The Ultimate Guide To Using Soybean Oil For Skin

On Nov 2, 2023 758 0

Soybean oil has become an increasingly popular ingredient in skincare routines. Derived from soybeans, this natural plant-based oil provides a wealth of benefits for all skin types. With its stellar linoleic acid content and stellar nutrient profile, soybean oil delivers proven skin benefits in a non-greasy, non-comedogenic formula compatible even with oily and acne-prone skin.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the ways you can use unrefined, organic soybean oil to achieve smooth, glowing and youthful looking skin.

What is Soybean Oil?

Soybean oil is extracted from soybeans (Glycine max), a leguminous plant native to East Asia. It is one of the most widely consumed cooking oils but can also provide powerful skincare benefits when used topically on the skin.

The oil is extracted from soybeans through either expeller pressing or chemical solvent extraction. Expeller-pressed soybean oil is considered superior as no harsh solvents are used in the production process. The oil comes in both refined and unrefined varieties. Unrefined soybean oil retains more beneficial nutrients.

The light yellow oil has a neutral scent and absorb quickly into skin without leaving a greasy residue. The versatile oil can suit all skin types without clogging pores.

Key Nutrients and Benefits

What makes soybean oil so beneficial for skin health? Here are some of the top nutrients and corresponding benefits that soybean oil provides:

Linoleic Acid

Soybean oil contains 50-55% linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that is essential for healthy skin. Linoleic acid helps the skin retain moisture and reinforce the skin barrier. This helps reduce dryness, flakiness, irritation, and sensitization. Linoleic acid also accelerates cell regeneration.

Vitamin E

As an antioxidant, vitamin E protects the skin against oxidative stress caused by free radicals and environmental factors like UV radiation and pollution. This combats premature aging. Vitamin E also supports new cell growth and healthy skin regeneration.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids like alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) have anti-inflammatory properties to help calm and soothe sensitive and acne-prone skin. Omega-3s also strengthen the skin barrier, reduce water loss, and promote a smooth, even complexion.

Vitamins K and B

Soybean oil contains a range of B vitamins like riboflavin, thiamine, and folate. It also provides vitamin K. These vitamins guard against damage from environmental aggressors. Vitamin K aids in reducing dark under-eye circles and blemishes.

Phytosterols

Soybeans contain valuable plant compounds called phytosterols that can mimic hormone-like activity in the body. Consuming soybean oil may help improve skin elasticity and collagen production thanks to these plant hormones.

With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why soybean oil deserves a place in your natural skincare routine.

Using Soybean Oil for Different Skin Types

The versatility of soybean oil allows it to be used by all skin types. Here are some ways you can incorporate soybean oil into your routine based on your particular skin needs:

Normal Skin

If you have balanced skin without any major oiliness or dryness, soybean oil makes an excellent:

Lightweight moisturizer – After cleansing, apply 2-3 drops of soybean oil over damp skin and gently massage in. Follow with SPF in the mornings.
Soothing massage oil – Mix 4 tbsp soybean oil with 5 drops essential oils like lemon, lavender or geranium. Use smooth, kneading motions to massage face for 5-10 minutes as part of your weekly skincare regimen.
Oil cleanser to remove makeup – Apply dry soybean oil onto dry skin and massage gently for 1-2 minutes to dissolve makeup, SPF and impurities. Rinse face and follow with a gentle water-based cleanser if needed.

Dry Skin

The emollient properties of soybean oil can provide intensive moisturizing benefits for dry, flakey skin. Use it as:

A rich overnight mask or intensive moisturizer – Allow skin to dry after cleansing, then massage in 1 tbsp soybean oil. Leave on overnight and rinse in the morning. Follow with SPF.
Added to lotion or cream for an extra hydration boost – Add 1-2 drops of soybean oil into your regular moisturizer. The oil will reinforce hydration without greasiness.
A few drops added to your bath water – Add 5-8 drops of soybean oil into a warm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes for hydration all over. Pat skin semi-dry afterwards and apply moisturizer while skin is still damp.
A whole body massage oil to moisturize skin – Mix 1/4 cup soybean oil with 1/4 cup coconut or sweet almond oil. After showering, gently massage into damp skin focusing on dry areas like knees, elbows and feet.

