Let's Settle the Steroid Potency Debate! Mometasone vs. Betamethasone. Cream vs. Ointment. The confusion is real! Let's break it down with two simple rules for your next prescription. Rule #1: The VEHICLE Matters. Due to its occlusive nature, an Ointment is always more potent than the same steroid in a Cream base. Rule #2: The SALT Matters. When comparing the common mid-potency salts, Mometasone Furoate is more potent than Betamethasone Valerate. So, the hierarchy looks like this (from most to l