noun

lotion

LOH-shuhn/ˈləʊʃn/

A liquid or cream applied to the skin for care or treatment.

She spreads a little lotion on her forearm beside the bottle.

A woman spreads a small dollop of white lotion onto her bare forearm beside an unmarked pump bottle, clearly connecting the skin preparation with its application.

Etymology

The washing root and action-noun ending formed a word meaning 'a washing.' The meaning shifted from the act to a liquid preparation applied to the skin.

In context

Pharmacist Virginia Chachati0:52

So calamine lotion will dry on the skin it won't stay wet for a long time. It normally dries after a few minutes.

Chickenpox treatment: Pharmacist explains

More examples

I put lotion on my hands after washing them.
The pharmacist recommends a soothing lotion for the itchy rash.
These unscented lotions absorb quickly without feeling greasy.

Forms

lotion · lotions

moisturize verb — To add moisture to the skin.

Similar words

moisturizer: Specifically adds moisture, while lotion may provide other treatments.
cream: Usually thicker than lotion and less easy to pour.
ointment: Usually greasier and used mainly to protect or treat skin.