How to make creams and lotions

Here at Voyageur Soap and Candle we are dedicated to providing the most information possible about the products we carry. Here is a list of the ingredients commonly found in creams or lotions and their descriptions.

Emulsifiers

Emulsifiers are one of the most important components of a cream or lotion. Their function is to bind the oils and water together to create a product that slides over the skin and is easily absorbed. The following are the most frequently used emulsifiers:

Cetyl Alcohol

Stearic Acid - Triple Pressed Vegetable

Emulsifying Wax NF - Pastille

Humectants

Humectants are ingredients that draw moisture out of the air and to the skin and also prevent the moisture from being lost. Here are some of the most popular humectants used in skin care:

Glycerin Vegetable 99.5%

Honeyquat

Sodium Lactate 60

Glycerin Vegetable USP 99.7%

Butters

Almond Butter

Aloe Butter

Avocado Butter

Cocoa Butter Deodorized - Wafer

Cocoa Butter ORGANIC Wafers

Hemp Butter

Mango Butter

Shea Butter Refined

Jojoba Butter

Grapeseed Butter

Skin Care Oils

Skin Care Oils are one of the most important components to a lotion. Your choice of oils used will hugely affect the composition of the formula. A high percentage of oils in the formula will cause the end product to be very moisturizing, taking a long time to penetrate the skin and leaving a lasting layer on the skin. It is important to choose oils that balance the formula, making sure there is not an abundance of oils that are too heavy, or alternatively, oils that are too light and ending up with a cream or lotion that does not provide the skin with enough moisture.

Sweet Almond Oil

Jojoba Oil Golden

Grapeseed Oil

Rosehip Oil

Apricot Kernel Oil

Avocado Oil Golden

Castor Oil - Cosmetic USP

Argan Oil - Refined Moroccan

Castor Oil - Organic

Jojoba Oil Clear

Coconut Fractionated Oil 100% (MCT Oil)

Carrot Tissue Oil

Sunflower Oil High Oleic - Organic

Coconut Fractionated Oil 100% (MCT Oil) - Organic

Camellia Seed Oil Organic

Babassu Oil - Organic

Sea Buckthorn Oil

Camellia Seed Oil

Sunflower Oil - High Oleic

Evening Primrose Oil - Organic

Olive Oil Extra Virgin - Organic

MCT Oil 60/40 (Medium Chain Triglycerides)

Baobab Oil - Virgin Organic

Ricebran Oil

Calendula Oil

Evening Primrose Oil

Amla Oil Organic

Borage Oil - Organic

Hemp Seed Oil Refined

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Castor Oil - Turkey Red

Cranberry Seed Oil - Virgin

Hemp Seed Oil Unrefined

Macadamia Oil

Hemp Seed Oil Unrefined - Organic

Kukui Nut Oil

Pomegranate Oil

Emu Oil

Raspberry Seed Oil - Virgin

Olive Oil - Pomace

Arnica Oil

Neem Oil

Comfrey Oil

Tamanu Oil - Madagascar

Black Currant Seed Oil - 14% GLA

St. Johns Wort Oil

Coconut (Virgin) Oil

Olive Oil Extra Virgin

Hydrosols

Floral Hydrosols are natural distillations of botanicals and plants. Collected during the distillation of essential oils, hydrosols are actually the pure condensation that form during the steaming process. They do have therapeutic value, although much less than essential oils, and are a wonderful replacement for water in creams and lotions.

Champa Floral Water

Neroli Floral Water

Rosemary Floral Water

Peppermint Floral Water

Rose Floral Water

Witch Hazel Distillate with Mister

Chamomile Floral Water

Lavender Floral Water

Witch Hazel Distillate

Ylang Ylang Floral Water

Tea Tree Floral Water

Jasmine Floral Water

Clary Sage Floral Water

Lemongrass Floral Water

Rose Geranium Floral Water

Honeysuckle Floral Water

Vanilla Bean Water

Eucalyptus Floral Water

Vitamins and Proteins

Vitamins and proteins are a very important component in skin care. The skin absorbs all nutrients and needs vitamins and proteins to help retain moisture and elasticity, and contribute to a bright and even overall skin tone and appearance.

Panthenol Pro-Vitamin B5 Liquid

Hydrolyzed Oat Protein

Silk Amino Acids

Vitamin E - T-50 Antioxidant Tocopherol Blend

Vitamin E - D-Alpha Tocopherol Natural Source - 1000 IU

Natra Pep Pea

Natra CollaV

Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein

KeraVeg18

Specialty Oils

Specialty oils are oils that are contain high amounts of essential fatty acids, vitams, Gamma Linoleic Acids or anti-oxidants among other traits. Each oil will have different properties, it is best to research them individually to see if it is a fit for your product. It is important to balance your formula by using a mixture of carrier oils and specialty oils to ensure that the product is cost effective for you (and your customers if selling your product).