Methods and compositions for stabilization and subsequent hydrogenation of a microbial-derived immiscible olefin are described. The methods comprise providing a feed stream to the inlet of a reactor, wherein the feed stream comprises a microbial-derived immiscible olefin composition stabilized with a phenolic antioxidant which is a phenol derivative containing an unfused phenyl ring with one or more hydroxyl substituents. The methods further comprise contacting the feed stream with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst at a temperature of about 20° C. or greater, and generating a product stream comprising a hydrogenated immiscible olefin composition. The microbial-derived immiscible olefin composition stabilized with the phenolic antioxidant remains stable over time, and its hydrogenation reaction time and process are improved.