Lecithin

• Derived from: Corn
• Pronunciation: \ˈle-sə-thən\
• Type: Natural

What Is Lecithin?

Lecithin is the combination of diglycerides of fatty acids.[1] It can either be a waxy mass or a pourable liquid.

What Is Lecithin Made from?

Lecithin may be sourced from ingredients such as corn, egg yolks, and soybeans. Like all of our ingredients, the lecithin used in Puracy products is not an animal byproduct.

How Lecithin Is Made

Commercially, lecithin is typically made by hydrating soy, safflower, or corn oil. The canola lecithin manufacturing process involves drying and pressing canola seeds then extracting with hexane. The mixture is then filtered and heated to remove the hexane.[3]

What Does Lecithin Do?

Lecithin is a skin conditioner, emollient, surfactant, and antistatic agent.[1] It is often used in a wide range of cosmetics, hair products, moisturizers, and other similar products.[3]

How Puracy Uses Lecithin

Due to its use as an emollient, Puracy uses lecithin to reduce skin flaking and restore moisture to skin. As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent ingredients from separating.

Is Lecithin Safe?

Whole Foods has deemed the ingredient acceptable in its body care quality standards.[4] The EPA has put lecithin on its Safer Chemical Ingredients List.[5] The EWG has awarded lecithin a "2" due to minor risk of allergic reaction.[2]

Sources

[1] European Commission
[2] Environmental Working Group
[3] CosmeticsInfo
[4] Whole Foods Body Care Standards
[5] Environmental Protection Agency