Lecithin
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Moisturizers, washes, lotions
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Emollient, emulsifier
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LECITHIN ?
Lecithin has emulsifying properties, allowing it to be used as a topical drug delivery system due to its amphiphilic nature, enhancing permeation. Emulsions with lecithin have been found to remain in the stratum corneum after application, suggesting good depth of penetration and low risk of skin irritation.
WHAT IS LECITHIN ?
Lecithin is an amphiphilic mixture of lipids, including phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid, which are found in animal and plant products. It is often used as a smoothening agent and for topical drug delivery owing to its emulsifying properties.
IS LECITHIN SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Lecithin has been deemed to be safe by the Food and Drug Administration in concentrations up to 50%. However, a study suggests that it is only safe in leave-on products up to a concentration of 15%, based on available research. Because of its ability to penetrate the skin and remain there, it should be used in caution in products containing it and other agents that may cause a reaction.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
There is minimal data on contraindications for the topical application of lecithin, though those with an allergy or reaction to it should use caution or avoid products that contain it.
Sources:
Fiume Z. Final report on the safety assessment of Lecithin and Hydrogenated Lecithin. Int J Toxicol. 2001;20 Suppl 1:21-45.
Johnson W Jr, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al. Safety Assessment of Lecithin and Other Phosphoglycerides as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2020;39(2_suppl):5S-25S.
Jun Yang S, Yoon KS. Preparation and Evaluation of Pluronic Lecithin Organogels in Cosmetics. J Cosmet Sci. 2021;72(3):325-346.
Kagotani K, Nakayama H, Zang L, et al. Lecithin-Based Dermal Drug Delivery for Anti-Pigmentation Maize Ceramide. Molecules. 2020;25(7):1595. Published 2020 Mar 31.
Vater C, Hlawaty V, Werdenits P, et al. Effects of lecithin-based nanoemulsions on skin: Short-time cytotoxicity MTT and BrdU studies, skin penetration of surfactants and additives and the delivery of curcumin. Int J Pharm. 2020;580:119209.
