The lotion making process can be difficult and confusing. Most often when making lotions, we are mixing together oil-based ingredients and water-based ingredients, two elements which do not like to mix. Oil-based ingredients can include waxes, fatty acids, carrier oils and essential oils while water-based ingredients can refer to water itself, as well as Aloe Vera Juice and Gel, Floral Waters, Vegetable Glycerin and even distillates.
The use of emulsifiers in our lotions enables the water-base and oil-base to mix and remain suspended for an indefinite amount of time. Emulsifiers come in a variety of forms from waxes to fatty acids, gums and starches. Finding the right combination of emulsifiers is key to creating a great lotion.
There are also several different types of lotions or emulsions based on their physical structure. At I Want Natural, we use mostly oil-in-water emulsions. That means that our oil particles are finely dispersed throughout our water particles. This enables us to provide great moisturization without a greasy after-feel. We also feel it is the best way to deliver the valuable nutrients and vitamins and essential oils into the skin.