Lecithin
AKA “Lecithin (NF), Lecithin [NF], Granulestin, Ovovitellin, Phospholutein, Gliddex, Kelecin, Lecithine”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Lecithin
AKA: Lecithin (NF), Lecithin [NF], Granulestin, Ovovitellin, Phospholutein, Gliddex, Kelecin, Lecithine
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Varies With Manufacturer
Emollient
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Barrier Lipid
Synthetic
Clean
A natural emollient derived from soy, sunflower, or eggs that softens skin and hair while helping ingredients blend smoothly together. Creates a silky feel and reduces frizz.
Formula
C42H80NO8P
Mol. Weight
758.10
CAS #
8002-43-5, 8030-76-0
See origin →
Functions
Antistatic
Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Emulsifier
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Reduces Static
Softens & Smooths
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
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
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 Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR