Many people get stuck when deciding what texture to make for their skincare products. Even for a whitening product, making it as a serum, gel, or lotion comes with different costs, processing times, and stability. This article introduces the practical differences between formulations so you know how to choose.

Lotion: Classic but Technically Challenging

Lotion is an oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion system that requires mixing the oil and water phases into a stable state. It sounds simple, but temperature control, mixing speed, and emulsifier selection all affect the final product.

In the process, the oil phase (around 75–80°C) and water phase (around 80°C) are heated separately, then slowly combined at specific temperatures while continuously stirring until fully emulsified. Cooling must also be controlled; too fast causes separation, too slow can degrade active ingredients.

Time cost: 3–4 weeks from prototyping to a stable formula, as one month of storage testing is needed to ensure no separation or color changes.

Best for: Moisturizing products or formulas with high oil-soluble ingredient content (like vitamin E or squalane). Lotions are widely accepted by Taiwanese consumers and sell year-round.

Gel: Simple Process but Ingredient Limitations

Gels are mostly water-based and use thickeners (like carbomer or sodium hyaluronate) to achieve a bouncy texture. The process is simpler, as most ingredients can be mixed at room temperature without heating.

The challenge is compatibility. Gels are sensitive to electrolytes; too many minerals or certain ingredients can thin the texture. Many clients want high-concentration vitamin C or plant extracts in gels, but prototypes often fail as the water phase destabilizes.

Time cost: Simple formulas can be completed in 2 weeks, but adding special ingredients extends the timeline.

Best for: Summer products, oily skin formulations, and refreshingly light textures. In Taiwan's humid climate, gels sell particularly well from May to September.

Oil: Fastest to Market but Price-Sensitive

Pure oils or oil-based products have the simplest process—just blend various oils evenly. No emulsification, pH adjustment, or significant preservatives are needed (oil has no water, so bacteria cannot grow).

Business consideration: Consumers are very price-conscious about oils. Ingredients like jojoba or rosehip oil have transparent pricing; unless using rare oils or special blends, profit margins can be tight.

Time cost: As fast as 1 week to ship.

Best for: Cleansing oils, hair oils, massage oils, or brands emphasizing natural purity and single-ingredient quality.

Mask: Formulation Affects Consumer Perception

Masks can be made as clay, gel, cream, or sheet masks, each with very different processes.

Clay masks: Include powders like kaolin or bentonite. Careful dispersion is needed to avoid grittiness. Suitable for cleansing and oil-control claims.

Gel/jelly masks: Similar to gel processing but thicker. Taiwanese OEMs have mature techniques for these, and costs are relatively low.

Sheet masks: Formula is essentially a serum, but fabric selection and liquid loading need attention. Many assume sheet masks are easy, but testing optimal fabric adherence can require trying over a dozen types.

Time cost: Clay 2–3 weeks, gel 2 weeks, sheet 3–4 weeks (including fabric testing).

Mousse: Emerging Formulation but High Equipment Requirements

Mousse requires filling equipment to incorporate gas (usually nitrogen or air) into the product and pressurized bottle. The process is technically demanding and not all OEMs can produce it.

Formulations must control foam stability; foam that collapses too quickly or is too dense is undesirable. MOQ (minimum order quantity) is usually higher because packaging and filling equipment must be compatible.

Time cost: 4–6 weeks, including prototyping and equipment setup.

Best for: Differentiated products emphasizing user experience. Mousse cleansers and mousse masks are still growing in Taiwan, with potential for market buzz.

Three Things to Consider Before Choosing a Formulation

• Which texture does your target audience prefer?
  Younger consumers prefer gels and mousse, while older consumers are accustomed to creams.
• What is your budget for minimum order quantity?
  Oils and gels have lower MOQs; mousse and specialty formulations have higher MOQs.
• How urgent is your timeline?
  Oils and gels are fastest; lotions and mousse require longer testing periods.

There’s No “Best” Formulation, Only the One That Fits Your Product Positioning

For light, oil-controlling, youth-oriented products: choose gels or mousse.
For repair, anti-aging, or mature skin: choose creams or serum oils.
For fast-acting or emergency care: choose sheet masks.

Fugeng Biotech has R&D and manufacturing capabilities for all formulations. If you’re unsure which format suits your brand, bring your concept to us, and our professional team will help design the perfect product.