And)Lecithin
Description
Complex phospholipid mixture (principally phosphatidylcholine, PC) from soybean, sunflower, or egg sources. Functions as natural emulsifier, skin-conditioning agent, penetration enhancer, and liposomal bilayer-forming material. Commercial grades range from ≥45% PC (lecithin fractions) to ≥94% PC (high-purity fractions). COSMOS-approved non-GMO sunflower variants available. Platform for liposomal delivery of hydrophilic actives (vitamin C, caffeine) and lipophilic actives (CoQ10, vitamins A/E).
Function
Properties
Regulatory Status
EXCELLENT safety profile. CIR 2020 concluded 17 phosphoglycerides including lecithin safe as used in all cosmetics. EU permitted with no Annex restrictions. FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1400). COSMOS/ECOCERT approved. Oral LD50 >5,000 mg/kg; mutagenicity negative; non-reproductive toxicant.
FDA GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1400 (direct food substance, no numerical limit). Listed in FDA Inactive Ingredients Database for topical, oral, injection, and other routes. CIR 2020 safety assessment covers lecithin and 16 other phosphoglycerides — safe as used in all cosmetic categories without concentration restriction. BSE/TSE: FDA prohibits bovine specified risk materials; verify source for animal-derived lecithin.
Ratings
Identifiers
No registry identifiers available for this ingredient.