Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine

Functions
Delivery vehicle
Liposome forming agent
Emulsifier
Emulsion stabilizer
Moisturizer
Mitigation agent
CAS Number(s)
97281-48-6
EINECS number(s)
306-549-5
INCI name
Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
Identifier
CIG-2696

Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine is a general name for modified (hydrogenated) natural phospholipids (a fraction in lecithins) derived from soy or sunflower. Lecithins contain 20 - 80 % of phosphatidylcholines, depending on the vegetal source and the extraction method.

Plant lecithins' "fatty tails" are mainly unsaturated (contain double bonds), so they are prone to oxidation. Hydrogenation is a catalytic reaction that converts unsaturated fatty groups into saturated fatty tails (without double bonds), thereby making them more stable.

Hydrogenated lecithins are widely used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries for their unique properties. They are very similar to phospholipids, which are structural elements of cell membranes, and in topical formulations can form mono-, bi-, and multilayer systems such as micelles, liposomes, or ethosomes, thanks to their molecular structure, which combines hydrophilic and lipophilic parts.

Refined Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine is more stable to light and oxidation and highly soluble in many cosmetic solvents, stabilizes colloids containing insoluble actives, and has a high affinity for the Stratum Corneum, making it one of the most suitable phospholipids for personal care applications. Applied topically, it improves skin barrier function, reduces trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and can act as a mitigating agent in cleansing formulations containing sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine is used in innovative delivery systems, such as submicron liposomes (tiny particles smaller than a micron), which protect active ingredients like peptides or vitamins in the formulation and after application, while enhancing penetration rates and formula efficiency. It is a safe, edible, well-studied ingredient for personal care applications.

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References

  1. Hydrogenated plant-based lecithins as excipients for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications: A physical-chemical study
    Author(s):
    , , , ,
    PMID:
    40425131
    DOI:
    10.1016/j.ejps.2025.107144
  2. Effects of ethanol and diclofenac on the organization of hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine bilayer vesicles and their ability as skin carriers
    Author(s):
    , , , , , , , ,
    PMID:
    25716021
    DOI:
    10.1007/s10856-015-5443-1
  3. Effect of phosphatidylcholine on skin permeation of indomethacin from gel prepared with liquid paraffin and hydrogenated phospholipid
    Author(s):
    , , ,
    PMID:
    11404032
    DOI:
    10.1016/s0378-5173(01)00695-0
  4. Final report on the safety assessment of Lecithin and Hydrogenated Lecithin
    Author(s):
    PMID:
    11358109
    DOI:
    10.1080/109158101750300937
  5. Cetirizine from topical phosphatidylcholine-hydrogenated liposomes: evaluation of peripheral antihistaminic activity and systemic absorption in a rabbit model
    Author(s):
    , , ,
    PMID:
    15760103
    DOI:
    10.1208/aapsj060318
  6. Phosphatidylcholine and skin hydration
    Author(s):
    ,
    Journal:
    InSkin moisturization 2002 Feb 26 (pp. 327-346). CRC Press
  7. Interaction of Epicutaneously Applied Lipids with Stratum Corneum Depends on the Presence of either Emulsifiers or Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
    Author(s):
    , , ,
    DOI:
    10.1159/000313515