Conversely, when the product is made of oil in water, where water is the dominant substance, the products are less greasy and also less moisturizing. These products are designed to be mild moisturizers for normal to slightly dry skin. Oil-free products are weak moisturizers that are useful for people with slightly oily to slightly dry skin. Silicone can be added to replace oils. Some ingredients may be drying, making oil-free products useful in the treatment of some types of acne .
Water based solutions are much less drying and are best for oily to normal skin types.
Emollients used in lotions are usually oils. Mineral oil is a very common basic ingredient of commercial products because it is inexpensive, well tolerated, and does not become rancid like many natural oils. Natural or essential oils may also be used with the additional benefits conferred by inherent vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Essential oils extracted from botanicals are added for their fragrance, vitamin content and natural properties. Natural emollient oils are derived from avacado, almond, jojoba, corn, olive, safflower, cottonseed, and soybean.