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There are good reasons why ointments are oil based rather than water based. A water based ointment would wash away too easily. An oil based ointment stays put. A water based ointment could be washed away by sweat, where oil would remain.

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12y ago

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What is the difference between ointment and cream?

Creams are an O/W (oil in water) emulsion. Creams contain a small amount of oil dispersed in water. Most creams are "vanishing." They do not show once applied and are more cosmetically acceptable to most patients. Ointments are an W/O (water in oil) emulsion. Ointments are considered semisolid. Examples of bases used in ointments are: OLEAGINOUS or greasy based made from hydrocarbons such as in mineral oil or petroleum jelly. Other examples of W/O emulsions are lanolin or cold cream


What are the general classification of ointments and their sub-classification?

Classified according to the ointment bases 1. Oleaginous bases ointments eg: hydrocarbon bases like soft & hard paraffin, ceresine, animal & vegitable oil bases 2. Absorption bases eg: beeswax, woolfat 3. Water soluable bases eg: macrogols 4. Emulsifying bases eg: emulsifying wax


How do pastes differ from ointments and creams?

Ointments are petroleum based - thus the slightly greasy feeling. Creams are water based. As for which is appropriate for usage - I go by this rule. Creams tend to dry out the area on which they are used (which are great for things like acne, etc). Ointments will hydrate the skin more - so if the skin is dry to begin with (not oily), then ointment is your best bet. You should be able to get both the ointment and cream in the same strength (% solution). Hope this helps.


Is the paint you are using for your project water-based or oil-based?

Is the paint you're using water-based or oil-based?


Is the polyurethane you are using oil-based or water-based?

The polyurethane being used is either oil-based or water-based.


Can you use water based primer under oil based paint on cabinets?

Yes you can. You can use either oil based or a water based. I prefer a water based myself.


Is latex paint oil-based?

No, latex paint is water-based, not oil-based.


Can you use a oil based paint over a water based paint?

Yes. Clean and degloss the oil based paint, apply an oil based primer, then apply the water based paint.


Is acrylic paint oil-based?

No, acrylic paint is not oil-based. It is water-based and dries quickly to a water-resistant finish.


What happens acrylic varnish on enamel paints?

It will protect the paint as long as you use a water based varnish, never use oil based varnish over water based paint. Tip: "water based enamel= water based finish". "oil based enamel= oil based finish".


Is acrylic paint latex or oil-based?

Acrylic paint is water-based, not oil-based or latex-based.


What is the difference between water-based and oil-based products?

Water-based products use water as a solvent, while oil-based products use oil. Water-based products are typically easier to clean up and have a faster drying time, while oil-based products provide a more durable finish and better adhesion to surfaces.