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Botanical Extract

Egg Yolk Extract (Lecithin Source)

A lecithin-rich emollient and barrier lipid source — egg yolk provides phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, vitamin A, and biotin in a highly skin-compatible lipid matrix.

LecithinBarrier lipidsEmollientVitamin-rich
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Egg yolk extract for skincare is produced by aqueous or solvent extraction of dried egg yolk, yielding the phospholipid-rich fraction. Cosmetic-grade egg yolk lecithin is further purified for use as a liposomal delivery vehicle for other actives, or as a standalone barrier-supportive ingredient.

Skin barrier lipid replenishment, emolliency, phospholipid delivery, vitamin A and E co-delivery, emulsification.

Key Benefits

✦
Phosphatidylcholine
The primary phospholipid in egg yolk lecithin is identical to the phospholipid in skin cell membranes — it integrates naturally into the lipid bilayer, supporting membrane integrity and barrier function.
◈
Cholesterol Co-Delivery
Egg yolk provides cholesterol alongside phospholipids — important because the optimal barrier-repair lipid ratio requires cholesterol as well as ceramides and fatty acids.
✧
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamins A (retinol esters), D, E, and K in egg yolk are delivered within a lipophilic matrix that enhances their skin absorption and activity.
◉
Liposomal Delivery Vehicle
Purified egg lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) spontaneously forms liposomes when dispersed in water — these lipid vesicles can encapsulate and deliver other actives deeper into skin than aqueous delivery allows.

Suitable for

Dry and very dry skinMature skinCompromised skin barrierAll skin types

Main Actions

✓ Barrier lipid replenishment✓ Emollient✓ Phospholipid delivery✓ Vitamin complex delivery
Lecithin as active vs emulsifier

Egg yolk lecithin appears in most skincare as an emulsifier (helping oil and water mix) rather than as a primary active. At higher concentrations and in targeted formulations, its barrier-supportive properties are functionally significant. Position in the INCI list indicates role: early = emulsifier, mid = functional active.

CategoryBotanical Extracts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Egg Yolk Extract (Lecithin Source) do for skin?
Skin barrier lipid replenishment, emolliency, phospholipid delivery, vitamin A and E co-delivery, emulsification.
Who should use Egg Yolk Extract (Lecithin Source)?
Egg Yolk Extract (Lecithin Source) is suitable for: Dry and very dry skin, Mature skin, Compromised skin barrier, All skin types.
Are there any warnings about Egg Yolk Extract (Lecithin Source)?
Egg yolk lecithin appears in most skincare as an emulsifier (helping oil and water mix) rather than as a primary active. At higher concentrations and in targeted formulations, its barrier-supportive properties are functionally significant. Position in the INCI list indicates role

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