Oily/Acne-Prone Skin

For oily and acne-prone skin, soybean oil’s non-comedogenic nature makes it ideal:

As a gentle oil cleanser to remove excess oil and bacteria – Use on dry skin to melt away makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum. Follow with a salicylic acid cleanser.
A spot treatment to smooth and calm blemishes – Cleanse face and apply a small amount of soybean oil directly onto pimples using a sterilized cotton swab. The oil will create a moisture barrier to promote healing.
To moisturize without clogging pores or aggravating breakouts – Look for oil-free, gel moisturizers with soybean oil as an ingredient for lightweight hydration that won’t exacerbate acne.

Mature Skin

Soybean oil can help combat the signs of aging like fine lines, uneven tone, dullness and loss of firmness. Use it to:

Improve skin elasticity and smoothness – The collagen-boosting plant hormones in soybean oil improve elasticity to reduce sagging and wrinkles.
Minimize appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet – Apply 1-2 drops of soybean oil to fine lines and gently pat until absorbed. The oil provides smoother, plumper looking skin.
Protect against oxidative damage from the environment – Soybean oil’s antioxidants fight against UV rays, pollution and other external aging factors.
Provide antioxidant support to skin – The vitamin E shores up antioxidant reserves in skin cells to neutralize harmful free radicals.

Sensitive Skin

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory omega-3s, soybean oil can calm sensitive, irritated skin prone to flushing and reactivity. It can:

Soothe skin irritation, itchiness, and redness – Apply a dab of soybean oil onto affected areas whenever skin feels uncomfortable. The omega-3s will calm and cool on contact.
Hydrate without causing additional irritation – Soybean oil provides gentle moisturization that won’t further inflame sensitive complexions.
Reduce skin reactivity and vulnerability – With regular use, soybean oil strengthens the moisture barrier of sensitive skin to help prevent irritation in the first place. Start slowly.

No matter your particular skin quirks and concerns, soybean oil can likely provide targeted solutions. Just be sure to patch test first.

Application Tips and Recipes

Here are some easy tips and recipes for applying and using soybean oil topically for maximum skincare benefits:

Cleansing

Oil cleansing – Apply a quarter-sized amount of soybean oil onto dry skin and massage gently for 1-2 minutes to dissolve impurities. Rinse and follow with a water-based cleanser if desired.
Makeup remover – Soak a cotton pad with soybean oil and hold against closed eyes for 30 seconds before gently swiping away mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow. No tugging required!

Moisturizing

Whipped body moisturizer – Whip 1/4 cup soybean oil with 2 tbsp shea butter and 1 tsp vitamin E oil. Apply onto damp skin after showering.
Night treatment – Massage 1 tbsp soybean oil onto dry skin and leave on overnight. The oil will deeply hydrate while you sleep.
Skin serum – Combine 4 tsp soybean oil with 3 drops each of lemon, carrot seed and frankincense essential oils. Apply 2-3 drops onto cleansed skin before regular moisturizer.

Masks & Scrubs

Calming face mask – Mix 1 tbsp soybean oil with 1 mashed banana, 1 tbsp oatmeal and 1 tsp honey for an anti-inflammatory, smoothing mask.
Lip scrub – Combine 1 tbsp soybean oil with 2 tbsp brown sugar. Gently buff lips to exfoliate, then leave oil on as a balm.
Body scrub – Stir 1/4 cup soybean oil into 1/2 cup coffee grounds. Use to gently buff and moisturize elbows, knees and ankles in the shower.

Tips & Precautions

Always patch test oils on a small area before wider application.
Introduce new skincare ingredients slowly over a period of 2-3 weeks.
Store soybean oil in a cool, dark place like the fridge to prevent rancidity.
Avoid getting soybean oil in eyes as it may cause blurred vision and stinging.
Discontinue use if any irritation occurs. Seek medical guidance for adverse reactions.

