Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

Hydrogenated vegetable oil is primarily an emollient/occlusive used at moderate to high levels in creams and balms, and it is generally well-tolerated with low irritation potential because it is chemically stable and non-volatile. Clinically, true irritant reactions are uncommon, but in highly reactive or eczema-prone skin it can occasionally contribute to discomfort or follicular occlusion in leave-on routines, so it is not scored as completely inert. Overall, it fits best as a very gentle base ingredient appropriate for most sensitive skin. Safety Notes: Hydrogenated vegetable oil is used at very low levels (~0.1–1%) as a secondary emollient/structurant in lotions, creams, cleansers, and makeup, where it mainly boosts slip and viscosity alongside other oils/waxes. In anhydrous sticks (lip balms, deodorant/skin-protectant sticks), balm salves, and solid cleansing bars, it can function as a primary base wax/fat phase and is observed in the tens of percent up to ~95% when the product is essentially a hydrogenated-oil base with minor additives (flavor/fragrance/actives). It is not subject to a specific EU/FDA concentration cap as a cosmetic ingredient; practical limits are driven by melting point/texture, pay-off, and sensory/stability needs, with the highest levels primarily in leave-on anhydrous formats rather than rinse-off.