Understanding Your Ingredients: Coconut Shea Lotion Base
1 day ago
·
1 day ago
·When it comes to creating skincare products, knowing what’s inside your base makes all the difference. At MWFC, we believe that transparency helps you create with confidence — which is why we’re breaking down every ingredient in our Coconut Shea Lotion Base and explaining exactly what it does.
This base was formulated with a balanced blend of emollients (to soften and smooth), humectants (to draw in moisture), occlusives (to help lock that hydration in), and stabilizers/preservatives (to keep your lotion fresh and safe).
Every ingredient in this formula is cosmetically approved and compliant with current U.S. FDA and EU cosmetic regulations when used as directed. It’s paraben-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly, so you can feel good about offering it to your customers.
Whether you’re a hobbyist exploring lotion making or a growing brand formulating for your product line, this guide will help you understand the “why” behind each ingredient — so you can feel empowered, informed, and inspired to create your best products yet.
Let's break it down!
Base + Moisture System
- Water (Aqua): The foundation of the lotion — hydrates the skin and helps dissolve other ingredients. Essential for creating the creamy texture.
- Glycerin: A humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, keeping it soft and hydrated. Naturally derived and extremely gentle.
Emollients + Nourishing Oils
- Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil: A natural emollient that softens and smooths skin. It helps form a protective barrier to reduce moisture loss and adds a lightweight slip.
- Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter: A rich, plant-based butter full of fatty acids and vitamins A & E. Provides deep nourishment and gives the formula that pillowy, buttery feel.
- C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate: A lightweight, silky emollient that improves spreadability and gives a non-greasy finish. Derived from benzoic acid; widely used in premium skincare.
- Dimethicone: A non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores) silicone-based skin protectant that locks in moisture, smooths texture, and gives a soft, silky finish.
- Isododecane: A volatile emollient that adds a weightless slip and helps lotions absorb quickly without feeling greasy. Common in high-end formulations.
Structure + Texture Agents
- Cetearyl Alcohol & Cetyl Alcohol: Fatty alcohols (not the drying kind!) that are derived from plant oils and act as thickeners, giving lotion its smooth, creamy texture.
- Ceteareth-20: An emulsifier that helps blend oil and water for a stable formula.
- Glyceryl Stearate: Helps create a soft, rich texture and prevents oil and water from separating. Naturally derived from vegetable oils.
- Palmitic Acid & Stearic Acid: Natural fatty acids that help thicken the lotion, stabilize emulsions, and provide skin-conditioning benefits. Both are naturally occurring in the skin’s lipid barrier.
Preservative + Stability System
- Phenoxyethanol & Ethylhexylglycerin: Globally accepted preservative systems that protects against bacteria, yeast, and mold — keeping your lotion safe without parabens. Gentle, broad-spectrum, and used in natural and luxury formulations alike.
- Disodium EDTA: A chelating agent that binds trace metals and helps preservatives work more effectively. Widely used in personal care products.
- Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer: A stabilizer and thickener that helps maintain the lotion’s consistency. Safe, non-toxic, and used in countless skincare formulations.
Vitamins + Balancing Agents
- Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E): An antioxidant that helps protect the skin (and the product itself) from free radicals and oxidation. Adds skin-conditioning benefits and supports moisture retention.
- Citric Acid: Naturally derived from citrus fruits and balances the pH of the formula and keeps it skin-friendly.
- Sodium Hydroxide: Used in tiny amounts to adjust the final pH for optimal skin compatibility. It is neutralized within the formula, so it’s completely safe and non-irritating.
Safety Summary
- Paraben-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly
- All ingredients are cosmetically approved for topical use in lotions and creams.
- No ingredients in this list are considered potential carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or restricted by current cosmetic regulations in the U.S. or EU when used as formulated.
We LOVE to see what you're working on, so don't forget to tag us in your creations! @midwestfragranceco
Comments