Some thoughts about greasiness in lotions...

I know most people, if asked, will say they prefer a drier feeling lotion, but a lot of those perceptions are based upon commercial products that contain mostly mineral oil. Most of our vegetable oils feel less greasy than mineral oil, and all of our esters definitely feel that way.

So here are a few of my thoughts on drier feeling lotions...

1. Don't base your assessment of greasiness on a commercial lotion (things like Jergen's or house brand hand lotions). Most homemade lotions feel less greasy than commercial products.

2. Choose Incroquat BTMS-50 as your emulsifier. This one little switch can make a very greasy lotion feel much drier with what's generally described as a powdery, silky feeling.

3. Think about your emollients and choose drier feeling oils. Recipes with shea butter will feel greasier than those made with mango butter. Recipes with soy bean and sunflower oil will feel greasier than those with avocado or borage or evening primrose oil. Learn about your oils (check out this carrier oil comparison chart or the exotic oil comparison chart, or click on the emollients link to see detailed posts about our carrier oils, butters, exotic oils, and esters) and know which ones offer the feeling you want.

4. Add a little IPM or IPP to your product. As little as 2% of these esters can reduce the feeling of greasiness pretty dramatically!

Here are a few ideas for recipes to make a drier feeling lotion...
Formulating a drier feeling lotion. 
Formulating a drier, light feeling lotion. 
Formulating a drier lotion with esters. 
And I have tons more around here somewhere. Take a look around!