If you're a skincare formulator or a maker, you've probably faced a batch of lotion that just didn’t turn out the way you wanted. Maybe it felt sticky, left a tacky finish, or didn’t absorb well. These texture issues are common, and they usually point to something deeper happening inside the formula, not just a single ingredient.

This guide is designed for makers, formulators, and businesses creating or scaling emulsified skincare. It answers the most common formulation questions and shares practical lotion making tips to help you troubleshoot like a pro. Whether you’re developing your own recipe or customizing a base for resale, you’ll find answers rooted in chemistry, not guesswork.

Why your lotion feels sticky

One of the most searched problems in the lotion formulation is sticky texture. While glycerin is often blamed, the truth is that stickiness can come from several causes.

A high percentage of water combined with too much humectant, especially without enough oil often leads to a sticky or tacky feel. In many cases, the lotion also lacks esters or emollients that help with slip and softness. If your formula relies only on water, emulsifier, and a touch of oil, you might notice the lotion pulling or dragging during application.

To fix sticky lotion, reduce humectants like glycerin to around 2 or 3 percent, and increase your oil phase slightly with lightweight oils or esters. You can also introduce ingredients that improve texture and glide, such as fatty alcohols or conditioning agents. The result is a more balanced and pleasant finish on skin.

What role do emulsifiers play in skin feel?

Choosing the right emulsifier for lotion is just as important as your water-to-oil ratio. Emulsifiers are the bridge between oil and water, but they also influence the feel of the final product.

Some emulsifiers produce light, elegant lotions, while others create a thicker or waxier texture. If your lotion feels draggy, greasy, or too rich, the emulsifier might be overused or poorly matched with your oil phase.

Correct emulsifier usage is not just about percentages. You also need to heat the emulsifier with the oil phase, make sure both oil and water are at the same temperature (usually around 158°F), and use proper mixing techniques. Shear mixing helps form smaller micelles, which leads to smoother texture and better stability.

Do preservatives in lotion change how it feels?

Yes, they can. Preservatives in lotion are essential, but some systems may cause a slightly tight or tacky feel, especially in lightweight formulations.

For example, water-soluble preservatives used at higher percentages may shift the texture slightly. The solution is to choose a preservative that works well with your emulsifier and does not disrupt the balance of the water phase.

It’s also important to add preservatives at the right stage of your process — usually below 113°F — to prevent degradation. 

Skipping preservatives is never recommended. Even clean-looking lotion can grow mold or bacteria without proper protection, especially in commercial production.

How mixing affects lotion texture

One of the most overlooked lotion making tips is how much your mixing technique matters.

A common cause of separation or stickiness is improper blending. Some emulsifiers require high shear mixing (like an immersion blender), while others work with low or no shear. If your emulsifier is not fully activated through mixing, you may end up with a product that separates after a few days or develops an uneven texture.

Mixing also matters in the cool down phase. When you add fragrance oils, extracts, or preservatives at lower temperatures, they still need to be incorporated properly to maintain emulsion stability and even skin feel.

Using the right tool at the right time makes a noticeable difference. It improves spreadability and gives your lotion a professional, finished texture.

Why lotion separates and how to fix it

If your lotion separates, it usually means the emulsion failed. This can happen because:

• The water and oil phases were not heated to the same temperature

• The emulsifier was used at the wrong percentage

• The phases were poured together too quickly

• Mixing was not strong or long enough

• Cool down ingredients were added too soon or without mixing

To prevent this, always heat both phases to the same temperature, mix immediately after combining, and avoid adding cool-down ingredients until the emulsion has formed and cooled below 113°F.

You can support your emulsifier with structure-building ingredients like cetyl alcohol or cetearyl alcohol, which help improve viscosity and reduce the chance of future breakdown.

How to make lotion thicker without adding stickiness

If your lotion is too thin, your first instinct might be to reduce the water content , but this can backfire. Less water without enough structure can leave the lotion feeling greasy, oily, or unstable.

Instead, use thickeners and stabilizers that do not increase stickiness. Fatty alcohols, rich butters, and certain texture modifiers can add body without affecting sensory feel. You can also adjust the oil blend to include ingredients that build viscosity naturally.

When to add fragrance and preservative

Fragrances and preservatives should be added during the cool down phase of your formulation, when the lotion has dropped below 113°F.

Adding them too soon can affect their performance, lead to breakdown, or interfere with the emulsion. Temperature control is essential, especially if you are making lotions in batches for sale.

Using a digital thermometer helps ensure consistency and protects both your ingredients and the final product.

Why your lotion may grow mold (even if it looks fine)

Microbial growth in lotion is invisible at first. Even if your product looks perfect, it can still be unsafe if not preserved correctly.

Using distilled water, sanitized tools, and proper storage conditions helps, but none of these replace a proven preservative. Every lotion made with water needs a broad-spectrum system that protects against bacteria, mold, and yeast.

At Natural Bulk Supplies, we carry preservatives specifically chosen for use in emulsified skincare, so you can formulate with confidence.

Final thoughts for skincare sellers and formulators

Sticky, greasy, or unstable lotion is not just a cosmetic issue , it is a signal from your formula that something needs attention. From emulsifier compatibility to humectant balance, from mixing speed to preservation strategy, every decision affects the outcome.

For businesses and brands, this kind of consistency and control matters. Customers expect a lotion to feel good, look right, and stay stable over time.

By learning how to interpret these signals, you become a stronger formulator  and you build products your customers come back for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store lotion in the fridge to avoid using a preservative?
No. Even refrigerated lotions can grow bacteria. If your lotion contains water, you must use a broad-spectrum preservative.

How long does a properly preserved lotion last?
With the right preservative and clean manufacturing process, most lotions last 6 to 12 months.

Why does my lotion feel greasy instead of sticky?
That usually means too much oil or heavy oils were used. Consider adjusting the oil phase and using lighter emollients.

Can I sell lotion made with ingredients from Natural Bulk Supplies?
Yes. All of our emulsifiers, preservatives, and emollients are suitable for makers and businesses. Just be sure to test your formula thoroughly and follow GMP practices.