LECITHIN

Name / description

Lecithin

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Function(s) of this ingredient in cosmetic products

ANTISTATIC

Reduces electrostatic charges (eg of the hair)

SKIN CONDITIONING

Maintains the skin in good condition

SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

Softens and smoothens the skin

SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Allows the formation of finely dispersed mixtures of oil and water (emulsions)

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Origin

animal/plant

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Occurrence in cosmetics

Body lotions, hair conditioners, face masks, makeup and other cosmetics

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Occurrence in other products

In foodstuffs: E 322

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Background information on use in cosmetics

Lecithin is derived from the Greek term “lekithos” and means “yolk”. This concerns phospholipids in which the phosphoric acid is on the one hand esterified with choline, and on the other hand with glycerol, and the free hydroxyl groups of the glycerol are esterified with fatty acids. Lecithin is a fat-like active ingredient which occurs in all animal and plant cells, with a particularly high content in egg yolk and plant seeds. Soy lecithin has, for instance, a high content of essential fatty acids, in particular linoleic acid. It is a yellowish, wax-like hygroscopic mass which is swellable in water and soluble in ether and ethanol. Lecithins reduce the surface tension of the water. In cosmetic products they promote the resorption, adsorption and penetration of the ingredients, have a softening effect and act against the degreasing of the skin and the hairs. Moreover, lecithin is used at the production of active ingredient complexes such as the so-called liposomes. Emulsifiers are often used in cosmetics as excipients. They allow actually unmixable components like oil and water to be brought in a permanently stable emulsion. In this way both aqueous and oily care and active ingredients can be used in one and the same product in cosmetics. Emulsifiers are able to do that since their molecules consist of a lipophilic and a hydrophilic part. In this way they can reduce the interfacial tension which actually exists between two incompatible substances like fat and water. Emulsifiers are, more particularly, used for creams, lotions and cleansing agents. At present emulsifiers are, however, more than only excipients which keep an emulsion stable. Fatty acid esters on the basis of sugar, lecithin or glycerin monodistearate contribute, for instance, to improving the moisture balance of the skin and are, therefore, also considered as cosmetic active ingredients.

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Belongs to the following substance groups

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Regulating cosmetics

Cosmetics Ingredients are subject to regulation. Please note, different regulations may apply to cosmetic ingredients outside the EU.