Understanding Solvents and Scents in Lotion Formulation

Hello! It's great that you are exploring making your own lotion, especially for dry and whitening skin. Addressing very dry skin is important, and understanding ingredients is key.

Let's break down your questions about solvents and fragrances:

What are Solvents and When to Use Them?

A solvent is a substance used to dissolve other ingredients, particularly those that are in powder form or are not soluble in the main base of your formulation (like water in a lotion).

• Purpose: Solvents help disperse ingredients evenly throughout the formula and can sometimes help active ingredients penetrate the skin better.
• Necessity: You need a solvent when an ingredient you want to use doesn't dissolve in the primary liquid phase of your formula. For example, some powdered active ingredients are not water-soluble. In such cases, you would use a suitable solvent to dissolve the powder before incorporating it into your lotion base.
• Example: As mentioned by the staff, an ingredient like Pure-Ferulic Acid, which is a powerful antioxidant powder, does not dissolve in water. It requires a solvent such as Ethoxydiglycol to be properly dissolved and integrated into a cosmetic formula.

Fragrance Oil vs. Essential Oil for Scenting Lotion

When adding scent to your lotion, you can choose between fragrance oils and essential oils. The choice depends on your preference and the desired properties:

• Fragrance Oils: These are typically synthetic or a blend of synthetic and natural compounds created specifically for their scent. They offer a wide variety of aromas (like Jasmine Fragrance Oil or Neroli Fragrance Oil) and are generally formulated to be stable in cosmetic products. They primarily provide scent.
• Essential Oils: These are natural oils extracted from plants (like Elemi Oil or Holy Basil Oil). They provide the natural aroma of the plant and may also contain beneficial compounds, although their primary use in this context is for scent. Essential oils can vary in potency and some may require careful usage rates or dilution due to potential skin sensitivity.

Both can be used to add fragrance to your lotion. If you are looking purely for a wide range of scent options, fragrance oils are a good choice. If you prefer natural extracts and their specific aromas, essential oils are suitable, keeping in mind their concentration and potential effects.

Understanding these components will help you create a lotion tailored to your skin needs and preferences!