Imagine a swimming pool filled with water -- on the diving board is droplet of oil. When the droplet of oil dives into the pool of water it becomes an oil-in-water formula. This formula is a very light liquid or lotion and does not feel heavy on the skin. The majority of the formula is water which may evaporate on the skin leaving a small amount of oil; or the formula may have an agent binding the water to the skin. Skins that need a very small amount of oil and plenty of water are comfortable. The body is still producing the majority of oil on the skin and does not need much help from a skin care product. These products mix or remove easily with water.

Water-in-oil formula

A droplet of water dives into a pool of oil making the majority of the formula oil. These are heavy, greasy products only comfortable on dry skin. The skin has good water content but the oil glands are not producing enough oil and need help from a topical product. These products do not mix well with water and are usually thick creams.

Hydrator's

The skin may be too oily but lacks water due to stripping agents like alcohol or witch hazel. Wind or sunburn may be an issue along with heating and air condition units in the office and home. Deep dehydration occurs in the second major layer of the skin called the dermis from strong diuretic pills, alcohol, excessive sweating (saunas) to name a few, very noticeable in the skin tissue around the eyes. Hydrating products do little to alleviate this as the water content needs to be replaced internally by drinking water. Surface dehydration can be corrected with good products extending hydration for days or weeks if applied in consecutive days. Less expensive products add or bind water to the skin's surface only for the length of time the product is worn.

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