The Lab
Specimen No. 0222
CautionDerivedfood oils

Refined Soybean Oil

soybean oil · soy oil · refined soy oil

The most consumed added fat in the US food supply; a hexane-extracted, refined seed oil very high in omega-6 linoleic acid. Refining also introduces the same process contaminants found in other refined vegetable oils.

medium confidence
Researched July 7, 2026
Refined Soybean Oil molecular structure
Specimen 0222Refined Soybean Oil

Concerns

  • In mice, a diet high in soybean oil was more obesogenic and diabetogenic than coconut oil or fructose, producing greater weight gain, insulin resistance and fatty liver (Deol et al. 2015) — an animal finding not yet confirmed in humans
  • As a refined vegetable oil it can contain the refining contaminants 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters that EFSA assessed across refined oils, though at lower levels than palm oil (EFSA 2016)

Regulatory flags

  • ⚑IARC Class: NL (oil); refining contaminants: glycidol Gr2A, 3-MCPD Gr2B
  • ⚑EDC Status: None
  • ⚑Regulatory: US: GRAS; EU: permitted
  • ⚑Evidence Grade: C (animal + contaminant)

Commonly found in

Restaurant frying oilProcessed foodsMayonnaiseSalad dressingsMargarine

Last researched: July 7, 2026

Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.

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