Soybean Oil, refined, non-GMO, 100 ml

Refined, non-GMO soybean oil is a light vegetable oil with a neutral scent that functions as an emollient in formulations: it softens the skin, smooths its surface and helps reduce moisture loss. It is obtained by pressing seeds from genetically unmodified varieties of soy, followed by refining, which removes odorous and coloring components. In a formula it therefore leaves no fragrance of its own or significant coloration, making it suitable where the perfume or shade of the finished product should stand out.

The oil is of food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical grade, making it equally suitable for body and hair preparations as for lip products. For the manufacturer it is attractive for its reliable behavior in the oil phase and for the fact that it blends well with other vegetable oils, butters and waxes.

Key benefits

• Softening and smoothing of the skin – as an emollient it fills in minor irregularities on the skin surface, leaving it feeling smoother and more supple to the touch. The effect is more pronounced on dry and rough skin.
• Moisture retention support – forms a fine film on the skin that slows water evaporation. This is not about adding water but about retaining it in the skin, which is why the oil complements humectants well in emulsions.
• High linoleic acid content – 48 – 59 % of fatty acids consist of linoleic acid, followed by oleic acid (17 – 30 %), palmitic acid (8 – 13.5 %) and linolenic acid (4.5 – 11 %). Oils with this profile feel lighter and less greasy on the skin than oils rich in oleic acid.
• Neutral scent and light color – the refined oil does not alter the scent or color of the finished product, which is especially appreciated in perfumed body oils, balms and color cosmetics.
• Hair care – according to the manufacturer's data, it helps hair products reduce dryness, frizz and brittleness of hair, as it coats the hair fiber and smooths its surface.

The manufacturer also states a soothing effect on irritated skin and an antioxidant content that is said to support protection of the skin against free radicals. These are manufacturer claims for cosmetic use; when formulating it is advisable to rely primarily on the oil's verified function as an emollient.

Use in formulation

Soybean oil is insoluble in water and is added to the oil phase. In O/W and W/O emulsions it is processed in the standard way together with other oils, emulsifier and waxes. In anhydrous products (body oils, balms, massage oils) it can simply be blended with the other ingredients at room temperature.

The recommended processing temperature is up to 80 °C. The oil can therefore withstand heating of the oil phase during emulsification and the melting of waxes and butters, but should not be overheated unnecessarily. If the formula requires higher temperatures, add it to the mixture only after it has partially cooled.

Dosage depends on the product type. In emulsions it forms part of the oil phase; in anhydrous products it may make up the bulk of the formula. In body oils it is often combined with oils that contribute a more distinctive character (such as Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil or Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil), with soybean oil serving as a neutral base.

Suitable for products such as

• Body and massage oils – a light, easily spreadable base that does not leave a heavy greasy film. The neutral scent leaves room for essential oils and perfume compositions.
• Creams and body lotions – as an emollient in the oil phase it softens the skin and improves the spreadability of the emulsion. Particularly suitable for preparations for dry and sensitive skin.
• Lip balms and lip sticks – in combination with waxes and butters it gives the balm slip and softness. The grade of the oil allows use in lip products.
• Color cosmetics – the light color and neutral scent are an advantage in tinted balms, cream lipsticks and blushers, where a strongly colored or scented oil would affect the pigment shade.
• Cleansing oils and cleansing balms – helps dissolve oily impurities and traces of color cosmetics. In rinse-off products it is combined with a solubilizer or emulsifier so that it can be rinsed off with water.
• Hair oils and masks – on dry and damaged hair it smooths the hair surface and eases detangling. Used in small amounts on the lengths and ends, or as an ingredient in a rinse-off mask.

The oil is also food grade, so it can be used outside of cosmetics as well, for example in home preparation of herbal oil infusions or as a base for oil macerations.

Good to know

Skin feel is light according to the manufacturer's data; the oil absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue. Compared to oils rich in oleic acid (olive, avocado) it feels fresher. If you need a very dry touch, combine it with an ester emollient.

Stability is a weaker point of oils with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids. Pack the finished product in dark, tightly sealed containers and do not leave the oil phase at high temperatures for extended periods. Products with a high proportion of soybean oil should be subjected to a stability test.

Rinse-off products such as cleansing oils or cleansing balms require a solubilizer or emulsifier (such as Polysorbate 80 or Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate) for rinsing off with water. The oil alone cannot be rinsed off with water.

The oil is certified vegan, is readily biodegradable and is not classified as hazardous under CLP, so no safety data sheet is required.

Frequently asked questions