Emollient

Lecithin

Natural phospholipid from soy or egg yolk — a building material for skin cell membranes. Lecithin moisturizes, restores the barrier, enhances the penetration of actives, and is an ideal emulsifier for natural cosmetics.

PhospholipidsBarrierNaturalEmulsifier

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Lecithin — a mixture of phospholipids (mainly phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol). Sources: soy (soy lecithin), egg yolk (egg lecithin), sunflower (sunflower lecithin). Hydrogenated Lecithin — a saturated version, more stable. Structurally identical to the lipids of cell membranes. INCI: Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin.

Emulsifier, conditioner, and penetration enhancer in premium serums, creams, and barrier repair products. Popular in clean beauty as a natural emulsifier.

Key Benefits

✦

Restoration of the lipid barrier

Structurally identical to the lipids of the stratum corneum — easily integrates into the lipid layers between corneocytes, filling the "cracks" of the barrier and reducing TEWL.

◈

Enhancement of active penetration (penetration enhancer)

The phospholipid structure of lecithin dissolves and transports lipophilic and hydrophilic actives deeper into the stratum corneum — increases the effectiveness of vitamin C, retinol, and peptides.

✧

Natural emulsifier and moisturizer

Effectively stabilizes O/W and W/O emulsions without synthetic surfactants. Moisturizes the skin due to hygroscopic phospholipid heads and provides a soft feel after application.

Suitable for

Suitable for all skin typesDry skinSkin with a compromised barrierSensitive skin

Main Actions

✓ Barrier restoration✓ Enhancement of active penetration✓ Emulsification✓ Hydration✓ Phospholipids

Lecithin vs Hydrogenated Lecithin

Lecithin (native) — a light penetration enhancer, may oxidize unstably. Hydrogenated Lecithin — saturated, more stable, primarily an emulsifier and barrier agent. Both are natural and COSMOS compatible. Sunflower Lecithin — a soy-free alternative.

CategoryEmollients

Check if this ingredient works for your skin — analyze your full product formula for free.

Analyze your product