I created a basic body lotion template to get me started on customizing my body lotions as I learn the components needed in formulating a moisturizing and hydrating cream or lotion. I will be starting with a few ingredients. And I will be building from there playing around with different percentages, oils, and butters, etc.
The three categories of ingredients that I will be using in the hydrating lotion are emollients, humectants, and occlusives.
Emollients will soften and smooth the skin. It is great for dry skin.
Humectants draws moisture to the skin helping to hydrate the skin.
Occlusive helps to lock in moisture by creating a barrier on the skin preventing water from escaping.
The emulsifier is used to combine the oil and water. The preservative used is a broad-spectrum preservative that kills microorganisms preventing the growth of mold and fungus.
Vitamin e helps to prevent the oils from going rancid.
Oil Phase
Jojoba Oil 11.55% | Emollient
Shea Butter 5% | Emollient, Occlusive
Olivem 1000 5% | Emulsifier
Water Phase
Distilled Water 73.5%
Vegetable Glycerin 2% | Humectant
Cool-down Phase
Vitamin E Oil 2% | Antioxidant
Preservative 1%
Weigh the water phase and write down the weight.
Heat the oil phase and the water phase in a double boiler with the bottom pot filled with water up to 2 inches to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Before you pour the water phase into the oil phase, replace the water that has evaporated.
This is a water in oil (w/o) formulation.
Once the ingredients have melted pour the water phase into the oil phase. Stir.
Take the pot off the stove and blend the two phases together with a stick blender in short bursts.
Once the lotion has cooled down, it is time to add your cool-down ingredients. Depending on which preservative you are using will determine the temperature that it should be added to the lotion. Vitamin e is heat sensitive, so it goes in the cool-down phase. Whisk the ingredients.
Once the lotion cools down some more, pour the lotion in a lotion bottle or jar. Leave the cap off for a few hours so that it can cool down completely.
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