Lotion & Cream Formulator
Build balanced lotion and cream formulas. Enter your ingredients by phase, and the calculator handles percentages, preservative targets, and emulsifier ratios.
Batch Size
Water Phase 0%
Typically 60-80%Oil Phase 0%
Typically 15-30%Emulsifier 0%
Typically 3-8%Cool Down Phase 0%
Typically 2-5%Formula Summary
Weight Breakdown
Add ingredients to see weights.
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Start Free AccountLotion & Cream Formulation Reference
Common Lotion Ratios
- Light Lotion 75% water / 20% oil / 3% emul / 2% cool
- Rich Cream 60% water / 30% oil / 5% emul / 5% cool
- Body Butter 40% water / 50% oil / 5% emul / 5% cool
- Facial Serum 80% water / 15% oil / 3% emul / 2% cool
Preservative Guidelines
- Optiphen 0.75 - 1.5% of total batch
- Germaben II 0.5 - 1.0% of total batch
- Phenoxyethanol 0.5 - 1.0% of total batch
- Liquid Germall Plus 0.1 - 0.5% of total batch
Popular Carrier Oils
- Sweet Almond Oil Light, fast-absorbing
- Jojoba Oil Closest to skin sebum
- Coconut Oil Rich, solid below 76°F
- Argan Oil Anti-aging, lightweight
- Avocado Oil Heavy, very moisturizing
Emulsifier Guide
- Emulsifying Wax NF Versatile, easy to use
- BTMS-50 Conditioning, great for hair
- Polawax Stable, forgiving
- Olivem 1000 Natural, eco-certified
- Cetearyl Alcohol Co-emulsifier, thickener
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the phases of a lotion formula?
Lotions are formulated in four phases. The water phase (60-80%) contains water, aloe vera, hydrosols, and water-soluble ingredients like glycerin. The oil phase (15-30%) contains carrier oils and butters. The emulsifier phase (3-8%) binds water and oil together using ingredients like Emulsifying Wax NF or BTMS-50. The cool down phase (2-5%) is added after the mixture cools below 104°F and includes heat-sensitive ingredients like fragrance, preservatives, and vitamin E.
Why do I need a preservative in my lotion?
Any product containing water can grow bacteria, yeast, and mold. Preservatives like Optiphen, Germaben II, or Phenoxyethanol prevent microbial growth and keep your lotion safe to use. Most preservatives are effective at 0.5% to 1.5% of the total batch weight. Without a preservative, a water-based lotion can become contaminated within days.
What is the difference between a lotion, cream, and body butter?
The difference comes down to the water-to-oil ratio. A light lotion uses about 75% water phase and 20% oil phase, making it thin and fast-absorbing. A rich cream uses about 60% water and 30% oil for a thicker, more moisturizing texture. A body butter uses about 40% water and 50% oil, creating a very thick, heavy product ideal for extremely dry skin.
How much emulsifier do I need for my lotion?
Most emulsifiers work at 3-8% of the total batch weight. The exact amount depends on the emulsifier type and your oil phase percentage. As a general rule, use about 25% of your oil phase weight as emulsifier. For example, if your oil phase is 20% of the batch, use about 5% emulsifier. Always check the manufacturer's recommended usage rate for your specific emulsifier.