Does soybean oil have an effect on skin ageing?

The soybean oil, or Glycine Soja Oil as it is known by its INCI name, is a clear, slightly golden vegetable oil. Extracted by cold pressing the seeds of this legume, it is found in various cosmetic treatments, intended for both skin and hair. The various benefits that soybean oil brings to these come from its biochemical composition rich in interesting active ingredients, particularly fatty acids.

These elements assist in maintaining skin hydration by limiting the evaporation of water from the surface of the epidermis. In doing so, they prevent the appearance of dehydration fine lines. These small superficial streaks appear on areas of the face where the skin is most delicate and are caused by a weakening of the skin barrier and the hydrolipidic film.

Soybean vegetable oil also prevents skin sagging induced by oxidative stress. Indeed, it contains vitamin E, an effective natural antioxidant. Several studies have focused on its antioxidant power and concluded that vitamin E neutralises free radicals by donating an electron. Once stabilised, these free radicals lose their reactivity and no longer damage cellular constituents.

How to use soybean oil?

• Pure.

  To slow down the effects of time on the skin, it is possible to regularly apply soybean oil to the face or body. Just a few drops are sufficient to enjoy all its benefits. Apply the soybean oil and gently massage in a circular motion so that it is effectively absorbed by the skin.

• Diluted in a cream.

  You can also use soybean oil in synergy with your moisturising cream. To do this, take a small amount of cream in the palm of your hand and add one or two drops of soybean oil. Then apply the treatment by gently massaging it in.

It is also attributed to soybean oil a tightening effect and the ability to reduce the depth of wrinkles and act on skin sagging. First of all, let's note that this corrective action of soybean oil has not been objectively demonstrated in clinical studies and therefore it is necessary to exercise caution. That being said, it is true that certain properties of soybean oil suggest that it could act on skin ageing.

Studies conducted in vitro and in vivo on soybean oil have shown that this ingredient causes a boost in the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and fibrillin-1, three connective tissue proteins involved in the suppleness and firmness of the skin. Scientists have also highlighted that soybean oil promotes the correct assembly of new elastin fibres, thus ensuring complete protection and restoration of the extracellular matrix.

Beyond these effects, soybean oil also has the ability to reduce the enzymatic activity of certain elastases, the proteins that catalyse the hydrolysis of elastin, thus enabling it to protect elastin. Finally, it has been demonstrated that this botanical extract works by increasing the expression of the gene coding for elastin, resulting in an increase in the associated messenger RNA levels within fibroblasts.

These various properties of soybean oil are very promising in terms of its effect on skin ageing. However, comprehensive clinical studies with volunteers are still required to conclude that soybean oil has a corrective action on the signs of ageing.

• BUCK D. Antioxidants in soya oil. Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society (1981).

• BERARDESCA E. & al. The cosmetic treatment of wrinkles. Journal of cosmetic dermatology (2004).

• MURTAZA G. & al. Dermatological and cosmeceutical benefits of Glycine max (soybean) and its active components. Acta Polonia Pharmaceutica (2015).