Lotion drying out skin?

[gunner]

Ok, this is weird. I made some lotion, a pretty basic recipe, with organic, virgin coconut oil, e-wax, distilled water, sweet orange and preservative. Any reason it would be drying? (Like 65% water, 25% oils, 5% e-wax, something like that). It feels great after applying, but when I got home today my hands felt very dried out. I do work outside, so my hands are always dry, but it's not dry yucky weather right now, so they shouldn't feel drier than normal. I love the feel of coconut (although greasy) oil straight, and it's very moisturizing, so I cannot imagine why it would be drying in lotion? Is sweet orange eo known to be drying?

 

[soapbuddy]

Could you post the actual recipe? That would help troubleshoot.

 

[gunner]

Ok, thanks!
Distilled water 75%
Virgin CO 25%
E-wax 5%
Orange EO 2%
Liquid silk 1.7%
Tinosan .3%

Any suggestions are very much appreciated!

 

[soapbuddy]

You have a lot of water in it, which evaporates on the surface of the skin without adding moisture like oil or butter can. Try 60% water instead and up the oil and add some shea or mango butter.

 

[gunner]

Thanks, Irena! I'll give that a try!

 

[soapbuddy]

Thanks, Irena! I'll give that a try!

You're welcome gunner. I hope this next batch works out better for you.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

I think that Sweet Orange EO is a photo sensitizer and not something you want in your lotion if you work out in the sun. Swap it out for another EO (not citrus). :wink:

 

[gunner]

Thank you, Bubbles; I did think of that...AFTER I'd already made the lotion. I decided I would just use it at night, but if it's really this drying I'll pitch it and start over!
Thank you!

 

[Earthchild]

Citrus is astringent and therefore drying in feel. Your water content is not the problem; a lotion binds water to the skin with barrier ingredients. The "moisture" part of a lotion comes from the water and is retained by the oils, etc. While coconut oil is not drying it is also not a very slippery emollient. I would replace some of the coconut oil with a nice emollient oil (almond, soybean, olive - anything you like), drop the citrus EO, and only lower the water if the lotion is not as thick as you like with less coconut. HTH!

 

[gunner]

Thanks a bunch!