In skincare, cholesterol can be both vegan and non-vegan. It is mostly an animal-based component derived from lanolin or sheep wax. Although technology has advanced, the non-vegan ingredient is still more popular. Currently it is still cheaper to produce.
The word “cholesterol” is usually frightening to people because associated with poor health. So why is it still added to skincare products? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Cholesterol And What is It Made Of?
Cholesterol is a white, almost odorless and tasteless, friable, and practically water-insoluble substance. It is necessary for the body and is counted among lipids. In the human body, it builds cell walls and produces essential hormones as well as vitamin D.
The human body usually produces cholesterol on its own as well as gets it from food. Mainly, it is found in meat products and dairy products like cheese and butter. So, the vegan diet is also known as a cholesterol-free diet.
When it comes to health, excessively high levels of cholesterol in the blood promote the development of atherosclerosis. And increases the risk of cardiovascular system diseases. As well as strokes or heart attacks.
For many years, cholesterol products such as face creams were only animal-based. This meant extracting cholesterol from the sweat glands of sheep.
Today, technology has advanced and vegan cholesterol also exists. It usually comes from plant-based squalene. But the latter might also be animal-based. So, be sure to check the product’s vegan-friendliness before purchase.
Why Is Cholesterol Used In Skincare?
Cholesterol is used in skincare because it helps the skin retain its protective ability. To keep the face younger and the skin smoother. Cholesterol also acts as an emulsifier and protects the products from light damage. Cholesterol is commonly found in moisturizers and serums.
As said, most of us have heard, that an excessive amount of cholesterol is bad for our health. And can cause problems in our bodies. That is true as long as we are just talking about cholesterol in our blood. But cholesterol is also present in our skin. And it helps to maintain its protective function.
To put it a little more clearly, healthy skin is like a brick wall. And the bricks are held together with the help of lipids. If lipids are porous or absent, the wall is unstable and leaking.
So, when lipids are missing, the skin’s protective function is weakened. Water escapes more easily and the skin loses its moisture. Moreover, aggressive toxins and environmental stressors get easier access to the skin.
With increasing age, the production of lipids decreases. This leads to wrinkles, less firmness, lack of elasticity, and sagging. This is where cholesterol comes into play.
Cholesterol, along with fatty acids and ceramides, forms the trio of lipids. The skin needs them to restore the skin’s protective function. It keeps the skin in good condition and makes it smooth and supple. In addition, cholesterol leaves the skin conditioned without feeling oily.
Further, cholesterol has the ability to protect cosmetic products from light damage. It also works as an emulsifier as well as adjusts viscosity.
FAQ About Cholesterol In Skincare
Cholesterol is a white, almost odorless and tasteless, friable, and practically water-insoluble substance. It is necessary for the body and is counted among lipids. In the human body, it builds cell walls and produces essential hormones as well as vitamin D.
Today, cholesterol might be both, vegan and non-vegan. Although technology has advanced, the non-vegan ingredient is still more popular as it is cheaper to produce.
Summary
Although cholesterol has been labeled as something bad, it can be really helpful in skincare. It has the ability to help the skin stay young and supple when applied topically.
However, non-vegan cholesterol is more common when it comes to skincare products. Fortunately, vegan versions are also entering the market.
But to be sure the products are in fact vegan-friendly, we recommend buying from 100% vegan skincare brands that have confirmed that they are 100% vegan.
See also: Vegan Skincare Products, Vegan Moisturizers
