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Formulation Guides

Lightweight lotion

Format type

Low oil-phase emulsion

Target pH

5.0–5.5

Suitable for

Normal to combination skin. Suitable for daily use and larger surface application (body).
Lightweight lotion

What this formulation delivers

  • Balanced hydration with light emollience
  • Fast-absorbing and spreadable
  • Less occlusive than creams
  • Flexible for face or body use
  • Stable fluid emulsion

Before you begin

This formulation is designed as a starting point.

Small adjustments to ingredient levels will influence texture, absorption, and overall skin feel. Work within recommended usage ranges and adjust gradually.  

Check ingredient compatibility, pH, and preservation once the full system is assembled.

Formulation approach

  • Build an oil-in-water emulsion with a reduced oil phase compared to creams
  • Use humectants to support hydration in the water phase
  • Select lightweight emollients to maintain spreadability without heaviness
  • Use an appropriate emulsifier to stabilise a more fluid system
  • Add a small amount of fatty alcohol for light structure
  • Keep viscosity low enough to maintain a lotion texture
  • Finalise with preservation and adjust pH for stability

Example formulation

Water phase (~75–85%)
Glycerin - 3–4%
Propanediol - 2–3%

Oil phase (~5–15%)
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride - 5–8%
Sunflower oil - 2–4%
Squalane - 2-3% (optional) 

Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate - 2–3%

Stabiliser
Cetearyl Alcohol - 1–2%
or 
Cetyl Alcohol - 0.5-1.5%

Preservative
Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol - 0.8–1.0% 

Notes

Lower oil phase fluid texture compared to creams.

Squalane can be included as an optional emollient to improve spreadability and skin feel.

Structure should be kept minimal to maintain a lotion consistency. Using too much fatty alcohol will result in a cream rather than a lotion.

Balance between oil phase and emulsifier is critical for stability in lighter systems.

These formulations are provided as examples to support your own development. They are starting points, not finished systems.

Ingredients

Ingredients to build this formulation

Explore the ingredients referenced in this formulation guide.

Shop all ingredients
Glycerin (USP) Sale price 100g From $6.95
Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (MCT Oil)
Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (MCT Oil) Sale price 100 g From $12.95
Sunflower Oil (High Oleic)
Sunflower Oil (High Oleic) Sale price 100 g From $7.95
Olive Squalane Sale price 50 g From $16.95
Cetearyl Alcohol Flakes
Cetearyl Alcohol Flakes Sale price 100 g From $6.95
Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol Sale price 100 g From $9.95
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate Sale price 100 g From $9.95
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate Sale price 100 g From $9.95
Glycerin (USP) Sale price 100g From $6.95
Propanediol (1.3)
Propanediol (1.3) Sale price 100 g From $12.95
Phenoxyethanol & Caprylyl Glycol Preservative Sale price 50 g From $14.95