Mapua Institute of Technology

School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

Chemical Process Industries Laboratory

3Q/A.Y. 2013-2014

EXPERIMENT NO. 7

HAND AND BODY LOTION

Memije, Raymund Angelo C.

2012105817

CHE – 2

CHM144L/B31

Group No. 8

13 March 2014

Prof. Medarlo de Jesus

INTRODUCTION

Lotions are applied to external skin with bare hands, a brush, a clean cloth, cotton wool,

or gauze. Many lotions, especially hand lotions and body lotions are formulated not as a

medicine delivery system, but simply to smooth, re-hydrate, and soften the skin. These are

particularly popular with the aging and aged demographic groups, and in the case of face usage,

can also be classified as a cosmetic in many cases, and may contain fragrances.

Since thickness and consistency are key factors in lotions and creams, it is important to

understand the manufacturing process that determines viscosity.

Manufacturing lotions can be completed in two cycles: 1. Emollients and lubricants are

dispersed in oil with blending and thickening agents. 2. Perfume, color and preservatives are

dispersed in the water cycle. Active ingredients are broken up in both cycles depending on the

raw materials involved and the desired properties of the lotion or cream.

In this experiment, a hand and body lotion will be prepared. Preparation of lotion will be

similar to the process of manufacture of commercial lotions. As discussed the composition of

lotions, these chemicals will be used in preparation of the lotion of this experiment. Through

this, we will be able to understand the role of each chemical in the composition of a lotion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The following materials/apparatus were used in the experiment:

Thermometer

beaker 250 mL ( 2 pcs)

beaker 500 Ml

beaker 50 mL (2 pcs)

stirring rod

stearic acid

cetyl alcohol

mineral oil

glycerin

triethanolamine

preservative

fragrance

The composition of the lotion is tabulated below:

Table 7.1 Formulation of the Lotion

Materials %

Stearic acid 1.30

Cetyl alcohol 1.30

Mineral oil 3.00

Glycerin 2.00

Triethanolamine 1.40

Preservative 0.30

Fragrance 0.10

Distilled water 90.60

For each cologne formulation, perform the following steps:

After weighing the required amount of materials, place stearic acid, cetyl alcohol,

mineral oil, glycerin in a 250 ml beaker. Heat the materials to 70°C or until all solids are

liquefied.

After heating add triethanolamine and cool the mixture to room temperature using a

water bath. Mix the mixture while cooling. Add the fragrance when the temperature of mixture

reaches room temperature. Lastly, add the preservative.

RESULTS and DISCUSSION

Table 7.2 Physical Observation of the Materials

Chemicals/ Reagents Observations

Water Colorless liquid

Stearic acid White, grain-like powder

Cetyl alcohol White, flake-like solid powder

Mineral oil Viscosity – looked like water, colorless

Glycerin Viscous liquid, colorless

Triethanolamine Colorless, not so viscous liquid

Fragrance Very pleasant smell, pale yellow

Preservative Colorless liquid

Table 7.3 Actual Weigh of the Materials

Materials Weight (g)

Water 90.83

Stearic acid 1.29

Cetyl alcohol 1.31

Mineral oil 3.02

Glycerin 2.30

Triethanolamine 1.41

Fragrance 0.15

Preservative 0.37

Observations during Preparation of Lotion:

Upon the addition of solid chemicals to water, the solids just float (without mixing) and

did not dissolve in water.

When the mixture was heated, the solid chemicals liquefied but they are still noticeable

(without mixing).

When triethanolamine was added and the mixture was cooled, at first, the mixture

looked like a homogeneous white solution. However, with continuous mixing, the

solution eventually turned into a viscous white mixture as what was last observed.

Upon addition of fragrance, the scent of fragrance incorporated with the resulting

mixture.

Observations upon Application of Lotion to Skin:

The scent of lotion was very noticeable upon application to skin.

One can feel immediately that the skin was moisturized.

At first, the lotion was sticky but with continued rubbing, after some time, it turned out

to be just fine.

The lotion is not also hot when applied to skin.

One can expect or guess that the prepared lotion is like of the commercial ones.

White in appearance at first but eventually disappeared with continued rubbing.

From the observations upon application of the lotion to the skin, it can be said that the

prepared lotion has the effects very similar to a commercial lotion. This proves that the

manufacture process of commercial lotions is basically what we did in this experiment. This also

proves that the chemicals or materials present in commercial lotions are the chemical used in

the preparation of lotion for this experiment.

Basically, lotion is consisted of emollient and lubricating agents, thickener and blending

materials, fragrance additive, and preservatives. In this experiment, stearic acid is a thickener.

Although you can reduce the water to get thickness, stearic acid is a quick and easy way to add

the thickness. It's also an emollient - stearic acid is a great softener.

Figure 7.1 Stearic Acid

On the other hand, cetyl alcohol, it is a fatty alcohol used as an emulsion stabilizer and

opacifier, adding body and viscosity to lotions. It improves texture and feel with its

characteristic velvety texture. It imparts emollient properties to formulations due to its

absorption and retention in the epidermis where it lubricates and softens the skin.

Figure 7.2 Cetyl Alcohol

Mineral oil also functions as an emollient and moisturizer. It helps to prevent dry, rough

and scaly skin. Mineral oil is a clear liquid derived from below the surface of the earth. This

liquid is the byproduct of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil. Since this refined substance

is produced so abundantly, it's one of the most inexpensive ingredients available. It also has no

odor and doesn't spoil, and it's a favorite of beauty product manufacturers.

Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to your skin. It is a neutral, sweet-

tasting, colorless, thick liquid. It's water-soluble so it can be dissolved into water or alcohol, but

not oils.

Figure 7.3 Glycerin

Triethanolamine helps to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the

substances to be emulsified so that water-soluble and oil-soluble ingredients can be blended

together. They are also used to control the pH of cosmetics and personal care products.

Figure 7.4 Triethanolamine

Water, on the other hand, basically acts as the medium for the materials used.

Fragrance, of course, gives the scent of the lotion. Different oils are used to provide

variety of scents of lotions.

Lastly, preservatives are used to make the shelf life of lotions to last longer.

Using the discussed materials, one can make a basic lotion. Additives can be added to

improve the quality of lotion that will be prepared.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Lotions are substances that are basically applied to skin to simply rehydrate and soften

skin. Thus, lotions are composed of substances that generally safe for the skin. Lotions have a

pH of between 4 and 5, making it safe for the skin.

In this experiment, we were able to prepare a hand and body lotion. We have achieved

the same results compared to the commercial lotions, this are based on our evaluation. Thus,

we can say that the functionality of materials used in commercial lotions was achieved with the

materials that we have used in the preparation of our own lotion.

Meanwhile, in preparation of lotion, we highly recommend to alter or change the

composition of it. This is recommended to see what could be the effect of this change. Also,

they can use other materials or chemicals to test what are better between the chemicals and

materials used in this experiment.