Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Hydrogenated Safflower Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Sesame Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil
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
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil?
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.
Written by: Research & Education Team
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed January 2022, ePublication [https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/hydrogenated-vegetable-oil/]
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International Journal of Toxicology, 2017, pages 51S-129S [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29243540/]
From the Clinic
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Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil
A plant-derived emollient oil that conditions and softens the skin barrier
Hydrogenated Shea Oil
A stable, conditioning oil derived from shea butter that softens and protects the skin barrier
Hydrogenated Soybean Oil
A plant-derived emollient that softens and conditions skin whilst controlling product texture
Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Extract
A plant-derived emollient that helps support skin hydration and softness
Hydrolyzed Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
A peptide-rich microalgae extract with antioxidant and conditioning properties
Hydrolyzed Egg Yolk
A protein-rich conditioning agent derived from egg yolk
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