Generally speaking, the standard sequence for most people's skincare routine is Cleanser > Toner > Serum > Lotion > Cream. However, depending on individual skin types—whether normal, dry, or oily—the specific steps involved in a skincare regimen may vary slightly. In recent years, a highly popular type of OEM/ODM skincare product has emerged: the "water-to-cream" formula. This innovative product undergoes a textural transformation from a fluid consistency into a cream upon application, effectively meeting the diverse hydration, moisturizing, and repairing needs of people with various skin types. Let's take a closer look at the underlying skincare principles behind this "water-to-cream" phenomenon.

Essentially, these "water-to-cream" skincare products are water-in-oil emulsions existing in a state of critical stability. Upon application, this emulsion breaks down (demulsifies), releasing visible droplets of water. Regarding the manufacturing and processing principles behind this formula: because it functions as a water-in-oil emulsion cream system—meaning the external phase of the emulsion is oil, while the internal phase is water encapsulated within the oil—the higher the proportion of the internal water phase, the more pronounced the "water-releasing" effect will be. Typically, the internal water phase must constitute between 80% and 90% of the formula to achieve a satisfactory water-releasing effect; if this proportion exceeds 90%, it becomes extremely difficult to form a stable emulsion system. Conversely, the external oil phase is generally added in quantities of less than 10%, while emulsifiers typically range from 0.5% to 3%. It is crucial to keep the emulsifier concentration low in this context to ensure rapid demulsification and the subsequent release of water.
So, what are the specific skincare benefits of these OEM/ODM "water-to-cream" products? For those with oily skin during the summer months, rubbing the product onto the skin releases an abundance of water, leaving the skin feeling incredibly fresh and hydrated. Alternatively, during the autumn and winter seasons—when skin tends to be dry and requires intensive hydration—using a "water-to-cream" product provides the skin with ample moisture, which can then be effectively sealed in by following up with a moisturizing serum. Thanks to its unique water-in-oil structure, this skincare product forms a moisture-locking barrier on the skin's surface. It simultaneously hydrates and nourishes the skin, offering dual-action care that ensures a lasting, radiant, and hydrated complexion. Nowadays, many cosmetic manufacturers utilize "water-to-cream" technology to create multi-functional skincare products within a single bottle. This process refines the large molecules of a traditional cream into micro-molecules, thereby enhancing fluidity; upon initial contact with the skin, the product feels like a light, hydrating essence, yet after a brief moment of gentle rubbing, it transforms into a cream. Furthermore, its microencapsulation technology enables the active ingredients within these water-to-cream products to penetrate instantly into the deeper layers of the skin, delivering a dual benefit of external protection and internal nourishment for skin revitalization. Consequently, to ensure that water-to-cream skincare products achieve the desired effect—namely, the release of water droplets during the rubbing process—contract manufacturers must formulate them with an exceptionally high water content, often exceeding 90%. Conversely, the proportion of emulsifiers and high-quality additives in such products is relatively low. This scenario—where a small amount of emulsifier must dissolve a large volume of water into a minimal amount of oil—results in the formation of very large "water-in-oil" particles. The oil film and emulsifiers coating the surface of these water droplets are extremely thin; therefore, when applying these water-to-cream products, the external pressure applied by one's fingers can easily rupture these water-in-oil particles, allowing the encapsulated moisture to spill out and form visible water droplets.
In summary, compared to products with standard formulations, water-to-cream skincare products feature an adjusted water-to-oil ratio that results in the appearance of water droplets during application. Due to their high water content, these products generally offer a refreshing skin feel and are free from any greasy sensation; meanwhile, the minimal amount of oil present still provides a certain degree of moisturizing efficacy.