Comedogenic rating
Soybean Oil Comedogenic Rating
Rating
3
out of 5 (range 3)
Pore-clogging risk
ModerateClogs pores for some people, especially on oily or breakout-prone facial skin.
Category
Carrier oil
Soybean oil rates a moderate 3 and, despite a high linoleic content, is more clogging than lighter seed oils on facial skin.
What a rating of 3 means
A rating of 3 puts soybean oil in the middle of the scale. Its linoleic content is skin-friendly in theory, but its overall feel and tendency to oxidize make it more clogging than lighter options on the face.
Fatty acid profile
Soybean oil is linoleic-leaning with some linolenic acid, which makes it nutritionally rich but prone to oxidation. It is extremely common in food and mass-market products, less so in dedicated facial skincare.
Key fatty acids: Linoleic acid, Oleic acid, Linolenic acid.
Profile: Linoleic-leaning but moderately clogging.
Best for
- Body skin in small amounts
Use caution with
- Acne-prone skin
- Oily skin
Who should use it
Soybean oil is best limited to body use in small amounts. Acne-prone and oily skin should choose lighter, lower-rated seed oils for the face. For richer facial moisture, a lower-rated balm such as tallow works better.
How it compares to beef tallow
Beef tallow rates lower than soybean oil and resists oxidation better, which makes it a more stable, lower-clog facial choice.
How to apply it
Use soybean oil sparingly on the body and choose a lighter or lower-rated oil for the face.
Common questions
Is soybean oil comedogenic?
Soybean oil rates 3 and is moderate on the comedogenic scale. Despite its linoleic content, it is more clogging than lighter seed oils on the face.
Why is soybean oil clogging if it has linoleic acid?
Its overall feel and tendency to oxidize make it more clogging than its linoleic share alone would suggest.
What is a lower-clog alternative to soybean oil?
Lighter seed oils such as hemp or sunflower, or a fat like beef tallow, are lower on the comedogenic scale.
Want richness with a low comedogenic rating?
Beef tallow rates around 1 to 2 and mirrors skin sebum, which makes it an easy face swap if soybean oil feels too heavy or clogging. Misun Health uses a single grass-fed ingredient with no fragrance or fillers.
Compare related ingredients
- Beef Tallow (rates 2)
- Coconut Oil (rates 4)
- Jojoba Oil (rates 2)
- Shea Butter (rates 2)
- Olive Oil (rates 2)
- Argan Oil (rates 0)
Educational content only. This page is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Comedogenic ratings are general guides that can vary by source and by individual skin. Patch test new products before regular use.