How To Make Lotion Part 3: Oil Phase

Hi good morning.
Today ill be continuing this ‘online class’ with part three of making lotion.
If this is your first time reading this; stop here and click here to read the Part 1 and Part 2 of this ‘course’

So the part 3 of this course is the oil phase. Yesterday i spoke about water phase and in part 1 i had mentioned about the 5 important components in lotion making where the oil phase is the second component in lotion making.

Oils are important in lotion making because its the component that makes the lotion moisturising and its also give a layer of occlusion to the skin where it prevents the water from skin to evaporate out; resulting in more moist skin.

However; Too much of oils can be very greasy and sticky and too little it doesnt give the moisturising effect. Due to that you must choose the best oils for whatever reason you are making your lotion.

Just like the oils used in balm making (you can click here to read about it); you choose your oils according to your area of application, your skin type, the purpose of the oils (medicated or just normal), The shelf life of lotion.

Area Of Application

This means that where will you be applying these lotion. Oils generally can be divided into three thickness: Light, Medium and Heavy. If you were applying it on your face; you would want to use a lesst sticky oil (light Oils) as compared to if you were applying below your elbow or knee where you will need the thickest oil (heavy oil) so that the lotion will stick longer.
Example of Light oil here is Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil, Evening primrose Oil, Rosehip Oil, Grapeseed Oil.
Example of Heavy Oil are: Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter.

Skin Type

If you have a skin that is generally dry and damaged; you would want to use a ‘heavy’ oil to make the lotion. This would mean something that is like Oilive Oil, Castor Oil or the butters. If you have skin type thats oily, you should use lighter oils like Jojoba Oil and Argan Oil.

Purpose of Oil

This is a section not covered in the balm online class but if you wanted a lotion that contains natural plant steroids (for recovery of inflammation by acne/ rashes), you would use oils that have high phytosterols like Olive Oil, Sunflower Oil, Argan Oil and Apricot Oil.

Shelf Life:

Most of the oils that are light usually has very short shelf life. Its nice to use and feels great on skin but unfortunately it has a very short shelf life. Example Grapeseed oil has shelf life of 6 months; while rosehip oil about 8 months. If you add these in your lotion and you are planning to sell it; make sure to tell your customers to use it before it expires.

I have summarised all the properties of oils in this ebook. You may download it to get the full details on oils and how to use it.

If you have any questions; join our Soap Lab Malaysia Club where we have people like you; who are interested in making your own skincare communicating and helping each other in it. You are most welcomed in the group. P/S: there are questions to be answered when you click to join group. Dont forget to answer to get accepted.

Thank you for reading;
Nisha