Lotus Liquid Extract: How to Use Nelumbo Nucifera in Skincare, Candles and Soap

Lotus Liquid Extract is a concentrated herbal extract made from the flowers of the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), used mainly in skincare, soaps and scented candles at a small addition of 1–2% in your formulation. Azlok's version is a 4:1 extract, meaning four kilograms of lotus flower yield one kilogram of extract, so a little goes a long way.

What is Lotus Liquid Extract?

The lotus has long been treasured in India for both its beauty and its usefulness — almost every part of the plant, from flower to root, has a role in food, craft or traditional wellness. This extract captures the flower in a ready-to-blend liquid form. It carries a modest nutritional profile, with carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins such as A, B, C and E along with minerals like potassium, magnesium and sodium.

Azlok offers it in two versions so you can match it to your base:

• Water-soluble — alcohol-free, extracted using vegetable palm glycerin (vegetable glycerol). Ideal for water-based products.
• Oil-soluble — extracted using soy oil, suited to oil- and fat-based blends.

Both use BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) as a preservative and are free from gluten, artificial colour, heavy metals and fertilisers.

Common uses

Because it is gentle and easy to disperse, the extract shows up in a range of home and small-batch formulations:

• Skincare: face serums, toners, creams and lotions where a floral botanical note is wanted, often chosen for its anti-ageing associations.
• Soap making: added to cold-process or melt-and-pour bases for a lotus theme.
• Scented candles: works alongside fragrance blends in candle projects.
• Hair care: shampoos, conditioners and rinses.

Traditionally the lotus flower is linked with improving digestion, supporting heart health, encouraging sound sleep and strengthening immunity. These are general associations from long use rather than medical claims, so treat the extract as a cosmetic and craft ingredient.

How to use it

The recommended usage is 1–2% of your total formulation. In practice that means roughly 1–2 grams per 100 grams of finished product.

1. Pick the right type: water-soluble for water-based products, oil-soluble for oil- or wax-based ones.
2. Add it during the cool-down or blending stage, not at high heat, to protect the botanical content.
3. Stir thoroughly so it disperses evenly.
4. Make a small test batch first and check for colour, scent and stability before scaling up.

Safety notes

No herb-drug interactions are known, and when used in the suggested doses it is generally considered safe. Still, sensible caution helps:

• Always patch-test a leave-on skin product on the inner arm before regular use.
• Take care with external applications on sensitive or broken skin.
• This is a cosmetic and formulation ingredient — do not treat it as a medicine or self-prescribe.
• Keep out of reach of children and away from the eyes.
• Refer to the product's COA and MSDS (available for both water- and oil-soluble grades) for handling details.

Buying and storage

Azlok stocks Lotus Liquid Extract from 100 gm right up to bulk 25 kg packs, so hobbyists and small businesses can both find a suitable size. Pricing starts at ₹299. It is made in India and has a shelf life of about two years.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Keep the container tightly closed to limit air exposure.
• Use clean, dry tools when scooping or pouring to avoid contamination.
• Choose the smallest pack that suits your batch size if you make products only occasionally.

FAQ

What is Lotus Liquid Extract used for?

It is mainly used as a botanical ingredient in skincare, hair care, soaps and scented candles, added at 1–2% of the formulation for a lotus theme and its floral character.

What is the difference between the water-soluble and oil-soluble versions?

The water-soluble version is alcohol-free and extracted with vegetable glycerin for water-based products. The oil-soluble version is extracted with soy oil and suits oil- or wax-based blends like balms and candles.

What does a 4:1 extract ratio mean?

It means four kilograms of lotus flowers are used to produce one kilogram of extract, so the material is concentrated and only a small percentage is needed in a recipe.

Can Lotus Liquid Extract be eaten or taken as a medicine?

No. Treat it as a cosmetic and formulation ingredient. It is not sold as a food or medicine, so do not ingest it or use it to self-treat any condition.

How should I store it and how long does it last?

Keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight with the lid tightly closed. The shelf life is around two years from manufacture when stored correctly.