Lotion vs. Solution — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
Lotion is a topical preparation for skin application; a solution is a liquid mixture where a solute is dissolved in a solvent.
Difference Between Lotion and Solution
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lotion refers to a smooth liquid preparation designed to be applied to the skin for medicinal or cosmetic purposes. Solutions are homogenous mixtures composed of two or more substances where one is completely dissolved in the other.
Lotions are characterized by their emulsion properties, combining oil and water to moisturize or protect the skin. Solutions, however, are defined by the solubility of components, typically resulting in a clear liquid like saltwater.
The consistency of lotions is generally thicker than that of solutions, making them suitable for application on the skin without dripping. In contrast, solutions have a fluid consistency and can range from very thin, like hydrogen peroxide, to more viscous, like syrup.
Lotions often contain a variety of ingredients, including oils, emollients, and fragrances, tailored to skin care needs. Solutions are used across different fields, including medicine, chemistry, and everyday life, for a variety of purposes beyond skin care.
While lotions are specifically designed for external use, solutions can be found in both external applications, like antiseptics, and internal ones, such as liquid medications.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A topical preparation for the skin
A homogenous liquid mixture
Consistency
Thicker, creamy
Fluid, varying viscosity
Primary Use
Skin care
Various applications (medical, chemical)
Composition
Emulsions of oil and water
Solute dissolved in solvent
Visibility
Often opaque or milky
Usually clear or transparent
Compare with Definitions
Lotion
An emollient cream
After her bath, she used a lotion to soften her skin.
Solution
A means of solving a problem
The new policy was a solution to the budget issues.
Lotion
A moisturizing liquid for the skin
She applied lotion to her dry hands.
Solution
A homogenous mixture
The lab technician prepared a glucose solution.
Lotion
A cosmetic cream
The lotion had a pleasant, fragrant scent.
Solution
The result of dissolving a substance
He added sugar into the tea until it was a saturated solution.
Lotion
A lotion is a low-viscosity topical preparation intended for application to the skin. By contrast, creams and gels have higher viscosity, typically due to lower water content.
Solution
A mathematical or logical answer
She was pleased to find the solution to the equation.
Lotion
A protective or restorative liquid or cream applied to the skin.
Solution
A liquid mixture where a solute is dissolved
She made a saltwater solution for gargling.
Lotion
A low- to medium-viscosity topical preparation intended for application to unbroken skin.
Sun-tan lotion
Solution
A method or process of dealing with a problem
Sought a solution to falling enrollments.
Lotion
(archaic) A washing, especially of the skin for the purpose of beautification.
Solution
The answer to a problem or the explanation for something
The solution to the mystery.
Lotion
(transitive) To cover or treat with a lotion.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, which may be solids, liquids, gases, or a combination of these.
Lotion
A washing, especially of the skin for the purpose of rendering it fair.
Solution
The process of forming such a mixture.
Lotion
A liquid preparation for bathing the skin, or an injured or diseased part, either for a medicinal purpose, or for improving its appearance.
Solution
The state of being dissolved
Nitrogen that is in solution in the ocean.
Lotion
Any of various cosmetic preparations that are applied to the skin
Solution
(Archaic) The act of separating or breaking up; dissolution.
Lotion
Liquid preparation having a soothing or antiseptic or medicinal action when applied to the skin;
A lotion for dry skin
Solution
A homogeneous mixture, which may be liquid, gas or solid, formed by dissolving one or more substances.
Lotion
A medicated preparation for external use
The doctor recommended a cortisone lotion.
Solution
An act, plan or other means, used or proposed, to solve a problem.
Lotion
A skincare product
His daily routine included sunscreen lotion.
Solution
An answer to a problem.
Solution
(marketing) A product, service or suite thereof, especially software.
Solution
Satisfaction of a claim or debt.
Solution
The act of dissolving, especially of a solid by a fluid; dissolution.
Solution
The crisis of a disease.
Solution
To treat with a solution.
Solution
The act of separating the parts of any body, or the condition of undergoing a separation of parts; disruption; breach.
In all bodies there is an appetite of union and evitation of solution of continuity.
Solution
The act of solving, or the state of being solved; the disentanglement of any intricate problem or difficult question; explanation; clearing up; - used especially in mathematics, either of the process of solving an equation or problem, or the result of the process.
Solution
The state of being dissolved or disintegrated; resolution; disintegration.
It is unquestionably an enterprise of more promise to assail the nations in their hour of faintness and solution, than at a time when magnificent and seductive systems of worship were at their height of energy and splendor.
Solution
The act or process by which a body (whether solid, liquid, or gaseous) is absorbed into a liquid, and, remaining or becoming fluid, is diffused throughout the solvent; also, the product resulting from such absorption.
Solution
Release; deliverance; discharge.
Solution
The termination of a disease; resolution.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution;
He used a solution of peroxide and water
Solution
A statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem;
They were trying to find a peaceful solution
The answers were in the back of the book
He computed the result to four decimal places
Solution
A method for solving a problem;
The easy solution is to look it up in the handbook
Solution
The set of values that give a true statement when substituted into an equation
Solution
The successful action of solving a problem;
The solution took three hours
Common Curiosities
Are solutions always liquid?
Solutions are typically liquid, but can also refer to gaseous or solid mixtures that are homogenous.
Do lotions contain water?
Yes, lotions typically contain water and oils blended into an emulsion.
What is a solution?
A solution is a homogenous mixture where one substance is dissolved into another.
Do lotions expire?
Yes, lotions have expiry dates and can lose efficacy or become contaminated over time.
Can a solution be part of a lotion?
Yes, solutions can be used as ingredients in a lotion.
Are lotions safe for all skin types?
Most lotions are safe, but some may cause reactions depending on skin sensitivity and ingredients.
What is the main purpose of a lotion?
The main purpose is usually to hydrate and protect the skin.
Why is precise concentration important in a solution?
Concentration affects the solution's chemical properties and effectiveness for its intended use.
What is a lotion?
A lotion is a semi-liquid substance applied to the skin for moisturizing or medicinal purposes.
Can lotions be used as solutions?
Lotions are not solutions; they're emulsions specifically for skin application.
How is a solution different from a mixture?
A solution is a type of mixture where the substances are evenly distributed and one is dissolved in the other.
What makes a solution 'saturated'?
A solution is saturated when it cannot dissolve any more of the solute at a given temperature.
Can lotions be medicinal?
Yes, there are medicated lotions designed to treat specific skin conditions.
Are lotions and creams the same?
No, creams are generally thicker than lotions and may have a higher oil content.
Is saline a solution?
Yes, saline is a solution of salt dissolved in water.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
