Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 乳液 | rǔyè, rǔyì |
| 洗劑 / 洗剂 | xǐjì |
| 潤膚露 / 润肤露 | rùnfūlù |
| 潤膚乳 / 润肤乳 | rùnfūrǔ |
| 藥水 / 药水 | yàoshuǐ |
The term for 'lotion' varies significantly based on whether you are discussing cosmetic, medicinal or technical applications. For general cosmetic lotions, use 乳液. If you are specifically talking about a product designed to moisturize the skin, such as a body lotion, 润肤露 is the standard term used in daily life and marketing. For a moisturizing lotion, you can use 保湿乳液. In a pharmaceutical or technical context, a medicated topical wash or liquid cleanser is referred to as 洗剂.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 乳液 is composed of 乳, meaning milk or emulsion and 液, meaning liquid.
Which one should you use?
In contrast, 润肤露 specifically emphasizes skin-moisturizing properties. While 药水 might be translated as 'lotion' in certain medical contexts, it actually refers to a liquid medicinal solution rather than a cosmetic moisturizer.
How do you pronounce it?
rǔyè, rǔyì
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese medicine, substances that 'moisturize' the skin are often linked to the health of the 'lung' organ, making the concept of 润 more than just a surface-level application.
- The term 润 in 润肤露 is a key concept in Chinese aesthetics, referring not just to moisture but to a glowy, hydrated look that is highly prized in East Asian beauty standards.
- The term for a skin moisturizer, 润肤露, literally translates to 'moisten skin dew'. The character 露 usually refers to dew, but here it functions as a poetic way to describe a liquid essence.
Examples in context
- 我用的是乳液不是霜I am using lotion, not cream.
- 你有什么好的乳液推荐吗?Do you have any good lotion recommendations?
- 可以给我一些保湿乳液的品牌吗?Can you give me some brands of moisturizing lotion?
- 请帮我拿一下乳液。Qǐng bāng wǒ ná yíxià rǔyè.Please pass me the lotion.
- 这款乳液的味道很香。Zhè kuǎn rǔyè de wèidào hěn xiāng.This lotion smells very good.
- 你应该涂一点乳液。Nǐ yīnggāi tú yìdiǎn rǔyè.You should apply some lotion.
Example conversation
At home, Jia Yi is getting ready for bed.
- 伟 Wei佳怡，你的乳液在哪儿？Jiāyí, nǐ de rǔyè zài nǎr?Jia Yi, where is your lotion?
- 佳怡 Jiayi在桌子上。Zài zhuōzi shàng.It is on the table.
- 伟 Wei你的皮肤看起来有点干。Nǐ de pífu kàn qǐlái yǒudiǎn gān.Your skin looks a bit dry.
- 佳怡 Jiayi谢谢，我这就涂一下。Xièxiè, wǒ zhè jiù tú yíxià.Thanks, I will apply it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lotion” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
