Common Name(s): Lecithin/phospholipid,cell membrane lipid,emulsifier barrier repair
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Stabilises o/w and w/o emulsions through biomimetic phospholipid bilayer formation, supplements sc barrier lipids for barrier repair, and forms liposomes and lamellar delivery vehicles for encapsulated active delivery.
Why It's Used: Phospholipids are uniquely bifunctional: they provide conventional emulsification and form genuine liposomal bilayer vesicles for encapsulated active delivery โ a dual function unavailable from synthetic emulsifiers.
How It Works: The phosphocholine head group provides strong h-bonding hydrophilicity while the dual fatty acid tails provide lipophilic anchoring โ this wedge-shaped geometry spontaneously forms closed bilayer vesicles (liposomes) that encapsulate actives for sustained release and enhanced sc penetration.
Typically Found In: Emulsions,liposomal delivery,barrier repair
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ15%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: No - animal-derived
Halal Status: Conditional - animal origin stated in the record's own description; documentation required
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: pass-1 miss: the record's own detail text states an animal derivation, but pass 1 classified on the name and source_notes only. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 โ low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Phospholipid's wedge-shaped geometry (large head relative to two acyl tails) preferentially forms spherical bilayer vesicles (liposomes) rather than flat lamellar phases โ this curvature preference enables self-assembly of drug delivery liposomes simply by hydration of the phospholipid film.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,lecithin phospholipid liposomal delivery review