Lecithin / Hydrogenated Lecithin.
What is it?
Lecithin is a natural phospholipid and a versatile ingredient commonly used in skincare products. It functions as an emulsifier, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent, helping to improve the texture and efficacy of skincare formulations. Lecithin is valued for its ability to mimic the skin's natural barrier, making it an effective moisturizing and protective ingredient. Hydrogenated lecithin adds hydrogen to lecithin, converting unsaturated fatty acids into saturated fatty acids for stability.
Information
Lecithin is a natural phospholipid and a versatile ingredient commonly used in skincare products. It functions as an emulsifier, emollient, and skin-conditioning agent, helping to improve the texture and efficacy of skincare formulations. Lecithin is valued for its ability to mimic the skin's natural barrier, making it an effective moisturizing and protective ingredient. Hydrogenated lecithin adds hydrogen to lecithin, converting unsaturated fatty acids into saturated fatty acids for stability.
Where does it come from?
Lecithin is derived from both animal and plant sources, but in skincare, it is most often obtained from soybeans, sunflowers, or eggs. The extraction process involves separating lecithin from the source material's fatty components, resulting in a substance that can be used in various cosmetic and skincare products. Soy lecithin is particularly popular due to its abundance and cost-effectiveness.
What are the benefits?
What are the benefits?
- Moisturizing: As an emollient, lecithin helps to hydrate the skin by forming a protective barrier that locks in moisture, preventing dryness, and keeping the skin soft and supple.
- Skin Barrier Support: Lecithin's phospholipids are similar to those found in the skin’s natural barrier, helping to reinforce and repair the skin’s protective layer. This makes it beneficial for dry, sensitive, or compromised skin.
- Enhanced Product Penetration: Lecithin can help improve the delivery and absorption of other active ingredients in skincare formulations, ensuring they penetrate deeper into the skin for enhanced efficacy.
- Soothing and Calming: Its skin-conditioning properties make lecithin effective in soothing irritated or inflamed skin.
- Antioxidant Properties: Lecithin contains fatty acids that have antioxidant benefits, helping to protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation, which can lead to premature aging.
How is it used in our products?
Lecithin is used, for example, in F07 Anti Aging Face Cream and F74 Regeneration Intense Face Cream from OLIVEDA. Its inclusion enhances hydration, improves texture, and supports the skin’s barrier function. It improves the delivery of active ingredients, ensuring they are effectively absorbed by the skin. Due to its barrier-repairing and antioxidant properties, lecithin helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
© OLIVE TREE PEOPLE INC. 2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device