unguent

soft oily substance used on skin

Root

unct / ungu: anoint, smear, oil, or ointment

Other words with the unct / ungu root

anoint: to apply oil in a ceremonial or sacred way
ointment: medicinal oil or salve for the skin
unction: anointing; smooth or excessive earnestness
unctuous: excessively smooth, flattering, or oily in manner

Unguent belongs with oil and ointment: a soft substance spread on the skin.

The old recipe called for an herbal unguent to soothe the burn.

Unguent sounds more formal than ointment, but the picture is simple. Imagine something oily or medicinal being rubbed onto skin. That same smooth-oily feel helps unctuous later.