The Ultimate Guide To Using Soybean Oil For Skin

Pro tips on using this vegetable oil to make your skin healthy and radiant.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nermeen Bedair, MD, PhD (Dermatology)
Written by Swathi E, Certified Skin Care Coach

Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, Certified Skin Care Coach • Sep 20, 2023

The Ultimate Guide To Using Soybean Oil For Skin

Image: Shutterstock

Soybeans are rich in protein and the world’s second-largest source of vegetable oil. They comprise about 90% of the US oilseed production (1). In addition, soybean oil is well-known among fitness buffs for its nutritional benefits, ranging from improving heart health to lowering cholesterol levels. However, is it possible to use soyabean oil for skin care?

Although some people are convinced soybean oil clogs pores as it is not non-comedogenic, most people use it to improve their skin’s health and beauty. So, who should and who shouldn’t use it? In this article, we will go through the advantages of soybean oil for the skin, how to include it in your skin care regimen, and some safety concerns to keep in mind. Keep reading!

Know Your Ingredient: Soybean Oil

What Is It?
It is an edible vegetable oil derived from soybean seeds.

What Are Its Benefits?
It helps promote moisture retention, improve the skin barrier function, and reduce signs of premature skin aging.

Who Can Use It?
Suitable for dry to normal skin types. Not recommended for oily skin or acne-prone skin.

How Often?
Can be used as part of your daily skincare routine.

Caution
May cause allergic reactions so do a patch test before using; may clog oily skin pores.

In This Article

What Is Soybean Oil?

A spoonful of soybean and a bowl of soybean oil

Image: Shutterstock

It is an edible vegetable oil derived from soybean seeds. Its consumption is said to help maintain cholesterol and blood pressure levels, improve heart health, and strengthen bones. It is also used for producing paints, biodiesel, plastics, soaps, cosmetics, etc.

Soybean oil interacts easily with the skin surface as it is rich in vitamin E and essential Omega-3 fatty acids (2). Its nourishing and hydrating properties also help enhance skin quality and appearance.

Did You Know?

Soybean oil is a drying oil, i.e., it dries to a transparent, flexible, waterproof solid upon air exposure. Because of this property, it is used in printing inks and oil paints.

Let us take a look at the skin benefits soybean oil offers. Keep reading.

Benefits Of Soybean Oil For Skin

Image: Shutterstock

1. Helps With Moisture Retention

Applying soybean oil topically helps hydrate the skin from within. It penetrates the skin’s top layers and seals moisture to prevent water loss. In a study, applying soybean oil was found to decrease the transepidermal water lossⁱXThe loss of water to the external environment via evaporation that occurs through the skin of an animal or plant. of forearm skin and promote moisture retention (3).

2. Helps Repair The Skin Barrier

The stratum corneum (the uppermost layer of the skin) acts as a protective barrier against environmental damage. Any disruption of this layer damages the skin. Applying soybean oil to skin is found to improve the skin barrier function due to its soy phytosterol content (3). Another study suggests that applying formulations with soy phytosterolsⁱXA plant-derived compound that is structurally similar to cholesterol. It protects the skin from UV damage. (naturally occurring compounds) may also help in the recovery of skin barrier function (4).

3. Protects Against UV-B Rays

Image: Shutterstock

Soybean oil acts as a natural sunscreen with a UV-B filter that reduces skin photodamage. This benefit is attributed to the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E (5). Its antioxidant properties fight free radicals that cause sun damage and protect the skin from inflammation (6). Soybean oil may help treat irritation and burns caused by sun damage. It protects the skin from UVB with SPF equivalent to 10.

4. May Reduce Signs Of Premature Aging

As per a study, the isoflavonesⁱXPlant-based compounds found mainly in soy products that may prevent age-related health issues due to their antioxidant properties. in soybeans may prevent signs of premature skin aging in postmenopausal women (7). According to a 2021 survey carried out by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) with 3,527 participants, approximately 70% were considering undergoing cosmetic treatment. Lines and wrinkles around or under the eyes were a prevalent issue for 62%, and 48% of respondents were thinking of using an injectable wrinkle relaxer as a potential solution. These individuals may benefit from using soybean oil.

Topical application of the oil may have anti-aging benefits and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. However, more information is warranted in this regard.

Did You Know?

Soybean oil is used as a fixative in insect repellents. It extends the duration of action of essential oils that have insect-repelling properties.

These are the ways soybean oil can benefit your skin. But how can you use it?

How To Use Soybean Oil On Skin?

Woman applies soybean oil to her face using a dropper

Image: Shutterstock

1. As A Moisturizer

Pat 2 to 3 drops of the oil on your skin with your fingertips. No need to rinse it off later.
Repeat once every day.

2. As A Sealant

Pat 2 to 3 drops of soybean oil on your face after applying your regular cleanser, serum, or moisturizer.
It helps carry other essential oils/products deep into the skin.

Tip: Applying soybean oil to your skin should be the last step in your skincare routine. Any product with smaller molecules will not be able to penetrate the larger molecules of soybean oil.

Who Can Use It?

Using soybean oil benefits people with dry and combination skin. However, the oil is not recommended for those with oily skin as it may clog skin pores (8).

Quick Tip

You can use soybean oil, or products containing it, twice a day. It shows the best results when used with humectants.

Soybean oil is often considered safe and non-toxic. However, you have to follow safety precautions to prevent any adverse effects.

Safety Precautions To Follow While Using Soybean Oil For Skin

A dropper with soybean oil to use a small amount for patch test

Image: IStock

Do a patch test before using soybean oil on your skin if you are allergic to soybean derivatives. Avoid using the oil on infants as it may cause allergic reactions. Also, soybeans are often genetically modified. Hence, look for organic sources.Never apply it to acne-prone skin either on the face or the back.

Infographic: Important Benefits Of Soybean Oil For The Skin

Soybean oil offers a plethora of benefits for your skin. It contains essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that deeply nourish and moisturize the skin, giving it a youthful glow. Check out the infographic below to know more about the important benefits of soybean oil for the skin.

important benefits of soybean oil for skin (infographic)

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic

Summing It Up

Soybean oil can be found in many plant-base and cruelty-free skin care and cosmetics products. It is low-cost, all-natural, and highly effective. Soybean oil moisturizes the skin and functions as a natural sunscreen. It also efficiently restores and improves the skin barrier function. Its use might help to calm the skin and maintain it smooth. Soybean oil can be used as a sealant in your daily skin care routine. However, if you are allergic to soybean products, don’t use them. Do a patch test if you are using soybean oil for the first time or if you have sensitive skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is soybean oil better than olive oil?

Both soybean and olive oils are nutritious. Soybean oil has a higher content of polyunsaturated fats and vitamin K. Olive oil has a higher content of monounsaturated fatsⁱXHealthy dietary fats with an unsaturated carbon bond in the molecule found in nuts, oils, seeds, and fish. and vitamin E. You should choose either oil as per your preference (2), (9).

Which is better: coconut oil or soybean oil?

Studies indicate that coconut oil may be healthier because soybean oil may have a detrimental effect on metabolic health (10), (11).

Is soybean oil good for lips?

Yes, soybean contains essential nutrients that may keep your lips hydrated and soft. It is also added to various vegan lip care products.

Key Takeaways

Soybean oil, a rich source of vitamin E and essential fatty acids, glides smoothly on your skin.
It is a natural moisturizer and sunscreen and helps keep the skin barrier intact.
You can use soybean oil as a moisturizer or sealant to keep your skin smooth and silky throughout the day.

Soybean oil is popularly used in skin care products. Dive into this video to learn how it can benefit your skin and whether it’s really as good as they say!

References:

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