# lotion

/ˈɫoʊʃən/ (US) · /lˈəʊʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lotion
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. skin cream

noun · CEFR A2

a smooth liquid you put on your skin to keep it healthy or soft.

For teachers: a low- to medium-viscosity topical preparation intended for application to the skin for cosmetic or medicinal purposes.

- You should apply some suntan lotion before you go out to the beach.
- The dermatologist recommended a fragrance-free lotion to soothe the patient's dry skin during the winter months.

Usage: Usually uncountable when referring to the substance, but countable when referring to a specific type or bottle.

### 2. to apply cream

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to rub a liquid or cream onto someone's skin.

For teachers: to treat or cover a surface, typically the skin, with a medicinal or cosmetic lotion.

- She carefully lotioned her arms after spending all day in the sun.
- The nurse lotioned the patient's bedsores to prevent further irritation and promote healing of the tissue.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually a body part or a person.

## Examples

- She applies moisturizing lotion to her hands every morning.
- You should apply a high-SPF sun lotion at least twenty minutes before going outside to prevent skin damage.
- The dermatologist recommended a fragrance-free lotion to soothe the patient's chronic eczema without causing further irritation to the sensitive dermal layers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.