Aspects of the invention relate to hydrogenation catalysts, and hydrogenation processes using these catalysts, having particular characteristics, in terms of the amount and type of metal hydrogenation component (or catalytic constituent), as well as the support or substrate. The catalyst compositions, comprising both a noble metal and a lanthanide element on a substantially non-porous substrate, provide advantageous performance characteristics, including conversion, selectivity, and activity stability, as demanded in industrial hydrogenation and selective hydrogenation applications.