Lecithin
AKA: Lecithin [NF], Granulestin, Ovovitellin, Phospholutein, Gliddex, Kelecin, Lecithine, Alcolec S
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)
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
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR