Common Name(s): Soybean oil unsaponifiables,glycine soja unsaponifiables,soy sterol fraction
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Conditions skin and supports barrier function with the most potent bioactive compounds from soybean oil.
Why It's Used: The unsaponifiable fraction of soybean oil is uniquely rich in beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, tocopherols, and squalene — the most bioactive components of the oil — making it more potent than whole soybean oil for skin conditioning.
How It Works: Phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol) integrate into skin lipid bilayers, reinforcing barrier function; tocopherols provide antioxidant protection; squalene replenishes natural skin lipid squalene levels which decline with age.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging serums,barrier repair creams,premium skin care,mature skin formulas
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – phytosterol
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,antioxidant,barrier repair
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Unsaponifiable fraction of soybean oil (glycine soja); natural plant origin. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low
Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated; rare soy sensitivity.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Squalane,vitamin e,other phytosterols,ceramides
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Soybean oil unsaponifiables (0.5–1.1% of crude soy oil) are enriched 10-50x vs whole oil; the fraction includes gamma-tocopherol (dominant in soy), campesterol, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, and squalene; used in premium anti-aging formulations for concentrated phytosterol and squalene activity.
Last Verified: 2026-03-28
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary