cream that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
Balm
Any of various aromatic resins exuded from certain plants, especially trees of the genus Commiphora of Africa, Arabia and India and Myroxylon of South America.
Balm
A plant or tree yielding such substance.
Balm
Any soothing oil or lotion, especially an aromatic one.
Balm
(figuratively) Something soothing.
Classical music is a sweet balm for our sorrows.
Balm
The lemon balm, Melissa officinalis
Balm
Any of a number of other aromatic herbs with a similar citrus-like scent, such as bee balm and horse balm.
Balm
To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.
Balm
To soothe; to mitigate.
Balm
An aromatic plant of the genus Melissa.
Balm
The resinous and aromatic exudation of certain trees or shrubs.
Balm
Any fragrant ointment.
Balm
Anything that heals or that mitigates pain.
Balm
To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.
Balm
Any of various aromatic resinous substances used for healing and soothing
Balm
Semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation
Common Curiosities
Are balms effective for healing cuts?
Balms can aid in healing by protecting the cut but don't typically contain antiseptic properties.
Can I use an ointment for daily skincare?
Ointments may be too greasy for daily skin care for some skin types.
What types of balms are there?
There are lip balms, salves, and muscle balms, among others.
Should balms be applied thickly?
A thin layer is usually sufficient, but follow specific product instructions.
How do balms differ in texture from ointments?
Balms are thicker and less greasy compared to ointments.
What is the main base of an ointment?
Ointments are primarily oil-based.
Can ointments be used on open wounds?
Yes, certain ointments are formulated for open wounds, but always check with a healthcare provider.
How often should I apply ointment to a rash?
Follow the directions on the prescription or consult with a healthcare provider.
Is it safe to use balms on the lips?
Yes, most balms are safe for use on the lips.
How long does it take for an ointment to work?
It depends on the active ingredients and the condition being treated.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
