Soy Bean Oil

Product Description:

Soy Bean Oil is a cold pressed carrier oil extracted from the seeds of the soybean plant (Glycine max), a legume cultivated widely across Asia and now grown in many countries around the world. The oil is pale yellow in colour, nearly odourless, and has a light, smooth texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a heavy residue. Soy Bean Oil has become one of the most widely used base oils in modern cosmetic manufacturing due to its balanced fatty acid profile and affordability. At Maduras Herbals, we supply Soy Bean Oil as a raw material for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY formulators, and skin care product developers looking for a dependable, everyday carrier oil.

Botanical and Trade Names

Botanical Name: Glycine max (syn. Glycine soja)
English Name: Soy Bean Oil
INCI Name: Glycine Soja Oil
Other Common Names: Soya Oil, Soybean Carrier Oil

Key Properties

• Cold pressed from soybeans with no heat and no chemical solvents involved
• Light, smooth texture with fast absorption and a non greasy after-feel
• Naturally rich in essential fatty acids, lecithin, and Vitamin E
• Nearly odourless, making it suitable for fragrance-sensitive formulations
• Balanced fatty acid profile suited for normal, dry, and combination skin
• Widely used as an affordable, everyday base oil in cosmetic manufacturing
• Compatible with other carrier oils, butters, and oil-phase ingredients

About Soybean Oil

Soybean oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of Glycine soja or Glycine max. Soybeans contain relatively low oil content at around 20%, which means cold pressing does not yield large enough quantities to be commercially practical. Most soybean oil is therefore produced by solvent extraction. This is worth being aware of as a formulator: if non-GMO ingredients are a priority for a product, it is important to ask suppliers specifically about the origin and processing method of the soybean oil, as soy is commonly a genetically modified crop. High-quality non-GMO cold-pressed soybean oil is harder to find but does exist, and it proves to be a genuinely useful ingredient for dry, sensitive, irritated, and allergy-prone skin.

Soybean oil is used widely in foods and cosmetic products, partly due to its affordable price point and wide availability. It is a good source of vitamin E and is particularly interesting for its unsaponifiable matter, which contains up to 3% phospholipids, primarily lecithin. Lecithin plays a meaningful role in soybean oil's moisturising properties and also contributes weak emulsifying activity, making it a useful addition to emulsion formulations beyond just its emollient function. Research has also shown that soybean isoflavones can reduce photodamaging effects in keratinocytes, pointing to some protective potential in sun-exposed skin.

Working with Soybean Oil in Your Formulations

Soybean oil works well in anhydrous products such as balms, masks, butters, and scrubs, and can also be used in emulsions and haircare products. Its lecithin content adds a secondary benefit in emulsions beyond straightforward emolliency, making it a particularly useful choice where some natural emulsifying support within the oil phase is welcome.

Quality & Formulation Notes

Because soybean oil can be solvent extracted, cold-pressed versions are worth seeking out if oil purity and processing method matter for the product claim. GMO status is also worth confirming with suppliers if non-GMO is a requirement. No adverse effects or formulation restrictions are otherwise documented.

Applications

Skin Care Formulations: Facial serums, body lotions, moisturisers, balms, anti-ageing creams

Hair Care Formulations: Hair oils, conditioning treatments, frizz control serums

Cosmetic Formulation: Carrier base for essential oil blends, lotion and cream oil-phase ingredient, soap making

General Use: Bulk supply for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY skin and hair care kits, salon and spa product formulations

Packing and Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the container tightly sealed when not in active use. Recommended storage temperature below 25°C. Best before 12 months from packaging date. Natural variation in colour and scent between batches is characteristic of a cold pressed, unrefined oil.

Caution

Soy Bean Oil is derived from soybeans and may not be suitable for individuals with a soy allergy. Patch test is recommended before use on skin. In case of any allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and consult a dermatologist or physician.