Phospholipids
Also known as Phospholipids, Mixed Phospholipids, Phosphatidylcholine complex
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
CIR Expert Panel concluded the 17 phosphoglycerides (including Phospholipids as a named INCI) are safe in present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics (2020 updated assessment, IJT 39(S2):5-25). Although phospholipids exert physiologic effects, these are not reproduced by topical application to skin. Repeated-dose inhalation toxicity study results indicate incidental inhalation would not lead to local respiratory or systemic effects. The generic INCI Phospholipids covers mixed-source phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, sphingomyelin, and related phosphate-containing lipids.
Phospholipid emulsifier that stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions; enables liposome and vesicle formation for active delivery
Skin-identical ingredient; phospholipids are ubiquitous cell membrane components with excellent skin compatibility
Moisturizing and skin-conditioning activity; supports epidermal barrier function
Broad formulator flexibility: generic INCI covers mixed-source phospholipid blends including soy, sunflower, and egg-derived phosphatidylcholines
- · Earlier 2001 lecithin assessment cautioned against use in products likely to be inhaled; 2020 updated assessment considered available inhalation data sufficient to support safety
- · Lecithin-derived phospholipids may have animal-sourced variants; FDA does not permit use of ingredients derived from bovine specified risk materials in cosmetics
CIR Quick Reference Table (October 2024) — PHOSPHOLIPIDS row: Finding=S, Citation=IJT 39(S2):5-25,2020
“Phospholipids | S | | IJT 39(S2):5-25,2020”— QRT-Update-100824_0.pdf, p. 232