Amphipathic lipids are molecules that are mostly lipid-like (hydrophobic) in structure, but at one end have a region that is polar or ionic (hydrophilic). The hydrophilic region is usually referred to as the head group, and the lipid portion is known as the tail(s). Cell membranes typically consist of three separate classes of lipids of this type. These include phospholipids, glycolipids, and steroids.

Traditional soaps are another example of an amphipathic lipid.