Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Also known as: Vegetable Shortening, Partially Hydrogenated Oil
What is Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil?
Vegetable oils that have been chemically treated with hydrogen to convert unsaturated fats to saturated ones, making them solid at room temperature.
Why is it used in products?
Hydrogenation gives oils a thicker, more stable consistency that's easier to formulate with and extends product shelf life.
Why does it clog pores?
Hydrogenation converts the oils into saturated fats with a heavy, waxy consistency that forms a thick occlusive barrier over pores. The resulting solid fat is very difficult for skin to break down or absorb, so it sits on the surface and blocks sebum drainage. It's essentially turning a plant oil into something as pore-clogging as an animal fat.
Commonly found in
- moisturizers
- lip balms
- body butters
- creams