TheDose

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Also known as Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine

CIRPubMed

Safe

CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”

CIR determined Lecithin and Hydrogenated Lecithin safe as used in cosmetics (2001 final report; reaffirmed in 2020 updated phosphoglycerides assessment covering 17 phosphoglyceride ingredients). The 2001 report found these ingredients generally nontoxic, nonirritating, and nonsensitizing; the 2020 Expert Panel concluded the 17 phosphoglycerides including hydrogenated lecithin are safe in present practices of use and concentration. No skin sensitization or mutagenicity concerns identified.


Phospholipid emulsifier that stabilizes oil-in-water formulations

More oxidatively stable than unhydrogenated lecithin

Skin-conditioning activity; supports epidermal barrier function as a physiological phospholipid

Film-forming and moisturizing properties


Concerns
  • · Earlier 2001 assessment cautioned against use in products likely to be inhaled (inhalation data gap); 2020 assessment considered the available inhalation data sufficient

CIR Expert Panel
Approved
[1]
CIR Expert Panel · Jul 1, 2018Archived

CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — HYDROGENATED LECITHIN row: Finding=S, Citation=IJT 20(S1):21-45, 2001; Final repor…

Hydrogenated Lecithin | S | | IJT 20(S1):21-45, 2001; Final report 03/2015 available from CIRQRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 58
Verificationpdf_textView source
[2]
CIR Expert Panel · Jan 1, 2001

Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Lecithin and Hydrogenated Lecithin (Fiume, 2001). Int J Toxicol 20(S1):21-45

Verificationweb_textView source
[3]
CIR Expert Panel · Sep 1, 2020

Safety Assessment of Lecithin and Other Phosphoglycerides as Used in Cosmetics (Johnson et al., 2020). Int J Toxicol 39(2 Suppl):5S-25S

Verificationweb_textView source
Sources
3
PubMed citations
2
Evidence quality
moderate
Last verified
Re-reviewed when a new CIR / SCCS opinion publishes.