Safety Assessment of Lecithin and Other Phosphoglycerides as Used in Cosmetics

Abstract

The phosphoglycerides considered in this safety assessment are reported to function primarily as skin and hair conditioning agents, emulsifying agents, and surfactants in cosmetic products and are used up to a maximum reported concentration of 50%. Although phospholipids exert physiologic effects, these are not reproduced by application of phospholipid ingredients to the skin. Given the possibility that Lecithin may be derived from animal sources, it should be noted that the Food and Drug Administration does not permit the use of ingredients made from bovine specified risk materials in cosmetic products. The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety concluded that the 17 phosphoglycerides are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics, as described in this safety assessment.

Keywords: cosmetics; lecithin; phosphoglycerides; safety.