soybean oil

Soybean oil (also known as soya oil) is a natural lipid-based emollient derived from the seeds of the soybean plant (*Glycine max*). In the context of dermatology, it is used as a topical treatment to manage dry skin conditions and atopic dermatitis. It functions as an occlusive emollient, forming a protective film on the skin surface that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and helps restore the skin's natural barrier function. Soya oil was the primary active ingredient (85%) in Balneum, a bath additive evaluated in the BATHE trial (a Phase 4 pragmatic randomized controlled trial) led by the University of Southampton. The trial investigated the clinical and cost-effectiveness of adding bath emollients to standard care for childhood eczema in UK primary care, ultimately finding no evidence of additional clinical benefit.

Brand names

Balneum

Other names

soya oilrefined soya oilGlycine max oil