Lecithin
AKA “LECITHIN, Lecithin [NF], Granulestin, Ovovitellin, Phospholutein, Gliddex, Kelecin, Lecithine, Alcolec S”
Ingredient
Ingredient Facts
Lecithin
AKA: Lecithin [NF], Granulestin, Ovovitellin, Phospholutein, Gliddex, Kelecin, Lecithine, Alcolec S
Ingredient · Emollient · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Emollient
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Barrier Lipid
Not Clean
A complex mixture of phospholipids, glycolipids, triglycerides, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, and phosphatidylinositols.
Formula
C42H80NO8P
Mol. Weight
758.10
CAS #
8002-43-5 / 8030-76-0 (soybean)
See origin →
Functions
Antistatic
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Reduces Static
Conditions Skin
Softens & Smooths
Emulsifier
Reduces Flyaways
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Lecithin has been used as a food and cosmetic ingredient since the 19th century after its isolation from egg yolks. Traditionally valued for its emulsifying and skin-conditioning properties.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Lecithin and Hydrogenated Lecithin
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Safety Assessment of Lecithin and Other Phosphoglycerides as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Hydrogenated Lecithin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydrogenated Lysolecithin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Lecithin (NF)
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Lecithinamide DEA
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Lysolecithin
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Lecithin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Lysolecithin
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Final report on the safety assessment of Lecithin and Hydrogenated Lecithin.
Fiume Z
International journal of toxicology, 2001
Safety Assessment of Lecithin and Other Phosphoglycerides...
Wilbur Johnson, Wilma F Bergfeld, Donald V Belsito, Ronald A Hill, Curtis D Klaassen, Daniel C Liebler + 6 more
International journal of toxicology, 2020
Effect of a combination of medium chain triglycerides, linoleic acid, soy lecithin and vitamins A and E on wound healing in rats.
Magalhães MS, Fechine FV, Macedo RN, Monteiro DL, Oliveira CC et al.
Acta cirurgica brasileira, 2008
Biocompatible lecithin-based microemulsions with rhamnolipid and sophorolipid biosurfactants: formulation and potential applications.
Nguyen TT, Edelen A, Neighbors B, Sabatini DA
Journal of colloid and interface science, 2010
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR