Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil at a Glance

• Used an emollient in cosmetic formulations to soften skin/hair
• Helps enhance hydration by forming a barrier on skin’s surface that reduces moisture loss
• Created by adding hydrogen atoms to vegetable oils through a process known as hydrogenation
• Hydrogenation converts liquid vegetable oils to solid or semi-solid lipids
• Refers to numerous blends of hydrogenated plant-derived oils used in cosmetic formulations

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Description

Hydrogenated vegetable oil is used an emollient in cosmetic formulations to soften skin/hair. It also helps enhance hydration by forming a barrier on skin’s surface that reduces moisture loss.

This ingredient is created by adding hydrogen atoms to vegetable oils through a process known as hydrogenation. Hydrogenation converts liquid vegetable oils to solid or semi-solid lipids.

The general name “hydrogenated vegetable oil” refers to numerous blends of hydrogenated plant-derived oils used in cosmetic formulations, which may include (but is not limited to):

*_Brassica campestris_ (rapeseed) oil

*_Carthamus tinctorius_ (safflower) seed oil

*_Helianthus annuus_ (sunflower) seed oil

*_Sesamum indicum_ (sesame) seed oil

*_Elaeis guineensis_ (palm) oil

*_Cocos nucifera_ (coconut) oil

*_Glycine soja_ (soybean) oil

*_Olea europaea_ (olive) oil

Because these oils offer different chemical compositions, their level of beneficial compounds (such as antioxidants and fatty acids) will vary.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel assessed hydrogenated vegetable oil as a cosmetic ingredient in 2017 and concluded it is safe in the present practices of use. Their report surveyed 457 personal care products using up to 60% concentration.

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil References