Lecithin Source/Solubility and Salicylic Acid Solubility in Glycerin

Question

I have two questions regarding ingredients:

1. Is the Lecithin sold on your website the same as Lecithin from egg yolks? What are its solubility properties (water/oil)?
2. If Propylene Glycol can dissolve Salicylic Acid (powder form), can Glycerin also dissolve it? If so, in what quantity? (Referring to information like the attached image).

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Answer to Your Questions

Here are the answers to your questions based on the information available:

1. Lecithin Source and Solubility

The Lecithin sold on the website is derived from soybeans, not egg yolks. It is soluble in oil and functions as a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier, suitable for formulations like lip balms, body butter, and ointments.

2. Salicylic Acid Solubility in Glycerin

Salicylic Acid (powder form) is generally not soluble in water. Common solvents for Salicylic Acid include Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, and alcohol. Isopentyldiol is also noted as a good solvent, capable of dissolving approximately 25% Salicylic Acid.

Glycerin, while a good humectant and general solvent that dissolves in water, is not typically used as a primary solvent for Salicylic Acid powder. The product information available does not indicate that Glycerin can effectively dissolve Salicylic Acid powder. Therefore, it is unlikely to dissolve Salicylic Acid in significant amounts, unlike Propylene Glycol.