In dermatology and pharmaceutical ointments are one of the most essential product categories that are used to treat infections, inflammation, burns, wounds and chronic skin disorders. Ointments are not just a cream it offer targeted drug delivery with prolonged skin contact and higher therapeutic effectiveness. Increasing pollution and a bad lifestyle raise skin concerns that make the demand rise for topical formulations across India.

According to the Indian Brand Equity Foundation, the Indian pharmaceutical industry is poised to reach USD 130 billion by 2030 and when it comes to the topical medication segment, including ointments, it was roughly estimated to be around USD 8.3 billion in 2024.

Hacks and Slack’s Healthcare, for example, the ointment segment represents not only a major medical use but also a successful model for business growth driven by the rising demand for the product.

Ointments – Overview

They are semi solid topical formulations that are designed to deliver medications directly through the skin, not like creams or gels. Ointments often contain an oil-based ingredient that stays on the skin longer and provides:

• Active ingredients
• Increase moisture
• Acts as a barrier for wounds
• Target a specific skin problem

This helps to make ointments for chronic skin disease, burn wound management, antifungal treatments, anti-inflammatory therapy and pain relief applications.

What are the uses of Ointments?

Here are some common uses of Ointments:

• Dermatological Therapy – Psoriasis, Eczema, Dermatitis
• Pain Relief – Analgesic agents and topical NSAIDs
• Burn Care and Wound – Burn ointments and healing agents
• Anti-infective – Antibacterial and Antifungal formulations
• Anti-Inflammatory – Non Steroidal Ointments and Corticosteroids

What are the industry trends that drive Ointment Demand?

Rise in long term skin conditions

Conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and fungal infections continue to grow due to environmental lifestyle factors, with increasing need for medicated therapeutic ointments.

Consumer Shift

People are increasingly using over-the-counter ointments for pain relief, wound care and itch management into daily self-care regimes.

Formulation

With the advanced formulation in nanotechnology and plant derived actives, ointment efficacy and patient compliance enables formulations, which are:

• Non greasy
• Enhanced penetration
• For a longer duration

Online expansion

The topical drug category is also witnessing an increasing online sale of these products.

Quality Standards

Ensuring regulatory compliance is always a significant factor for the manufacturers and distributors because it will help them ensure the efficacy and safety of their products in the market. Therefore, ensure:

• WHO-GMP, ISO certifications
• Must follow Schedule M and Schedule Y requirements
• CDSCO approval, Drug License under the CDS Act.

What is the market growth of Ointments and trends in India?

Here is the data for the Ointment for better understanding;

Indian Topical Pain Balm and Ointment from Pheonix Research,	It was estimated at USD 890 million in 2025 and projected to reach 1.72 billion by 2033 with a growing CAGR of 8.5%. Consumer preferences include ointments for joint pain, inflammation and localised discomfort.
Another report from the Indian Topical Drugs Market from Grand View Research,	The ointments market was valued at USD 8.3 billion in 2024 to reach USD 13.9 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 9%.
As per Data Bridge Market Research,	The Indian Dermatology Topical Drug Delivery Market is expected to reach USD 1.74 billion by 2032 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.71%

Why is Ointment Demand rising?

There are different market drivers that influence the market, such as:

Lifestyles

With a growing ageing population, there is surged in ointment use for pain management and skin protection.

Urbanization

Higher urban healthcare access means more prescriptions and OTC topical ointments are consumed in the dermatology and pharmacy sectors.

Increasing awareness

Increasing awareness among consumers also makes the demand for Ointments because now consumers prefer self administration topical solutions, which leads to higher ointment sales.

Latest news that impact use of Ointment for The Times of India,

As per the report by Dermatologists in Bengaluru, a significant rise in fungal infections is due in part to misuse of topical steroid creams and ointments sold OTC, with upto 20 to 30% more cases than in previous years. Experts warn that unsupervised use of steroid-containing formulations can worsen skin conditions and lead to an increase in resistant infections.

What are the essential standards to maintain the quality in the Ointment Business?

If you are building a product portfolio for a company, make sure to consider these points:

• Select product segment for specific needs like anti fungal, anti inflammatory, and burn healing.
• Ensure compliance with CDSCO and quality standards is strictly met.
• Make sure to provide proper guidance to customers to avoid misuse of ointment, especially those that contain steroids.
• Expand channels like online pharmacies, retail outlets, clinics and dermatologist partnerships.

Ointments have remained a mainstay in topical treatments and dermatology, catering to both the medical and consumer markets. Ointments are more than just products for derma businesses and brands such as Hacks and Slacks Healthcare; they are essential medication that combines strong demand with successful business.

FAQs

How are creams different from ointments?

Creams are water based and lighter and talking about ointments, they are oil based that stay on skin for a longer period of time and provide better moisture retention.

Is the demand for Ointments rising?

Yes, rising pollution, lifestyle disorders, fungal infections, cosmetic awareness and increased dermatologist consultation are driving the growth of the Ointment use.

What certifications should a manufacturer have to manufacture quality ointment?

A reliable manufacturer should have WHO, GMP and ISO certification to ensure the safety and quality of products.

Can you use ointment for long term use?

Using Ointment is safe but if it is steroid based or medicated formulation, it should be used under medical supervision.

In how many days does the Ointment shows result?

It depends on the condition; sometimes it take few days to clear the infection but in serve condition it may take time.