Lotion is a common part of our daily skincare routine. Whether it’s replenishing moisture that winter weather has taken away, or revitalizing dry skin for a summer wardrobe, most of us see lotion as essential to skin health. After all, as the body’s largest organ, our skin plays an important role in our overall well-being! For many years, lotions have been marketed as moisturizing solutions and became the go-to product for achieving soft and supple skin.
Lotion labels can be hard to read: long ingredient lists, unfamiliar names. Here's a quick guide to three common ingredients some people prefer to skip, what to look for on the label, and what we use instead.
Fragrance
"Fragrance" on a label is a catch-all term. Companies aren't required to disclose exactly what's in it, so it can hide any number of undisclosed synthetic ingredients. If you want to know exactly what's scenting your lotion, look for products scented with pure essential oils instead, where every scent ingredient is out in the open. That's all we use.
Parabens
Parabens (look for anything ending in "-paraben" on the label) are synthetic preservatives used to extend shelf life. If you'd rather skip them, check the label. Plenty of natural lotions, including ours, are made without them.
Many lotions now advertise themselves as paraben-free. Just read the label to confirm. Ours are.
Phthalates
Phthalates are used in lotions to improve texture and make added fragrances last longer. On a label, look for dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate (or their acronyms DBP, DEP, BBP). Plenty of natural lotions skip them entirely, including ours.
How to Read a Label in 30 Seconds
You don't need a chemistry degree. Flip the bottle and scan for three things. First, the word "fragrance" or "parfum" standing alone, which means undisclosed scent ingredients. Second, anything ending in "-paraben." Third, phthalate names or acronyms like DBP and DEP. If you see none of those, you're in good shape. Bonus points if you recognize every ingredient on the list and can pronounce most of them. That thirty-second scan tells you most of what you need to know.
A Better Way
The good news: you don't have to settle for a label you can't read. Natural lotions skip all three of the above (no hidden fragrance, no parabens, no phthalates) and still do the job beautifully.
Here's what we put in ours instead. The stars of the show: fresh goat milk from our own herd, shea butter, nourishing plant oils, and pure essential oils. No hidden fragrance, no parabens, no phthalates. You'll find the full ingredient list on every product page. Nothing to hide.
Goat milk is our star ingredient and the base of everything we make. It comes fresh from our own herd of more than 45 dairy goats, and it's naturally rich in vitamins that skin loves. It's gentle, it's nourishing, and it's why our customers with sensitive skin keep coming back.
Shea butter is a rich plant butter that seals moisture into the skin without feeling greasy. Read more about why we love it in our shea butter post.
Pure essential oils are the only thing we scent with. No synthetic fragrance, ever. You get a light, natural scent and you know exactly what's in it.
Lotion or lotion stick? Our goat milk lotion comes in a jar that's perfect for the nightstand or bathroom counter. It's a classic lotion that absorbs quickly for full coverage. The lotion stick is a waterless solid version made with coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, castor oil, and goat milk. Same clean philosophy, just pick the format that fits your day: the jar at home, the stick for your purse, desk, or travel bag.
When to Moisturize
Timing matters almost as much as the lotion itself. The best moment is right after a shower or bath, while your skin is still slightly damp. The lotion seals in that surface moisture instead of letting it evaporate. The second best moment is before bed. Your skin does a lot of its repair work overnight, and going to sleep moisturized gives it a head start. If your hands take a beating during the day, keep a lotion stick at your desk or in your bag for touch-ups.
How Much Do You Actually Need?
Less than you think. A nickel-sized amount of jar lotion covers both hands. For arms and legs, work in sections rather than loading up all at once. If your skin still feels dry after a few minutes, add a second light layer instead of one heavy one. Layering absorbs better and feels less greasy. The lotion stick makes this easy on elbows, knees, and heels. Just swipe, rub in, done.
Adjusting for the Seasons
Your skin's needs change through the year. Winter air and indoor heating are brutal on moisture, so that's when the jar lotion earns its keep. Use it after every shower and keep a stick handy for dry patches. In summer, you might need less overall, but sun, chlorine, and air conditioning still dry skin out. The stick is perfect for summer. It travels well and handles the spots that need it most: shoulders after a day outside, feet in sandals, hands after gardening.
That's the clean, natural goat milk way: simple ingredients you can understand, from a herd you could meet. Your skin knows the difference. Shop our lotions here.
Here's to healthy, happy skin!
Until Next Time,
Madd House Hill