Sodium acrylates copolymer (and) lecithin, also known as the trade name LECIGEL™,  is a gelling agent with emulsifying properties. It is a combination of sodium acrylates copolymer (a sodium salt of a polymer consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or one of their simple esters) and lecithin (a natural substance made up of fatty acids). According to the manufacturer, Sodium acrylates copolymer (and) lecithin allows the increase in the viscosity and the stability of formulas. It can be used in emulsions, which are formulations that contain both water and oil components, in order to help keep these two phases evenly dispersed. Sodium acrylates copolymer (and) lecithin is especially adapted for the formulation of gel-creams, and it provides the typical “phospholipid touch” with a cool, soft, and non-greasy skin feel.

In addition to improving the sensory properties of a formulation, sodium acrylates copolymer (and) lecithin provides several benefits to the skin. For example, this ingredient decreases transepidermal water loss (TEWL), increases skin hydration, and enhances penetration and bioavailability of active ingredients to get better and/or faster results. Lastly, sodium acrylates copolymer (and) lecithin immediately lowers the skin temperature to provide a cooling effect, which lasts up to 20 minutes.