The cosmetic industry has become the core and essence of our modern lifestyle. With sales of over $511 billion worldwide and an annual growth rate of 4.75 per cent, it’s no wonder that new cosmetic brands pop up ever so regularly.
But, did you know, lecithin is the backbone of this industry? It is the most used material in the manufacturing of almost every beauty product.
However, it doesn't get enough credit. People usually only connect lecithin with food and nutrition. Many aren't aware of its role as an indispensable additive for cosmetic products. The fatty acid contents of lecithin have multiple functionalities. In this post, we have tried taking a look at a few of them.
Why Lecithin is a Great Additive for Cosmetic Products?
Most reputable manufacturers prioritize adding lecithin because it adds some basic advantages to the final product. First, it helps in combining and unifying the ingredients of the product, whether you’re manufacturing a foundation, lotion, or cream. Second, it gives the product hydrating ability while encapsulating the active ingredients.
Other properties it helps with include:
The Emulsifier of Choice
In the cosmetics industry, the quality of a product is determined by its ability to release oils after application or exposure to air. Usually, oil and water-based materials are at the core of most products. since oil and water aren't soluble in each other, they repel.
Lecithin plays a huge role in the emulsification of these insoluble materials. As it can unify oil and water, it is a primary additive in most barrier products.
The Nourishing Factor in Skincare Products
We have discussed many times that lecithin is rich in antioxidants that hold soothing properties. Such properties help nourish the skin and make it healthier. This makes lecithin a natural humectant that adds a hydrating element to the final product.
Moreover, lecithin also aids in the prevention of loss of moisture due to open pores. Thus, it is a key ingredient in many hydrating serums and dry skin products.
Most products claim to protect skin from UV rays or other harmful components spread throughout the natural environment. Phospholipids provide the skin with an outer layer creating a thick, wax-like surface. That layer protects the skin from damaging environmental factors like pollution, toxic air, skin infections and germs.
Lecithin has also shown signs of carrying properties that tighten the skin to reverse ageing signs. It even enhances the structure of the product allowing it to penetrate deep into the skin.
Lecithin acts as a catalyst in slowing down the process of moisture release and even distribution from the product to the skin. The presence of phospholipids in lecithin and their ability to grasp skin keratin is to be credited for this feat. Phospholipids are also responsible for keeping the final product from evaporating from the skin after a while.
The Moisturiser in Haircare Products
A good chunk of the beauty industry is dominated by haircare products. And, like in the skincare category, lecithin plays its part in the manufacturing of hair care products.
Hair is the primary victim of pollution, hard water, and environmental changes. Other than adding it for emulsification purposes, haircare products also benefit from its capabilities to control the moisture in the scalp, allowing such products to minimise hair fall, split ends, dandruff, and other problems.
As lecithin tends to penetrate deeper into the skin, its hydrophilic characteristics masks the scalp, keeping it healthy and odor free for days.
What Cosmetic Products Contain Lecithin?
Lecithin's composition can easily fight off toxicity present in the chemicals used in makeup and other beauty products. Some of the most commonly used cosmetic products that contain lecithin are:
⦁ Night creams and anti-ageing products that include lecithin keep the skin healthy and youthful.
⦁ Most shampoos and conditioners that have lecithin present claim to control the damage and treat split ends.
⦁ Baby care products like oils, lotions, and no-tear shampoos contain lecithin for increased natural tolerance.
⦁ Serums are meant to hydrate the skin for extended periods and lecithin helps in delivering the moisture evenly to all areas.
⦁ Foundations and nail polishes that have a matt finish also contain lecithin.
Summing Up
Although lecithin has multiple benefits and uses and can be considered the strength of all beauty products. Due to its nourishing, anti-ageing and hydrating characteristics, most manufacturers use it as an additive.
Manufacturers who struggle in the procurement of lecithin of any type, can reach out to LECITEIN. We are global suppliers of plant-based lecithin based in the UK with branch office in the United States. We carry inventory of lecithin in all forms and cater to orders of all sizes. For more details, connect with us.