Humectant Comparison in Lotion, Final Results

I finally found my test batch bottles! They were hiding in the only suitcase that I hadn’t gotten to yet! I’m so glad that I can now review these lotions.

To briefly review, I made test batches using the Granny’s Favorite Lotion recipe. I made five batches of lotion using Liquid Glycerin, Hydrovance, HoneyQuat, Sodium Lactate, and Honey as my different humectants.

I tested all of the lotions on my arms at the same time so I could have the most accurate test. This also helped me make sure my feelings weren’t confused by a time delay in the testing. So, I’ll stop chatting your ears off and tell you about my tests!

Liquid Glycerin: The lotion had a faint tacky feel as it was rubbed in. After 30 minutes, the skin had a slightly waxy feeling that had some nice drag. Sadly, the feeling went away after the skin was washed and the skin felt in need of lotion again.

Honey: The lotion had a faint sticky feeling as it was rubbed in. After 30 minutes, the skin had a sticky feeling that felt lightly sugary sticky. Like the Liquid Glycerin, the feeling went away after the skin was washed.

HoneyQuat: The lotion has a similar feeling to Honey as it was rubbed in, just less sticky. After 30 minutes, the skin had a soft velvety feeling that only slightly had a little drag. After washing, the skin felt softer and not in need of lotion again.

Hydrovance: The lotion has a slip and glide when rubbed in. After 30 minutes, the skin had a soft velvety feeling that felt moist to the touch. After washing, the skin dewy and ready to go without more!

Sodium Lactate: The lotion has a powdery glide when rubbed in. After 30 minutes, the skin had a velvety feel with a little extra drag. After washing, the skin felt soft, dewy and not in need of lotion for a while.

Now, my favorite humectants by rank! From the bottom to top!

5) Honey – The faint sticky feel from the lotion just didn’t do it for me. This humectant might shine for me if used in a foot cream. I personally would rather use honey in soaps or cooking!
4) Liquid Glycerin – While I learned how to make lotions with Liquid Glycerin, I think I prefer not using it in lotions that would be used in dry climates. (Utah) I think this would shine best in light daily after shower lotions.
3) HoneyQuat – I liked using HoneyQuat, but I think it has a stronger showing in thicker lotions or bath product additions.
2) Sodium Lactate – I enjoyed the Sodium Lactate and I think this preforms best in products that want a velvety feeling in the finished product.
1) Hydrovance – My favorite humectant for the versatility and long term moisturizing. I’m one of those who prefers to only apply lotion once or twice a day, so this works for me!

What do you think? I hope you enjoyed this comparison as much as I have!