Abstract: A vegetal-derived, water-absorbing composition comprising (i) a vegetal cholesterol derived semi-synthetically from one or a mixture of botanical materials from Dioscorea composita, Dioscorea terpinapensis, Dioscorea villosa and/or Trillium erectum, (ii) a non-animal, botanically-derived phospholipid comprising at least 20% phosphatidylcholine, (iii) a botanical oil or ester derivative at a concentration of from 50% to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the water-absorbing composition, (iv) at least one sucrose ester at a concentration of from 5% to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the water-absorbing composition, and (v) fumed silica at a concentration of 8% to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the water-absorbing composition. The vegetal-derived, water-absorbing composition is capable of absorbing between 200% and 400% of its weight of water and may be used as a substitute for lanolin.

Abstract: A naturally-derived emulsifier system for use in topically-applied dermatocosmetic products comprising (i) vegetal cholesterol derived semi-synthetically from a plant of the Dioscorea species (D. composite, D. terpinapensis and/or D. villosa) and/or Trillium erectum; (ii) a botanically-derived phospholipid; and (iii) a botanical oil having a fatty acid content of at least 50% by weight of C18 fatty acid(s) having at least two carbon-carbon double bonds.