Difference between Liniments and Lotions: Liniments are solutions or mixtures of various substances in oil, alcoholic solution of soap, or emulsions, intended for external application. They are applied with rubbing to the affected areas and that is why they were once called embrocations.
Dental liniments are solutions of active substances which are rubbed into the gums, but they are no longer official.
Liniments are usually applied to the skin with friction and by rubbing. The oil and soap base present in liniments provides ease of application and massage on the skin. Alcoholic liniments are intended generally for their rubefacient, counter-irritant, mildly astringent, and penetrating effects. They penetrate the skin more readily than the oil base. Therefore, oily liniments are milder in their action but are more useful when massage is desired. Some liniments are solely used as a protective coating depending on the ingredients in the preparation. Liniments should not be applied to bruises and broken skin.
Liniments usually contain methyl salicylate, menthol, and camphor in their preparations.
Difference between liniments and lotions
| Liniments | Lotions |
| 1. Liniments are liquid or semi-liquid preparations, usually applied to the skin with friction and rubbing of the skin. | 1. Lotions are liquid preparations meant for external application without friction. |
| 2. Liniments are more viscous. | 2. Lotions are slightly less viscous than liniments. |
| 3. Liniments are counter-irritant and rubefacient. | 3. Lotions have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, cooling, and soothing properties. |
| 4. Liniments should not be applied to the broken skin because they may cause excessive irritation. | 4. Lotions are applied directly to the skin. |
| 5. Liniments usually contain methyl salicylate, menthol, and camphor in their preparations. | 5. Lotions do not contain camphor and menthol. |
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