Improving Lotion Spreadability and Slip

Hi, thank you for the updated information and clarifying the issue after removing Poly-Protect. It's good that removing Poly-Protect resolved the pilling problem, which was likely due to its hydration properties and your mixing method.

Now, regarding your goal to make the lotion less thick, easier to spread, and have a smoother, more slippery feel on the skin:

Your formula contains a high percentage of water-soluble humectants and active ingredients (like Hyaluron, Amino Acids, Trehalose, Niacinamide, N-Acetyl Glucosamine). While these ingredients are great for hydration and skin benefits, they can collectively contribute to a thicker, slightly tacky, and slower-absorbing texture.

To improve the slip and spreadability, you can add an ingredient known as a "slip agent" or "skin feel enhancer" to your formula. These ingredients help the lotion glide more easily over the skin and can reduce the tacky feel.

Recommendation:
Consider adding a slip agent like Isododecane or a light ester/silicone. A starting point could be adding 3-5% Isododecane.

To incorporate this new ingredient while keeping the total percentage at 100%, you would need to reduce the percentage of other ingredients. The easiest way is often to reduce the percentage of the water phase (DI Water and Rose Water). For example, if you add 5% Isododecane, you could reduce the combined percentage of DI Water and Rose Water from 60% to 55%.

Adding a slip agent should significantly improve the ease of spreading and the smooth feel on the skin, helping you achieve the desired texture where the lotion glides easily and doesn't feel sticky or heavy, allowing you to apply sunscreen afterwards.

Adjusting the type or percentage of your emulsifier (Luxury Cream Maker) or modifying the oil phase composition could also influence the final texture and feel, but adding a slip agent is a direct way to target the spreadability and skin feel aspect you're looking for.