Hydrogenated soybean oil is derived from natural soybean oil through a chemical process called hydrogenation.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• "Hydrogenated". This part of the name indicates that the soybean oil has undergone a process of hydrogenation, where hydrogen atoms are added to the double bonds present in the fatty acids of the oil.
• "Soybean Oil". This part of the name indicates that the base compound is soybean oil, a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the soy plant.

Description of the raw materials used in production and their functions:

• Soybean Oil. It is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids and serves as the primary raw material from which hydrogenated soybean oil is derived.
• Hydrogen. Hydrogen is used in the hydrogenation process to convert the unsaturated fatty acids present in soybean oil into saturated fatty acids.
• Catalyst (typically nickel). Speeds up the hydrogenation reaction.

Step-by-step industrial synthesis:

• Soybean Oil is heated in a hydrogenation reactor.
• Hydrogen is introduced into the reactor under pressure.
• A catalyst, usually nickel-based, is added to accelerate the hydrogenation reaction.
• The reaction proceeds until the desired degree of hydrogenation is reached. This will determine the melting point and consistency of the finished product.
• After hydrogenation, the catalyst is removed and the hydrogenated oil is filtered and cooled.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Humectant. Hygroscopic compound used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis.  The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: horny, the most superficial, granular, spinous, shiny, and basal. Humectants have the ability to retain the water they attract from the air in the stratum corneum and have the function of moisturising the skin. They are best used before emollients, which are oil-based.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts, Increasing or decreasing, viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions. 

Commercial Applications

Food. Hydrogenated soybean oil is frequently used in the food industry to enhance product texture and prolong shelf life. It can be found in baked goods, margarines, snacks, and other processed foods.

Cosmetics and Skin Care. Due to its emollient properties, hydrogenated soybean oil can be incorporated into skin care products like creams and lotions to provide softness and hydration.

Hair Care Products. It can also be employed in hair conditioners and treatments for its ability to condition and soften hair.