The cosmetic and beauty industry is one of the most flourishing and demanding businesses. We have seen large-scale manufacturing and distribution of famous skincare brands worldwide. Beauty trends and media have massively influenced women to enhance their skin to feel more confident. While some want to get the glass skin, others battle with their troubled skin conditions. Some ingredients are fundamental to all skincare product formulations, regardless of any established brand you go for.
Ingredients like Vitamin C and retinol are well-known for the skincare regime. But the powerful ingredient lecithin is rarely talked about. Lecithin, a building block of the cell membrane, is essential for healthy cell functioning. As it is a natural substance, it is utilized by the beauty industry for various functionalities. Here, we will discuss the different roles of lecithin used in the cosmetic and beauty industry.
Lecithin's multi-functional properties can fit various roles in skincare product formulation. The beauty industry has explored some transformational benefits of lecithin on skin application. Here is why lecithin is used in skincare products.
In simpler terms, an emollient is a substance that can increase moisture levels. Lecithin can act as a softener to hydrate flaky, cracked, or dry skin. Our outer skin layer usually dries up due to harsh weather conditions, excessive use of soaps/facewash, or dehydration. This can cause open spaces between cells in the skin. Untreated, dry skin can lead to itchiness, irritation, and multiple skin problems.
The high lipid content in lecithin can create an oily layer on the skin surface. It will lock moister, helping in softer and smoother skin. Emollient is one of the vital ingredients in a moisturizer. Skincare products with lecithin can help to treat skin inflammation/irritation like atopic dermatitis or eczema.
Lecithin is a natural humectant due to its hydrophilic properties. It attracts water content and retains moisture. Some humectants can loosen up dead skin cells, which helps in deeper moisture penetration, leading to glowing skin. Used in combination with other ingredients, lecithin can help hydrate the skin for a more extended period. It also promotes the skin's natural ability to hydrate itself.
Collagen is an essential protein that helps in providing structure to your skin. It is what keeps your skin plump and youthful. The collagen production in the body declines with age leading to saggy, dull, and fragile skin.
Lecithin is proven to stimulate collagen production to enhance skin elasticity and restore healthy skin.
Antioxidants help battle with free-radicles and environmental aggressors causing damage to the skin. Lecithin has antioxidant properties making it valuable to the skincare industry. It can help reduce skin pigmentation caused by sun exposure. Lecithin adds a protective layer and fights the signs of ageing. It contains vitamin E, which is beneficial for replenishing damaged skin. It helps the skin repair itself, leading to a brighter skin tone.
Lecithin can effectively encapsulate active ingredients and provide deeper penetration into the skin. Liposomes created by lecithin are known to deliver active ingredients effectively. It helps to promote the functionality of other elements to enhance skin conditions.
Lecithin is popularly known as an emulsifier. It provides a smooth sensory feel to the products and binds the ingredients well. It thickens and adds a creamy texture to skincare products like lotions and facial creams.
Lecithin is a great dispersing agent for pigmentation in cosmetic products. Cosmetic products contain oil and water content. Lecithin's emulsifying properties help in the effective binding of colour cosmetic formulations, improving the stability of the product. Its natural healing tendencies also add a beneficial factor to the make-up items.
Regular lecithin in cosmetic products tends to oxidize and is prone to instability due to heat. Most cosmetic products use hydrogenated lecithin to enhance lecithin's natural functioning and stability in make-up products. 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.
Soy lecithin is a commonly used lecithin type in makeup product formulation. People who are allergic to soy content should avoid such products. However, it is recommended to conduct a patch test to see whether it reacts to the skin or suits you. Different skin care products in combination with lecithin-containing products should be avoided. It is better to consult with a dermatologist to ensure safety on skin application.
The stabilizing and beautifying properties of lecithin have made it worthy of the skincare/cosmetic industry. Various beauty standards and health awareness have shifted people's concerns toward self-care. Consumers read the labels of skincare products to ensure it is dermatologically tested. The use of high-quality lecithin is essential to avoid adverse skin reactions.
You can choose from a variety of lecithin from LECITEIN. We provide lecithin that meets the highest European standards to ensure the sustainability of the business of our clients.
Depending on the extraction method used, sunflower lecithin can have varying PC and acid content and yield. Different extraction processes are also preferred for different applications.
Sunflower lecithin can be acquired in food grade, pharmaceutical grade, and industrial grade. Each grade has unique characteristics and applications and is meant for a separate industry.
By reducing clumping and separation, improving bioavailability and absorption, and extending shelf life, sunflower lecithin can improve the stability and efficacy of oil-based supplements.
By controlling oxidation, microbial growth, improving texture and appearance, and enhancing nutritional value, sunflower lecithin can help manufacturers improve the shelf life and stability of their food products.