Our customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, from Monday to Sunday.
| Catalog Number | CI-SC-0361 |
| Product Name | Lecithin |
| CAS | 8002-43-5 |
| Structure |  |
| Synonyms | Lecithine;Phosphatidylcholine;Lecithins |
| Description | Lecithin is a naturally occurring fatty substance that is essential for many biological processes in the body. It is a type of phospholipid that is found in high concentrations in the brain, liver, and other tissues. Lecithin is commonly used as an emulsifier in food products to help blend ingredients and prevent separation. It is also used in the production of pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements due to its potential health benefits. |
| IUPAC Name | [(2R)-3-hexadecanoyloxy-2-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoyl]oxypropyl] 2-(trimethylazaniumyl)ethyl phosphate |
| Canonical SMILES | CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC[C@H](COP(=O)([O-])OCC[N+](C)(C)C)OC(=O)CCCCCCC/C=C\C/C=C\CCCCC |
| InChI | JLPULHDHAOZNQI-ZTIMHPMXSA-N |
| InChI Key | InChI=1S/C42H80NO8P/c1-6-8-10-12-14-16-18-20-21-23-25-27-29-31-33-35-42(45)51-40(39-50-52(46,47)49-37-36-43(3,4)5)38-48-41(44)34-32-30-28-26-24-22-19-17-15-13-11-9-7-2/h14,16,20-21,40H,6-13,15,17-19,22-39H2,1-5H3/b16-14-,21-20-/t40-/m1/s1 |
| Appearance | yellow to brownish colored oily substance, often with a viscous or syrupy texture |
| Application | 1. Food industry: Lecithin is widely used as a food additive in emulsifiers, stabilizers, and preservatives to improve texture, increase shelf life, and enhance flavor. 2. Health supplements: Lecithin is added to dietary supplements as a source of choline, which is important for brain function and liver function, as well as for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. 3. Pharmaceuticals: Lecithin is used as an ingredient in many medications, including inhalers, because it helps to deliver drugs to the lungs more effectively. It is also used in cosmetic products, such as skin creams and lotions, to improve moisture retention and skin elasticity. 4. Industrial applications: Lecithin is used in the production of many industrial products, including paint, ink, and plastics, because of its ability to act as a surfactant, stabilizer, and lubricant. |
| Features And Benefits | 1. Enhances hydration and smoothness of the skin. 2. Acts as a natural emulsifier that helps mix oil and water-based ingredients in cosmetics. 3. Improves the emollience of a product, making it easier to spread and apply. 4. Boosts the skin's natural barrier function. 5. Can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 6. May aid in reducing skin inflammation and redness. 7. Has nourishing properties and helps maintain the skin's elasticity. |
Lecithin, first isolated by French chemist Theodor Gobley in 1845, is a natural emulsifier renowned for its versatility across various industries, including health supplements, food production, skincare, and confectionery. The substance, named after the Greek word for egg yolk, 'Lekythos', is composed of five key phospholipids: Phosphatidylcholine, Phosphatidylethanolamine, Phosphatidylinositol, Phosphatidylserine, and Phosphatidic Acid. Primarily valued for its emulsifying capabilities, lecithin is found naturally in foods high in cholesterol, such as eggs, liver, peanuts, and beef. Commercially, it is mainly extracted from soybeans but can also be derived from sunflower, rapeseed, or milk. In skincare and personal care applications, lecithin is celebrated for its ability to nourish and protect the skin by forming a film that minimizes transdermal water loss and enhances hydration. Its affinity for the skin enables rapid absorption, fostering smoothness and shine in both skin and hair. While its ability to enhance penetration may sometimes raise concerns about transferring unwanted substances across the skin barrier, lecithin remains a vital component in repairing dry hair and replenishing essential lipids to prevent dryness and enhance skin elasticity.
What is the function of lecithin in skincare products?
Lecithin can act as an emollient to hydrate flaky, cracked, or dry skin and increase moisture levels. It is a natural humectant that attracts water content and retains moisture in the skin. Lecithin stimulates collagen production to enhance skin elasticity and restore healthy skin. It has antioxidant properties that help reduce skin pigmentation and fight signs of aging. Lecithin can effectively encapsulate active ingredients and provide deeper penetration into the skin. It improves the texture of skincare products, providing a smooth sensory feel and binding ingredients well.
How does lecithin act as an emollient?
Lecithin's high lipid content creates an oily layer on the skin surface, locking in moisture and resulting in softer and smoother skin.
How does lecithin function as a humectant?
Lecithin's hydrophilic properties enable it to attract water content and retain moisture in the skin. It can loosen up dead skin cells, allowing for deeper moisture penetration and promoting glowing skin. Lecithin helps the skin's natural ability to hydrate itself and keeps the skin hydrated for a longer period.
How does lecithin promote collagen production?
Lecithin stimulates the production of collagen, an essential protein that provides structure to the skin. Increased collagen production enhances skin elasticity and restores healthy skin.
What are the antioxidant properties of lecithin?
Lecithin has antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals and environmental aggressors that damage the skin. It can reduce skin pigmentation caused by sun exposure and add a protective layer to the skin. Lecithin contains vitamin E, which replenishes damaged skin and promotes a brighter skin tone.
How does lecithin help in the deeper penetration of active ingredients?
Lecithin effectively encapsulates active ingredients, creating liposomes that can penetrate the skin more effectively. This helps promote the functionality of other elements in skincare products and enhances skin conditions.
How does lecithin improve the texture of skincare products?
Lecithin acts as an emulsifier, providing a smooth sensory feel and binding ingredients well. It thickens and adds a creamy texture to skincare products like lotions and facial creams.
What is hydrogenated lecithin used for in cosmetic products?
Hydrogenated lecithin is used in cosmetic products to enhance the stability and functioning of regular lecithin. It improves the moisture and creamy texture of cosmetic products, making them hydrating to the skin upon application. It is considered safe for rinse-off cosmetic products.
Who should avoid lecithin-containing skincare products?
People who are allergic to soy should avoid skincare products containing soy lecithin. It is recommended to conduct a patch test to see if the lecithin-containing product reacts to the skin. Consultation with a dermatologist is advised when using lecithin-containing products in combination with other skincare products.
Why is it important to use high-quality lecithin in skincare products?
High-quality lecithin is essential to avoid adverse skin reactions and ensure the stability and effectiveness of the product.
If you have any questions, please contact us. You will get a satisfactory answer.
