Lecithin – Cosmetic Uses in Skin Care and Cleansing Products
What Is Lecithin?
Lecithin is a natural mixture of polar and neutral lipids. The term is also commonly used for phosphatidylcholine, one of its principal phospholipids.
The main vegetable sources used in personal care products are soybean and maize, while egg yolk is the main animal-derived source used in cosmetics and toiletries. The composition of lecithin varies according to its source, particularly in the proportion of polar lipids and the fatty acid profile.
Raw lecithin obtained as a by-product of soybean oil extraction typically contains around 60–70% polar lipids, mainly phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine and glycolipids, together with approximately 25–35% soybean oil.
Cosmetic Applications
Lecithin is valued for its emollient, refatting, and moisturising properties. Its performance is closely related to its phospholipid content.
In cosmetic formulations, lecithin can:
- Soften and condition the skin
- Support refatting of the skin
- Improve moisturising properties
- Provide a non-greasy and long-lasting skin feel
- Improve the creaminess and slipperiness of foam
- Enhance the richness and overall quality of cleansing products
Purified and modified lecithin derivatives are also available for easier incorporation into liquid and solid cleansing formulations. Some phospholipid-based systems can be used to formulate clear products.
Ingredient Information
INCI: Lecithin
Main Sources: Soybean, maize, egg yolk
Main Components: Phospholipids, phosphatidylcholine, glycolipids
Functions: Emollient, Refatting, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
References
Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology – André O. Barel, Marc Paye, Howard I. Maibach.
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