Understanding the Fundamental Difference
At its heart, the difference between ghee and ghee cream is their intended application. Ghee is an edible cooking oil, also known as clarified butter, prized for its high smoke point and rich flavor profile. Ghee cream, in contrast, is a cosmetic product, a whipped, topical salve designed for skin nourishment, based on an ancient Ayurvedic process. Knowing this central distinction is crucial for understanding their varying preparation methods and benefits.
The Manufacturing Process: From Kitchen to Copper Pot
The creation process is the primary reason for the vast difference in the final products.
How Ghee is Made for the Kitchen
Two main methods are used to produce culinary ghee:
- The Direct Cream Method (Malai Ghee): This is the most common and commercial method. Cream (malai) is separated from milk and then heated directly until the water evaporates and milk solids separate. This is a fast, industrial process that yields a more affordable, milder-tasting ghee, but may lack some of the traditional nutritive depth.
- The Traditional Bilona Method (Desi Ghee): Considered the gold standard in Ayurveda, this age-old method is more labor-intensive. Milk is first cultured into curd, and then this curd is hand-churned (bilona) to separate butter. This butter is then slow-cooked over a low flame. The fermentation process from the curd is believed to enhance its nutritional profile, particularly fatty acids like CLA, and provide a richer, nuttier flavor and aroma.
How Ghee Cream (Shata Dhauta Ghrita) is Made for Skin
Known in Ayurveda as 'Shata Dhauta Ghrita' or '100 times washed ghee,' the creation of ghee cream is a ritualistic cosmetic process.
- Preparation: High-quality, often A2 cow ghee, is melted to a liquid state.
- Washing: The liquid ghee is placed in a copper vessel, along with an equal amount of purified water.
- Churning and Kneading: The mixture is churned, mixed, or kneaded by hand or machine for several minutes. This process is repeated—at least 25 times, but traditionally 100 times—with fresh water replacing the old after each cycle.
- Transformation: With each wash, the ghee's texture transforms from an oily substance into a white, whipped, odorless, and salve-like cream. The copper vessel acts as a catalyst, infusing the cream with its therapeutic properties, which are beneficial for the skin.
Distinct Applications: Culinary Delights vs. Skin Therapy
- Culinary Ghee's Applications:
- High-Heat Cooking: With a smoke point of around 485°F (252°C), ghee is ideal for sautéing, frying, and deep-frying, where it won't break down into free radicals like other oils.
- Flavoring: Used in many Indian and South Asian cuisines to add a rich, nutty, and fragrant depth to dishes like curries, dals, and rice.
- Baking: A delicious substitute for butter in many baked goods, imparting a distinct flavor.
- Ghee Cream's Applications:
- Intense Moisturization: The fine particles from the washing process allow the cream to deeply penetrate the skin, providing long-lasting hydration.
- Healing and Soothing: Used to calm and heal dry skin, sunburns, rashes, and inflammation.
- Anti-Aging: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it helps promote skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and brighten skin tone.
- Carrier for Herbs: In Ayurveda, it's used as a base for delivering other herbal ingredients deeper into the skin.
Nutritional and Bio-Availability
While the caloric content is similar (both are fat), their nutritional impact is not. Culinary ghee is a source of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), but its purpose is caloric intake and flavor. Bilona ghee, especially, may contain higher levels of healthy fatty acids due to its traditional preparation from cultured curd.
Ghee cream, in contrast, is not meant for ingestion. The entire process of washing and churning is to alter its physical properties to maximize its skin-based bioavailability. The fat molecules are split into smaller, more easily absorbed particles, and the process removes impurities, making it an excellent medium for therapeutic application. The therapeutic benefits are delivered topically, not through digestion. ghee benefits for skin
Comparison Table: Ghee vs. Ghee Cream
| Feature | Ghee (Culinary) | Ghee Cream (Cosmetic) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Cooking, flavor, energy source | Topical skincare, moisturizing, healing |
| Manufacturing | Heated from butter (from cream or curd), clarified | Washed 100 times with water in a copper vessel |
| Flavor/Scent | Rich, nutty, and aromatic | Odorless or very mild scent |
| Consistency | Liquid when warm, grainy or smooth when solid | White, whipped, buttery salve |
| Primary Use | Frying, sautéing, baking, seasoning food | Applied to skin for hydration and healing |
| Nutritional Value | Rich in fats and fat-soluble vitamins (via consumption) | Therapeutic and bio-available for skin (via topical absorption) |
Conclusion
While the terms sound similar, the end-products could not be more different. Ghee is the culinary star of many kitchens, a clarified fat used for cooking and flavor. Ghee cream is a time-honored Ayurvedic skin remedy, a whipped salve created through a unique water-washing process. When choosing between them, the most important factor is your intended use. For culinary endeavors, stick to a high-quality bilona or cream-based ghee. For topical nourishment and intense hydration, reach for a genuine 100-times washed ghee cream. Using the correct product ensures you get the right benefits, whether for your favorite dish or your skincare routine.
