Perhaps the most pure form way to moisturize skin is simply to apply oil. You could grab that bottle of olive oil from the cupboard and rub it all over your parched skin. Your skin would absorb the oil, some would stay on the surface, and you would probably have a nice “glow.” However, those who have tried it can attest to the fact that it is very dense, hard to spread over your skin at an even rate, thick, and leaves ones skin feeling oily, to say the least.
To remedy this problem and make our lives easier, the moisturizing lotion (cream, butter, elixir, etc.) was invented. It uses an emulsifier to blend water and oil together in a solution that can be applied easily without leaving a dire excess of oils on the skins surface.
From that simple combination, big, commercial lotion makers have gone to great lengths to add cheaper ingredients to their lotions. What they have left behind are the natural oils that are so good at moisturizing and nourishing your skin.
Oil and Water
When we make lotion here at the Soap Factory, we get a little crazy, too. We start with distilled water, add a variety of oils, then add emulsifying wax to keep it together. Our ingredient list is not short; we know that if you wanted olive oil and water, you could handle that yourselves! Instead we start with coconut, and age-old skin care ingredient, then we add a dollop of mango butter for it’s light, fresh feel. Organic evening primrose, often used for aging skin, red raspberry seed, apricot kernel, and jojoba are familiar skin care oils.
Then we heat gently to allow the waxes and oils to melt, and blend vigorously to create …
Lotion
Lotion. There we go: there’s no mystery left in lotion! It cools just a bit and then we stir in a paraben-free preservative to keep micro-organisms from growing in the lotion. A tiny bit of fragrance adds a clean citrus smell and out lotion is ready to bottle.
Now it’s your turn: Apply liberally.
