Lotion

Lotion is a low-viscosity topical preparation intended for application to unbroken skin. By contrast, creams and gels have higher viscosity. Lotions are applied to external skin with bare hands, a brush, a clean cloth, cotton wool, or gauze. While lotion may be used as a medicine delivery system, many lotions, especially hand lotions and body lotions are meant instead to simply smooth, moisturize, soften and perhaps perfume the skin.

History

Some ancient peoples used animal fats to obtain the same results that lotions produce today. Researchers have found that ancient Egyptians used lotions made from natural ingredients like olive oil and ostrich eggs.

Types

There are many types of lotions, including hand lotion, body lotion, facial lotion, and suntan lotion. The primary difference between these types of lotions is the body part for which they are intended. Most lotions are oil-in-water emulsions using a substance such as cetearyl alcohol to keep the emulsion together, but water-in-oil lotions are also formulated. The key components of a skin care lotion, cream or gel emulsion (that is mixtures of oil and water) are the aqueous and oily phases, an emulgent to prevent separation of these two phases, and, if used, the drug substance or substances.

Uses

Lotions can be used for the delivery of medications. They can also be used as a soothing, smoothing, moisturizing agent, and to deliver fragrance to the skin.

See also

• Cream (pharmacy)
• Ointment
• Liniment
• Gel
• Emulsion

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