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How to Make Lotions Feel Less Greasy: A Guide for Beginner Formulators

One common misconception among beginner formulators is that adding more carrier oils and butters will create a lotion that’s ultra-hydrating. While oils and butters play a role in moisturizing the skin, overloading a lotion with these ingredients often results in a greasy, heavy product that sits on the skin’s surface without fully absorbing. Fortunately, you can create a hydrating lotion with a low lipid content (10-15%) by choosing the right ingredients and focusing on the water phase of your formulation.


Here’s a detailed look at how to create a light, fast-absorbing lotion that feels pleasant on the skin and provides deep hydration.


1. Rethink the Lipid Content

Instead of aiming for a high percentage of oils and butters, keep the lipid phase (oil phase) of your formulation around 10-15%. This is more than enough to lock in moisture and nourish the skin without creating an overly heavy or greasy feel. A lighter lipid phase helps the lotion to absorb faster and leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft rather than oily.


Key Ingredients to Consider:

  • Light, Fast-Absorbing Oils: Opt for oils that absorb quickly and don’t leave a heavy

    residue. Examples include grapeseed oil, squalane, and rosehip oil. These oils are high

    in essential fatty acids that provide moisture without clogging pores or feeling greasy.

  • Esters and Emollients: Esters like isopropyl myristate or coco-caprylate provide the

    slip and spreadability of oils but with a lightweight, silky finish. Emollients such as

    caprylic/capric triglyceride also enhance the lotion’s feel without adding greasiness.

  • Silicones: While not always desired in natural formulations, silicones (e.g.,

    dimethicone) are fantastic for creating a smooth, non-greasy feel. They’re occlusive but

    don’t feel heavy, making them ideal for lotions aimed at users who prefer a weightless,

    velvety finish.


2. Focus on the Water Phase for Hydration

A major mistake beginners make is focusing too much on the lipid phase for hydration. In reality, water-based ingredients are crucial for deeply hydrating the skin. When you build a water phase rich in humectants and water-binding ingredients, you’ll get a product that’s lightweight yet hydrating, helping the skin to retain moisture without the greasy feel.


Essential Water Phase Ingredients:

  • Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Known for its hydrating and skin-soothing properties,

    panthenol is an excellent addition to lotions, as it improves skin hydration, elasticity, and

    smoothness.

  • Hyaluronic Acid: A powerhouse humectant, hyaluronic acid draws water into the skin,

    enhancing hydration without adding weight or oiliness. Low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid penetrates deeper, giving the skin a fuller, more hydrated appearance.

  • Allantoin: Known for its soothing and skin-softening properties, allantoin adds to the

    lotion’s hydrating effects without adding any heaviness. It’s ideal for sensitive or dry skin

    and enhances skin texture.

  • Glycerin or Propanediol: These humectants attract moisture to the skin and prevent

    water loss. Propanediol can be an especially good alternative to glycerin, as it provides a non-sticky feel.


By incorporating a high-quality mix of humectants and hydrating ingredients in the water phase, you’ll achieve a lotion that feels light but still offers lasting hydration.


3. Select Lightweight Butters Carefully

While butters like shea or cocoa are popular, they can sometimes feel heavy in lotions. If you

want to include a butter, consider using mango butter or kokum butter. These are lighter and

can contribute to a soft, non-greasy feel.


  • Mango Butter: Absorbs more readily than shea or cocoa butter, leaving a soft finish on

    the skin.

  • Kokum Butter: Has a similar lightweight feel but is rich in nutrients, making it a great

    option for dry skin without contributing to greasiness.


4. Understand Emulsifiers and Stabilizers

The emulsifier you choose can also impact how greasy a lotion feels. Emulsifiers with lower

oil-holding capacities can sometimes give a more lightweight, less greasy feel. Additionally,

rheology modifiers and stabilizers can help structure the lotion so that it absorbs more

effectively.


  • Emulsifying Wax NF or Polawax: These emulsifiers are ideal for beginners as they

    create stable emulsions without a greasy finish when combined with lightweight oils and

    esters.

  • Rheology Modifiers: Including a small amount of xanthan gum or carbomer can help

    improve the lotion’s texture, making it feel more like a gel cream that absorbs quickly.


5. Consider Testing Occlusives Carefully

Occlusives create a barrier on the skin to prevent water loss, which is essential for maintaining hydration. However, some occlusives can be greasy or heavy. When formulating a lightweight lotion, test occlusives in small amounts or choose those that have a less greasy feel.


  • Dimethicone: A lightweight occlusive that leaves a silky, non-greasy feel on the skin. It’s

    commonly used in professional formulations to give a soft finish.

  • Squalane: A non-comedogenic occlusive that absorbs quickly and adds moisture

    without a heavy or greasy feel.



Tips for Testing and Adjusting

  • Observe Absorption and Feel: Apply a small amount to the skin and check how quickly

    it absorbs. If the lotion feels heavy, reduce the lipid content slightly or switch to lighter

    oils.

  • Adjust Humectants: If the lotion doesn’t feel hydrating enough, consider increasing

    humectants in the water phase, which will boost hydration without adding to the oil

    content.

  • pH and Stability: Ensure the lotion is within a pH range suitable for the preservative and

    for skin compatibility. Proper pH helps the product perform optimally on the skin.


By focusing on lightweight oils, esters, humectants, and a well-balanced water phase, you can create lotions that are hydrating, non-greasy, and pleasant to use. This approach will leave you with a product that absorbs beautifully, delivering deep moisture without sitting on the surface or feeling overly rich.

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