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

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

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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