Lecithin has a Natural Origin Index (NOI) of 1.00 (scale 0–1) per ISO 16128. Lecithin is primarily derived from soybeans, sunflowers, or eggs, making it 100% renewable according to ISO 16128. An NOI of 1.00 means 100% of its molecular mass is traceable to a natural, renewable source.

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100% Renewable · ISO 16128

Is Lecithin Natural?

Learn about Lecithin — its natural origin index (ISO 16128), feedstock sources, synthesis process, and renewability classification.

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Natural Origin Index

INCI NameLecithin

IUPAC Name[(2R)-3-hexadecanoyloxy-2-[(9E,12E)-octadeca-9,12-dienoyl]oxypropyl] 2-(trimethylazaniumyl)ethyl phosphate

FormulaC42H80NO8P

PubChem CID16213884 ↗

FunctionEmulsifier · Emollient

FeedstockThe primary commercial feedstock for

Chemical Structure

Learn about Lecithin — its natural origin index (ISO 16128), feedstock sources, synthesis process, and renewability classification.

View full data on PubChem ↗

Quick Facts

INCI NameLecithin
IUPAC Name[(2R)-3-hexadecanoyloxy-2-[(9E,12E)-octadeca-9,12-dienoyl]oxypropyl] 2-(trimethylazaniumyl)ethyl phosphate
Molecular FormulaC42H80NO8P
PubChem CID16213884 ↗
FunctionsEmulsifierEmollientSkin Conditioning AgentSurfactant
Primary FeedstockThe primary commercial feedstock for lecithin is soybeans, which are widely cultivated globally. Sunflower seeds and egg yolks are also significant sources, particularly for specific applications or consumer preferences.
NOI Score1.0 / 1.0
Tier100% Renewable

Description

Learn about Lecithin — its natural origin index (ISO 16128), feedstock sources, synthesis process, and renewability classification.

References

1ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products — Part 2. ISO, Geneva.
2Lecithin. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem CID 16213884. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