Lotions are liquid or semi-liquid preparations designed for topical application to the skin for various purposes, such as moisturizing, soothing, or medicating skin conditions.
Preparation of lotions:
Step-by-Step Preparation:
Prepare Aqueous Phase: Heat water and dissolve any water-soluble ingredients (e.g., calamine or hydrocortisone) in the aqueous phase.
Prepare Oil Phase: Heat the oil-based ingredients (e.g., cetyl alcohol, glycerin) separately.
Emulsification: Slowly add the aqueous phase to the oil phase while continuously stirring to create an emulsion.
Add Stabilizers: Add emulsifying agents like polysorbate to stabilize the mixture and prevent separation.
Cool and Homogenize: Cool the lotion and homogenize to ensure a smooth, even texture.
Packaging: Dispense into bottles or tubes for external application.