Cracking the Lotion Code

Lotion... If you've read the 'About Me' you'll know it's what got this whole soap ball rolling.

I remember when I first bought e-wax and witnessed the mind blowing moment of emulsification, realizing that yes I could actually make lotion at home. That being said, making a lotion that feels as good as many professionally formulated store brands is whole other story. Not too dry, not to greasy, works for 24 hours, doesn't make you sticky, sinks in, etc... >< All the variables make my brain swell.

I've learned a lot along the way in the quest to make a superior lotion at home. 

My latest revelation is this: a lotion made with water, tons of nice oils and a emulsifier just doesn't cut it for me. The magic doesn't only happen in the oil phase. Sometimes it's the cool down ingredients that add the "wow" to your lotion (and certainly the cool down preservative step keeps you safe and healthy). But it's the water phase that brought my lotion from "meh" to "holy cow, my skin feels great". 

Don't neglect your water phase. I'm talking humectants here people. Sodium lactate, Urea, Sodium PCA (this one is dreamy), Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid. Other goodies to explore would be Allantoin, Pantenol or Lactic acid to bump up the power of your water phase. Don't be afraid to use or experiment with these types of additives!

You may all know this, but it was a recent revelation to me so I had to share! On the other hand, if you have no idea what I am talking about but would like to learn more, I suggest you check out Point of Interest! Specifically 'Can we use too many humectants?', 'Better crafting through chemistry: Humectants', or 'Humectants: Other benefits'.