Reader Question - Greasy Lotions

I really enjoy the Natural Beauty Workshop. The information is very helpful.  My question is how can I make my lotions/creams not so greasy? I've added Natrasorb but it's still a little too greasy.  ~Charlene

Hi Charlene,

Thanks for your question.  One way to reduce the greasiness, or rather to increase the silky slip of your lotion, is to add an additive.  Two additives that work well for this purpose are Dry-Flo AF Pure and Silk Peptide Powder.  Dry Flo AF Pure is a modified corn starch that can help the lotion feel drier on the skin.  Here is an excerpt from our website that explains how to incorporate Dry-Flo AF Pure into a lotion:

To incorporate Dry-Flo AF Pure into oil and water emulsions, first pre-mix the powder into a slurry of oil. Then, combine phases under 130°F. Alternatively, you can add the powder directly to your emulsified batch slowly with continuous mixing. Aqueous products containing Dry-Flo AF Pure should not be subjected to temperatures above 130°F or the starch will swell and start to dissolve, thickening your product.

Silk Powder is available in two forms, Superfine and Peptide.  For lotions, it is best to use Silk Peptide Powder.  This fine, powdered silk is water soluble, and can be added directly to the water phase of your lotion at a rate of 2-5%.  It will add a silky slip to the skin after the lotion is applied.

Another way to reduce the greasiness of a lotion is to select ingredients that tend to be lighter and more non-greasy.  Certain Oils, such as Macadamia Nut Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, Watermelon Seed Oil, and Rice Bran Oil, have very light textures.  Their characteristics will affect the final texture of the lotion accordingly.  If you use heavy oils and butters your lotion will feel heavier, if you use lighter oils and butters it will feel lighter.  Getting the right combination of main ingredients can make a huge difference in the final product.

Your last option for reducing the greasiness of the lotion is to simply add a larger portion of water or water based ingredient.  This will make the lotion less moisturizing, and thinner, but it can help take the edge off of an intense lotion.  Keep in mind that you may have to make other adjustments to your recipe when you increase the water portion.  This will affect the preservative, and possibly the emulsifier. You'll need to experiment to get it just right.

If you have any more tips for Charlene on how to make her lotions less greasy, please let us know in the comments.

Comments

[Jane]

Great info!

I make body butters which do not contain water. Will the silk powder dissolve in oil? Is silk powder an addictive which can be used in an butter/oil body butter.

Thanks in advance :)

[Emmy]

Silk Peptide Powder won't work well in oil based formulas, but we do carry another version of Silk named Silk Powder Superfine. Superfine Silk Powder can absorb Oil, and be dispersed into Oil based formulas. Try adding it at a small percentage when you first try it in a body butter. It should start helping to increase the silkiness of the slip at around 5%. You can find Superfine Silk Powder at the following link:
http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/product.asp?product_id=silkpwd&searchflag=1&track=nbw081709

[Jane]

Perfect! Thank you so much!

[Zoe]

Hi, I like to use Fractionated Coconut Oil in my creams...that and some coconut oil (solid at room temp) and a little Shea...they are thick like clotted cream but easy to absorb an no greasy residue...but I do have dry skin...so it drinks it all up!

[Emmy]

Thanks for the input, Zoe. Those are great tips!

[Charlene]

Thanks everyone for all of the great tips.

~Charlene

[Purvi Desai]

what can I use to make sure the body butter doesn't melt away in summer and has the same consistency?

[Emmy Gabriel]

Reinforcing a body butter to withstand hot weather is a very challenging thing.  You can try increasing the amount of waxes or solids in the recipe, or including an extra wax or solid that was not in the original formulation.  Beeswax and/or Jojoba Esters MP70 both work well. Ultimately, however, its impossible to make a formula that is totally safe from melting in hot weather. Keep this in mind especially when it comes to shipping products during hot seasons.