Unguents

An unguent is a semisolid topical preparation used for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes. It is typically oil- or fat-based and intended to be applied to the skin or mucous membranes. The word comes from the Latin unguentum, meaning anointment or ointment.

Historically, unguents have been described in ancient medical texts from Greece and Rome and in Persian, Indian, and Egyptian traditions. They were valued for delivering medicines through the skin, for protecting irritated surfaces, and for preserving moisture. In medieval and early modern pharmacopoeias, unguents were among the principal topical forms, often prepared by melting fats or oils and incorporating plant extracts, minerals, or mineral oils.

Modern formulation typically resembles ointments: a lipid-rich base that can hold active ingredients in suspension or solution. Bases include animal fats, vegetable oils, waxes, and petroleum-derived substances. Preparation involves heating to dissolve components, dispersing solids or infusing botanicals, and allowing the mixture to cool into a glossy, spreadable paste. Some preparations may include preservatives or antioxidants, but many traditional unguents rely on the base’s properties alone.

In contemporary pharmacy, the term unguent is sometimes used synonymously with ointment, salve, or balm, though “ointment” is the more common term in everyday usage. Unguents are still used in dermatology and wound care where a greasy, occlusive layer is desirable. They are generally distinguished from creams and lotions by higher lipid content and lower water content.