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Why Lecithin Is Used in Skin Care Products

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. 

Benefits of Lecithin in Skin Care Products

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.

Emollient

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. 

Humectant

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. 

Promotes Collagen Production

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. 

Antioxidant Properties

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.

Deeper Penetration of Active Ingredients

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. 

Improve Texture of Skin Products

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. 

Use in Cosmetic Products

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. 

Use of Hydrogenated Lecithin in Cosmetic Products

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. 

Who Should Avoid Lecithin Containing Skin Care 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. 

Conclusion

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. 

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