With the right preparation, soybean oil can transform lackluster skin. Follow these tips to safely enhance your complexion.

Buying and Storing Soybean Oil

When purchasing soybean oil for your skincare routines, look for:

Purity

Expeller-pressed – This mechanical extraction method preserves more nutrients versus chemical solvent extraction.
Unrefined – Unrefined soybean oil retains more beneficial compounds compared to refined varieties.
Organic – Organic soybeans ensure the oil is free of pesticides, herbicides, and GMO ingredients.
Non-GMO – Seek non-GMO oils to avoid genetically modified ingredients.

Freshness

Production date – Check the date of production or bottling and select as fresh as possible.
Opaque container – Soybean oil can go rancid quickly if exposed to light and heat. Look for an opaque bottle or tin.
6 month shelf life – Use within 6 months of opening for best quality and freshness.
Refrigerate after opening – Keeping opened soybean oil chilled preserves integrity.

Sourcing

Reputable brand – Select a brand known for high quality seed oils like Nature’s Way or Spectrum Naturals.
Glass bottle – Dark glass helps protect oil from oxidation and sunlight damage during storage.

Proper selection and storage of soybean oil helps retain as many skin-healthy nutrients as possible. Seek out the highest quality oil your budget allows.

Risks and Considerations

While generally well-tolerated, soybean oil does come with some cautions:

Soy allergies – Discontinue use if any irritation occurs. Soybean oil may not be suitable for those with a soy allergy.
Comedogenic rating – Though rated 0-1 out of 5 for clogging pores, individuals with acne-prone skin should still patch test first.
Heavy oil – Can cause breakouts on some skin types. Use sparingly and mix with lighter oils like grapeseed if needed.
Eye irritation – Avoid contact with eyes as it may cause stinging or blurred vision. Flush with water if this occurs.

Consult your dermatologist if you have any concerns about using soybean oil or experience any adverse effects after use. As with any new skincare product, conduct a patch test before wide-spread use.

The Benefits of Using Natural Oils

What makes plant-based oils like soybean oil often gentler and safer for skin compared to conventional skincare products?

Bioavailability

Plant oils contain nutrients readily absorbed and utilized by skin for nourishment. The essential fatty acids, vitamins, hormones and more are provided in a format recognized and utilized by human cells.

Integrity

Natural oils maintain the complexity of compounds as they exist complete in the source ingredients. The multitude of minor lipids, sterols, pigments and antioxidants remain intact.

Compatibility

Natural oils mirror the lipids already present in our skin. This allows them to integrate seamlessly into cell membranes for smooth hydration and nutrient assimilation.

Gentleness

Pure oils are less likely to irritate or sensitize skin compared to synthetic ingredients. They avoid harsh chemicals, residues, preservatives and additives.

Simplicity

Oils allow simple, customizable skincare without complex formulations required for water-based products. They can be applied neat or blended together for tailored benefits.

Efficacy

While simple, oils still provide comprehensive benefits. Soybean oil alone contains hydration, antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Pairing With Other Natural Oils

While soybean oil shines on its own, you can amplify benefits by pairing it with other complementary natural oils like:

Argan oil – antioxidant and hydration boost
Jojoba oil – mimics natural sebum
Sweet almond oil – non-greasy base oil
Rosehip seed oil – anti-aging
Marula oil – reduces redness
Sunflower seed oil – high in linoleic acid
Squalane oil – strengthens barrier function

Use soybean oil as your base along with a secondary oil targeting specific concerns like aging, acne, or dryness.

Conclusion

From reducing dryness to soothing irritation, soybean oil can be an excellent addition to your skincare regimen. With its stellar linoleic acid content and nutrient profile, soybean oil delivers proven skin benefits in a non-greasy, non-comedogenic formula compatible even for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Try incorporating this versatile oil into your daily skincare routine through cleansers, moisturizers, masks, makeup removers and massage oil blends. Look for high-quality, unrefined soybean oil and conduct a patch test before applying topically.

Used consistently, soybean oil can help reveal healthy, radiant skin backed by science. Harness the power of this natural ingredient for glowing skin you’ll love.