A hydrogenation process for reducing the unsaturation of lubricants uses a catalyst which is based on an ultra-large pore crystalline material. The crystalline material has pores of at least 13 .ANG. diameter arranged in a uniform manner and exhibits unusually large sorption capacity demonstrated by its benzene adsorption capacity of greater than about 15 grams benzene/100 grams (50 torr and 25.degree. C.). A preferred form of the catalyst has a hexagonal structure which exhibits a hexagonal electron diffraction pattern that can be indexed with a d.sub.100 value greater than about 18 .ANG.. The hydrogenation catalysts based on these materials are capable of reducing the unsaturation in poly alpha olefin lubricants to a low level.