How do you say 'lotion' in Spanish?

The word is loción, a direct cognate of the English word — it is used for body lotions, sunscreen lotions, and aftershave lotions alike.

What is the difference between loción and crema?

Loción is typically a thinner, more liquid product that absorbs quickly, while crema is thicker and richer — both are used for skincare, but they have different consistencies.

How do you say 'sunscreen lotion' in Spanish?

Sunscreen lotion is loción protectora solar or simply protector solar — bloqueador solar is also widely used in Latin America.

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

Lotion in Spanish: Loción

Written by Sofia Ramirez, Lead Spanish Curriculum Editor · Reviewed May 2026

Loción · noun · loh-see-OHN

Loción is the Spanish word for lotion, a liquid or semi-liquid preparation applied to the skin for moisturizing, healing, or cosmetic purposes.

loh-see-OHN

Aplícate loción después de tomar el sol.

Apply lotion after sunbathing.

Lotion in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for lotion, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

Spanish	English	Pronunciation	Region / Register
loción	lotion	loh-see-OHN	Default, widely understood
crema	lotion		cream, thicker consistency
pomada	lotion		ointment, medicinal use

How Native Speakers Use Loción

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Skincare routine

Uso loción hidratante todas las mañanas.

I use moisturizing lotion every morning.

Describing a daily skincare habit.

Sunburn relief

Necesitas loción de aloe vera para la quemadura.

You need aloe vera lotion for the burn.

Recommending a remedy for sunburn.

Shopping

Esta loción tiene un aroma muy agradable.

This lotion has a very pleasant scent.

Commenting on a product at a store.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Loción

Confusing loción with crema

Incorrect: Pásame la loción. (when referring to a thick cream)

Correct: Pásame la crema.

Loción typically refers to a thinner, more liquid product, while crema means a thicker cream — using the wrong one can lead to getting the wrong product.

Wrong gender agreement

Incorrect: El loción está en el baño.

Correct: La loción está en el baño.

Loción is feminine, so it takes the article la — words ending in -ión in Spanish are almost always feminine.

Lock in Lotion Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See Loción used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using loción in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Aplícate loción después de tomar el sol. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

Save, review, repeat, stay consistent

Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.

Common Questions About Lotion in Spanish

How do you say 'lotion' in Spanish?: The word is loción, a direct cognate of the English word — it is used for body lotions, sunscreen lotions, and aftershave lotions alike.
What is the difference between loción and crema?: Loción is typically a thinner, more liquid product that absorbs quickly, while crema is thicker and richer — both are used for skincare, but they have different consistencies.
How do you say 'sunscreen lotion' in Spanish?: Sunscreen lotion is loción protectora solar or simply protector solar — bloqueador solar is also widely used in Latin America.