any of various cosmetic preparations that are applied to the skin
"She gently rubbed the moisturizing lotion onto her dry arms after taking a shower."
liquid preparation having a soothing or antiseptic or medicinal action when applied to the skin
"a lotion for dry skin"
A low- to medium-viscosity topical preparation intended for application to unbroken skin.
"She applied a cooling lotion to her sunburned arms after spending too long in the afternoon heat."
In plain English: Lotion is a smooth, creamy liquid you rub on your skin to keep it soft and moisturized.
"She applied lotion to her dry skin after coming in from the sun."
Usage: Use the noun lotion specifically for liquid moisturizers applied to healthy, unbroken skin rather than thicker creams designed for dry patches. The verb form describes the act of treating an area by applying this product directly onto it.
To cover or treat with a lotion.
"She applied sunscreen to her face and arms before going outside."
In plain English: To lotion means to rub cream onto your skin so it feels soft and smooth.
"You should lotion your face with this gentle product every morning and night."
The word lotion comes from the Latin lōtiō, meaning "a washing," which entered English through Middle English. It is related to the verb to wash and shares a common origin with the word lavation.