There are significant differences in formula design, production process, and finished product texture between moisturizers and moisturizers

Mainly reflected in aspects such as oil content, emulsification method, production equipment, and product characteristics. The following is a detailed explanation of the process differences between the two and the factory processing flow of moisturizing cream:

1、 The difference in process between moisturizer and moisturizer

1. Formula and texture differences

Balm/Ointment Moisturizing Cream

High oil content (60% -90%), mainly composed of wax and solid oil, moderate (20-50%), oil-water mixed system

Moisture content is either zero or extremely low (<5%), but relatively high (30-70%)

Emulsifying system usually requires no emulsifier (non emulsifying type) and emulsifier (O/W or W/O type lotion)

Solid or semi-solid texture, thick and tightly sealed, soft and creamy, with good ductility

Suitable for extremely dry skin, local repair, daily moisturizing, and full face use

2. Differences in production processes

Process steps: Moisturizing cream, moisturizing cream

Mixing method: melt mixing (heating only the oil phase), heating the oil phase and water phase separately, and then emulsifying them

The emulsification step does not require emulsification, and direct cooling to form requires homogenization emulsification (high-speed stirring or homogenizer)

Cooling speed Slow cooling (avoid cracking) Fast cooling (form stable lotion structure)

Filling temperature: High temperature filling (filling in liquid state), room temperature or low temperature filling (already in emulsion form)

3. Differences in key equipment

Moisturizing cream: melting pot, low-speed mixer, mold or filling machine (high temperature resistant), cooling tunnel.

Moisturizing cream: Emulsifying kettle (with heating jacket), homogenizer, vacuum defoaming equipment, tube filling machine.

2、 Factory processing flow of moisturizing cream

1. Raw material preparation

Main components:

Solid matrix: beeswax, paraffin wax, plant wax (such as shea butter, cocoa butter).

Liquid fats: jojoba oil, olive oil, mineral oil.

Functional additives: Vitamin E, essential oils, antioxidants, preservatives.

2. Production process steps

Oil phase melting:

Heat the wax and solid oil to 70-85 ℃ to melt them into liquid form, and mix them with the liquid oil.

Temperature control needs to be precise to avoid component oxidation caused by overheating.

Add active ingredients:

Add thermosensitive components (such as essential oils and vitamins) when the molten oil phase is cooled to 50-60 ℃.

Homogeneous mixing:

Stir at low speed (avoid introducing bubbles) to ensure uniform dispersion of ingredients.

Filling and molding:

Hot filling method: Inject aluminum cans or wide mouthed bottles in liquid state, and let them cool naturally to solidify.

Mold method: pour into the mold and release it after cooling (such as lipstick stick).

Cooling and solidification:

Control the ambient temperature (20-25 ℃) and slowly cool to prevent surface cracking or shrinkage deformation.

Quality inspection:

Physical and chemical indicators: melting point (usually 40-50 ℃), hardness, ductility.

Microbial testing: Complies with cosmetic hygiene standards (such as total bacterial count ≤ 1000 CFU/g).

3. Key control points

Temperature management: Due to significant differences in wax melting points, a step-by-step heating process is required to avoid localized coking.

Bubble control: The stirring speed should not be too high, and vacuum degassing may be necessary.

Filling accuracy: High temperature liquid filling requires anti drip measures to ensure consistent weight of each can.

3、 Common problems and solutions in the production of moisturizing cream

Surface cracks:

Reason: Rapid cooling or high wax content in the formula.

Solution: Adjust the wax/oil ratio and extend the cooling time.

The paste is too soft or too hard:

Reason: Improper selection of wax (such as an imbalance in the ratio of beeswax to palm wax).

Solution: Optimize the thermal performance of the formula through DSC (differential scanning calorimetry).

Oil wax separation:

Reason: Uneven mixing or improper cooling speed.

Solution: Add homogenization steps or adjust the cooling curve.

4、 Summary

The production of moisturizing cream focuses more on high-temperature melting process and cooling solidification control, while the core of moisturizing cream lies in emulsification technology and stability maintenance. Both require targeted optimization in formula design, equipment selection, and quality control to meet the needs of different usage scenarios (such as moisturizers suitable for extreme dryness repair, and moisturizers focused on daily moisturizing). Strict control of raw material compatibility, process parameters, and hygiene conditions is required in factory production to ensure product safety and efficacy.