What Is Lecithin?
This chemical, also known as "PC(16:0/9Z,12Z-18:2)", is used in cosmetics to help condition the skin and to help mix oil-based and water-based ingredients together (emulsifying). It can be found in both dry powder and liquid form, but is usually used as a liquid. It can dissolve in water or other liquids, and starts off as a white color but will turn yellow/
What is the purpose of Lecithin in personal care products?
It is used for its skin conditioning
and surfactant emulsifying characteristics.
Lecithin moisturizes and strengthens skin and helps mix liquids that don't usually mix.
Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Lecithin, Soybean lecithin, Phosphatidylcholine, and 1-hexadecanoyl-2-(9Z,12Z-octadecadienoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine.
What Are Skin Conditioning Ingredients?
Lecithin has skin conditioning characteristics.
Skin conditioning ingredients improve the texture, feel, and overall appearance of the skin, helping to avoid harmful effects from external factors. Skin conditioning ingredients moisturize the skin and strengthen its natural barrier function to help protect it from damage caused by harsh weather and sunlight. Some skin conditioning ingredients are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness and irritated skin.
What Are Surfactant Emulsifying Ingredients?
Lecithin has surfactant emulsifying characteristics.
Surfactant emulsifying ingredients helps mix two liquids that do not usually mix well by reducing the surface tension of the ingredients. The emulsification process involves suspending or dispersing one liquid in a second liquid, such as oil in water or vice versa. However, these two liquids have different properties that cause them to repel each other and not mix. This is where surfactants come in, as they can reduce the liquids' surface tension and allow them to mix.
Surfactants have two ends: a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail. When added to two liquids that do not mix well, the hydrophilic head attaches to the water-based liquid, while the hydrophobic tail attaches to the oil-based liquid. This creates a stable mixture of the two liquids and allows for a smooth and even distribution of ingredients in the cosmetic product.
Safety
Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.