LECITHIN

Lecithin, also known as phosphatidylcholine, is the most commonly used neutral phospholipid. It is used as a skin-conditioning emulsifier, solvent for pigments and antioxidant. (1) Phosphatidylcholine can be completely metabolized and provides the skin with two additional essential substances: Linoleic acid and choline. (2) Lecithin is also frequently used to form liposomes. Liposomes enable active ingredients to be transported through the stratum corneum. (3)

(1) Fiume Z. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of Lecithin and Hydrogenated Lecithin. International journal of toxicology, 20 Suppl 1, 21-45. https://doi.org/10.1080/109158101750300937

(2) Brummer, Rüdiger. Rheology Essentials of Cosmetic and Food Emulsions. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2016.

(3) Budai, L., Kaszás, N., Gróf, P., Lenti, K., Maghami, K., Antal, I., Klebovich, I., Petrikovics, I., & Budai, M. (2013). Liposomes for topical use: a physico-chemical comparison of vesicles prepared from egg or soy lecithin. Scientia pharmaceutica, 81(4), 1151-1166. https://doi.org/10.3797/scipharm.1305-11