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Phospholipids

A family of complex lipids, the natural building blocks of cell membranes, used in skincare as conditioning ingredients and to help oil and water blend.

Source

Plant lipids such as soy or maize, or synthesis

Used for

Soft, conditioned-feeling skin

How it works

The building blocks of cell membranes.

Phospholipids are complex lipids built on a glycerin backbone, carrying fatty acids on one side and a phosphate group on the other.

That structure gives each molecule a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail, which is why phospholipids work as emulsifiers and wetting agents, helping oil and water blend, and why in contact with water they can arrange themselves into tiny spheres called liposomes. In cosmetics they are listed as skin-conditioning ingredients.

Phospholipids are natural components of every cell membrane, and in skincare they are valued as conditioning and texture ingredients. They suit daily use, morning or night.

01
Complex lipids, the natural building blocks of cell membranes
02
Condition skin and help oil and water blend in a formula
03
Natural emulsifiers that can form tiny spheres called liposomes

Questions

What are phospholipids?

Phospholipids are complex lipids found throughout nature as the building blocks of cell membranes. Each carries fatty acids and a phosphate group on a glycerin backbone, and in cosmetics they are listed as skin-conditioning ingredients. (van Hoogevest and Wendel, 2014; COSMILE Europe)

Are phospholipids the same as lecithin?

Not exactly. Lecithin is a natural mixture made up mainly of phospholipids, chiefly phosphatidylcholine, together with other natural fats. Phospholipids is the name for the lipid family itself, and the two appear as separate ingredients on a label. (van Hoogevest and Wendel, 2014)

Where do phospholipids come from?

Natural phospholipids are mostly purified from soybeans, and also from other plant seeds such as rapeseed and sunflower, while others are made synthetically. (van Hoogevest and Wendel, 2014)

What do phospholipids do in skincare?

They work as conditioning ingredients and as emulsifiers that help oil and water blend, and in contact with water they can form tiny spheres called liposomes. On skin they act as conditioning and texture ingredients. (van Hoogevest and Wendel, 2014; COSMILE Europe)

Where it comes from

Phospholipids are structural components of the membranes of every living cell. Those used commercially are mostly purified from soybeans, and also from other plant seeds such as rapeseed and sunflower. Soybean lecithin, the best-known phospholipid-rich material, is obtained from soybean oil. (van Hoogevest and Wendel, 2014)

Phosphatidylcholine is the most common phospholipid and the main component of lecithin. (van Hoogevest and Wendel, 2014; COSMILE Europe)

The research