Facial oils, once overlooked by the skincare and beauty community in the early 2000s, are now essential staples on our shelves. There’s virtually an oil for every skin concern—whether you need to balance oil, boost hydration, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, or address acne and hyperpigmentation scars. Whatever your need, there’s an oil for it. Today, we’re shining a light on a commonly underestimated oil: soybean oil.
While soybean oil may not enjoy the same fame as argan oil or the luxurious appeal of rose oil, it offers remarkable benefits, particularly for dry skin types.
As one of the most commonly processed and sold oils globally, second only to palm oil, soybean oil is featured in a variety of products—from hair care to rich moisturizers designed to enhance the skin barrier for those with dry or sensitive skin. We have explored what soybean oil is, who can benefit from it (and who should avoid it), and to showcase some of the top products that include this ingredient.
Soybean Oil
Ingredient Type: Oil
Key Benefits: Enhances moisture retention, strengthens the moisture barrier, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Who Should Use It: Soybean oil is ideal for dry and sensitive skin, but it is not recommended for oily skin types.
Usage Frequency: You can incorporate soybean oil and products containing it into your routine up to twice daily.
Pairs Well With: Soybean oil complements emollient and humectant ingredients.
Avoid Mixing With: Generally, soybean oil is compatible with most ingredients.
What Is Soybean Oil?
Soybean oil is a vegetable oil derived from crushed soybeans—about 20% of the soybean produces oil, while the rest is often used for animal feed. It’s commonly found in moisturizers and hydrating face masks.
Rich in linoleic acid, soybean oil helps strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier by delivering essential fatty acids that maintain hydration and reduce water loss. It also contains Vitamin E, which offers antioxidant and environmental protection.
Benefits of Soybean Oil for Skin
Improves Moisture Retention: A small study indicated that soybean oil can penetrate the skin's upper layers, providing occlusion to minimize water loss and enhance moisture retention. Although petrolatum (like Vaseline) offers even more occlusion, linoleic acid in soybean oil acts as a building block for ceramides, reinforcing the skin barrier.
Provides Antioxidant Protection: Soybean oil is rich in Vitamin E, essential fatty acids, lecithin, and genistein—antioxidants that help protect skin cells from pollutants and toxins while promoting self-repair.
Boosts Protection Against UVB Skin Inflammation: Research suggests that soybean oil can protect against UVB-related skin inflammation, likely due to its high antioxidant content, which helps limit free radicals that can damage DNA and cause sun damage. However, it’s important to use proper SPF protection alongside it, as oils can reflect sunlight and intensify tanning effects.
Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory: Vitamin E not only serves as an antioxidant but also helps soothe the skin, reducing irritation and calming the complexion.
Ideal for Dry and Combination Skin: Soybean oil is especially beneficial for dry and sensitive skin and can aid in healing post-treatment skin.
Reinforces the Moisture Barrier: Oils like soybean oil help keep the skin supple and pliable by reinforcing the moisture barrier, making it stronger and less susceptible to damage.
Mimics Natural Lipids: Soybean oil mimics the natural lipids found in the skin, making it effective in protecting and repairing the moisture barrier.
Side Effects of Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is generally not recommended for oily skin, as it ranks high on the comedogenic scale and can clog pores due to its occlusive nature. High concentrations of Vitamin E, which soybean oil contains, can also contribute to breakouts. However, when included in formulations at lower concentrations or combined with other ingredients, it can mitigate these pore-clogging effects.
How to Use It
Soybean oil is frequently found in hydrating products like moisturizers. When formulating a moisturizer, the inclusion of soybean oil, along with other emollients and humectants, benefits all skin types.
For dry skin, it can act as a “sealant,” trapping in the benefits of other skincare products, serving as a “top coat.” We recommend applying it as the final step in your routine, as larger molecules should sit on top to allow smaller molecules to penetrate more easily.
Recommended Products
The soybean oil–fortified Phytolipid Comfort Creme is made to help combat skin troubles from post-retinol flaking to sunburn to rosacea to Accutane to environmental stressors, leaving skin calm and moisturized. Click here to buy Renée Rouleau Phytolipid Cream.
This beautiful overnight cream is all about cocooning the skin with comforting ingredients while you get your beauty sleep. In addition to antioxidant-rich soybean oil and hydrating hyaluronic acid, it contains botanical ingredients like rosehip, tomato seed, apricot, and chia oils. Click here to buy Votary Intense Overnight Cream.
This incredibly soothing and hydrating toner is crafted with both fermented soybean extract and fermented soybean oil, which work together to reinforce your moisture barrier and minimize moisture loss. Click here to buy Innisfree Fermented Soybean Firming Energy Essence.
This deeply moisturizing cream focuses on nurturing your moisture barrier and calming your skin. Enriched with a rich combination of Korean herbal extracts and hydrolyzed soybean extract, it’s the ideal indulgence for those with dry skin. Click here to buy Sulwhasoo Essential Firming Cream.
FAQs
Is soybean oil safe for skin use?
Yes, soybean oil is safe to use on the skin and has been certified as non-toxic by the EWG.
Can soybean oil cause acne?
Soybean oil can clog pores due to its high comedogenic rating, but its effects may be reduced when included in product formulations.
Is soy harmful in skincare?
Although soy often receives negative attention in wellness and dietary discussions, it is safe for topical use and does not contain harmful ingredients that can be absorbed by the skin.
Kaye's Beauty Book is here to help you choose better products that suit your skin, hair and lifestyle. All of the products mentioned are carefully researched and selected to ensure that the most credible information comes to you. If you do buy a product from one of our links, Kaye's Beauty Book may earn a commission.
II DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, not everything works for everybody. I recommend you test the product before completely using any new product. II
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