Hydrogenated Olive Oil

Hydrogenated olive oil is a saturated, waxy emollient/occlusive used to improve texture and reduce transepidermal water loss, typically at low-to-moderate concentrations in creams and balms. As a non-volatile lipid it has low inherent irritancy in patch testing, but in very reactive or eczematous skin it can occasionally contribute to follicular occlusion or barrier “stifling,” and rare olive-derived contact reactions have been reported. Given the overall low irritation potential yet non-zero risk in compromised skin, it fits best as very gentle rather than inert. Safety Notes: In commercial formulas, hydrogenated olive oil is used at very low levels (~0.1–1%) as a structuring/wax-like emollient in lotions, creams, and hair conditioners (both leave-on and rinse-off). Mid-range use (~2–20%) is common in richer balms, body butters, and stick products where it contributes to viscosity, glide, and occlusivity. The highest consumer-available levels (up to ~70–80%) are observed in anhydrous balm/stick formats and “butter” concentrates where it functions as a primary solid emollient/wax phase; there is no specific EU/FDA concentration cap beyond general cosmetic safety requirements.