What is a characteristic of water-in-oil ointment bases?

A characteristic of water-in-oil ointment bases is that they are primarily oleaginous. This means that the continuous phase of the ointment is made up of oils or fats. In a water-in-oil emulsion, water droplets are dispersed within this oily phase, which influences the ointment's texture, consistency, and application properties.

The oleaginous nature of these bases makes them ideal for certain therapeutic applications, as they can provide a barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and enhancing the stability of the formula. Additionally, the oily nature often makes them more occlusive than water-based formulations, which is beneficial in specific dermatological conditions.

Water-in-oil ointments can indeed absorb some water, but their primary characteristic remains their oleaginous composition, which distinguishes them from water-in-water emulsions.