Disliked

Lecithin

Explained

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.

This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.

As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.

As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.

This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.

Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.

We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.

See all 6,274 products with Lecithin

Users who like it
36%
Users who avoid it
64%

What it does

Emollient Having the quality of softening or soothing the skin.
Emulsifying The act of emulsion: a suspension of small globules of one liquid in a second liquid with which the first will not mix
Skin Conditioning To hydrate and soften skin

Prevalence

Somewhat common Percentage of products that contain it
7.4%
Top categories
Makeup
Treatments
Moisturizers
Position Predominant list placement
Bottom 50%

References

CosIng Data

CosIng ID 34995
INCI Name LECITHIN
EC #  232-307-2 / 310-129-7
All Functions Antistatic, Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning