What it is
Hydrogenated palm oil is produced by adding hydrogen to palm oil, which saturates its fatty acids and converts the oil into a firmer, more oxidation-stable solid. In sunscreens, especially sticks and balms, it is used to build structure, raise viscosity, and provide an emollient, occlusive feel. Its higher melting point makes it valuable for keeping solid formats firm at room temperature.
Safety & warnings
Considered a low-irritation, skin-conditioning fat. As a heavy, occlusive palm-derived lipid it can have comedogenic potential on very acne-prone skin, particularly in rich or high-load formulas.
Origin & sourcing
Derived from the fruit of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis); the natural oil is then hydrogenated in a controlled industrial process.
Questions everyone asks
Why is palm oil hydrogenated for cosmetics?
Hydrogenation makes the oil more solid and resistant to oxidation, which helps it structure and stabilize stick and balm formats and extends shelf stability.
Where is hydrogenated palm oil commonly used?
It is often found in sunscreen sticks, balms, and richer creams, where it acts as an emollient and helps give the product firmness and body.