A broad group of compounds including, among others, fats, waxes and skin barrier components. In cosmetics, they influence the lubrication, consistency and feel after application. Not all lipids have the same structure or behave identically.
A wide group of different structures
Lipids include many compounds with various structures, including triglycerides, waxes and phospholipids. The colloquial word fat does not cover all of their functions. In the skin, the lipid system between the cells of the stratum corneum is important, and in cosmetics, the consistency and distribution of the product are also important. Adding oil does not automatically restore the entire skin barrier organization. The type of material and its combination with the other elements of the formula are important.
Lubricating the surface does not automatically mean providing the skin with all the lipids present in its natural barrier. Materials differ in structure and behavior. This is a reason to evaluate the recipe as a whole and distinguish between a light slip and a more durable protective layer.
Meaning and application
Lipids are a broad term for various substances, not a single name for a cosmetic. When purchasing, it is more useful to ask about the finish and purpose of the product than to look for the largest amount of any fat. The formula can combine many groups of ingredients.
In practice
Compare cream, milk and oil by method of use. Write down whether the product leaves a film and how it behaves when dressed and washed. Be careful with the recommended amount, as a very thick layer may give a different feel than the intended application.
Do not conclude from the presence of lipids that it has a therapeutic effect, lack of allergy or condom compatibility. The slippery body product is not a substitute for lubricant. Tolerance and compatibility are determined based on appropriate use and instructions.