What is the main difference between ointment and lotion?

The primary distinction between ointment and lotion lies in the formulation and application characteristics. Ointments are generally thicker and have a higher oil content, which allows them to form a protective barrier on the skin. This increased viscosity helps to provide prolonged moisture retention and is often used for therapeutic purposes, such as inflammation reduction or skin protection, because they can contain active medications.

Lotion, on the other hand, has a lower viscosity and greater water content. This makes lotions lighter and easier to spread, which is ideal for covering larger areas of the skin or for providing hydration without the greasiness that may accompany ointments. While lotions may also contain therapeutic ingredients, they are often used for cosmetic hydration and skin care rather than for deep treatment of medical conditions.

In this context, the other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics or uses of ointments and lotions. For example, suggesting that lotion is used only for cosmetic purposes undervalues its ability to deliver therapeutic agents, while stating that ointments are always edible is misleading as many ointments are not intended for ingestion. Additionally, the statement that lotion has a thicker consistency than ointment is factually incorrect, as ointment is, by definition, thicker than lotion.