Why does my lotion keep separating?

Why does my lotion keep separating?

by helen b
(oregon)

I have been making an aloe based lotion for a few months now and am very happy with the results and formula, but after a week or two it begins to separate slightly. The properties of the final product I want to keep, and as far as I can figure I have my ratios and steps in order. What could I be doing wrong?

I have tried adding more/less emulsifying wax and/or stearic acid to help correct and balance consistency. Could mixing for a longer period while cooling help?

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Why does my lotion keep separating?

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Don't think it matters NEW
by: Kyley

Hey Cathy,

I don't think it matters if it's liquid or gel, although I do think it's best to use ingredients with the lowest amount of processing when feasible.

I'm not sure what the issue is... I think sometimes homemade lotions aren't as "perfect" as commercial products because we don't choose to use the toxic ingredients it takes to make them that way.

To my eye, a little separation is no big deal... but that's just me :)

liquid or gel..?? NEW
by: cathy

I just made my very first batch of lotion..using Aloe liquid....my lotion looked great..nice and creamy..but once we shake it it begins to break up...I dumped on bottle in my mixer and whip it longer to form a thicker cream..that seem to help..but it still separate a bit..but better...does it matter if the aloe is gel or liquid?...wonderful formula!! everyone loves it..if we can keep it creamy lol

Salvaging Separated Lotion
by: Kyley

I wish! I just shake it every time I use it and feel grumpy about it.

My lotion doesn't separate when I make it, but if it gets too hot later on. I left some in my kitchen window one afternoon (north facing) and it separated even under that little bit of afternoon sun.

If anyone has any great ideas, please post!!!

Salvage?
by: Marie

Good advice here! I am wondering....if this problem has already happened and you have a batch of separated lotion, is there a way to salvage it?

why does my lotion keep separating?
by: gill

I had the same problem a few weeks/months ago, I ended up changing my ratio's of aloe & water and before I heated them together I whisked it first. Once warmed I stated pouring slowly into the oil mixture a little at a time, then whisked for a full two minutes before adding more water/aloe I kept doing this until all the water and aloe had been mixed into the oil I then whisked for a further 6 minutes.

I found that after doing this it was perfect, and I found that the mixture was whiter than my last batch, and alot more pleasurable to use as well.

Also the pointers that Kyley has given work as this is the route I went down to get my mixture not to separate.

Hope this helps

How to Keep Your Lotion From Separating
by: Kyley

Hi Helen,

Quite a few people have asked this question, and it can be a bit tricky to answer, since everybody uses different ingredients and equipment. Here's a few tips that might solve your problem:

1. Make sure your aloe/water combination is warmed up to just a hint above lukewarm. If it's too cool when you add it to the oil mixture, it tends to separate later on.

2. Pour the aloe/water mixture into the oil mixture VERRRYYY SLOOWWLY, whisking like mad the whole time. If your aloe/water mixture is warm, the lotion should start to thicken right away.

3. During the cooling process, give the bottle/jar a stir or a shake every half hour or so to stop any separation as it's cooling.

4. If your lotion keeps separating even after all of these tricks, try switching to a different type of emulsifying wax.

Hope that helps. Good luck with your next batch!

Kyley

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