What does lotion mean?
A lotion is a liquid preparation applied directly to the skin. Today, the word most often refers to a cosmetic or therapeutic product used to moisturize, soothe, cool, or treat the skin, such as hand lotion, body lotion, or calamine lotion. Because it is a liquid, a lotion is usually spread over a larger area and absorbed more quickly than a thicker cream, ointment, or salve. The word can also have an older medicinal sense: a lotion was originally a medicinal liquid used in washing or applied to the body. In contemporary usage, “lotion” is broad enough to include both cosmetic products and treatments for minor irritation, though it rarely refers to oral medication. It is a familiar word in both British and American English, with no major regional difference in its general meaning.
A liquid preparation applied to the skin, especially as a moisturizer, cleanser, or treatment for irritation.
"He bought a fragrance-free lotion for sensitive skin."
This is the dominant modern meaning. The word is commonly used with “skin,” “hand,” “body,” and “sunburn” in compound terms.
A medicinal liquid used for washing or applying to the body, especially in earlier medical usage.
"The physician prescribed a mild lotion for the affected skin."
This sense is less common today and is chiefly encountered in historical or literary contexts.
The plural is used for individual products or types of lotion.
"The shop sells a variety of soothing lotions."
The word “lotion” began as a reference to washing: its Latin ancestor, lotio, was related to the language of bathing and cleansing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lotion come from?
The word entered English in the late 16th century from French lotion, which was borrowed from Latin lotio, meaning a washing or cleansing liquid. Latin lotio is related to the vocabulary of washing and bathing. The original English sense was medicinal, referring to a liquid preparation applied by washing, before the modern cosmetic use became dominant.
Related word forms
How lotion is actually used
In modern English, “lotion” is most commonly used for a liquid skin-care product. “Cream” and “ointment” are more viscous, while “liniment” is a traditional term for a liquid rubbed into the skin for pain relief.