Tocopherol

Ingredient

Tocopherol

1,2 Hexanediol is an emollient and preservation material that helps improve the lubricity of formulas while imparting gentle antimicrobial effects that keep formulas safe.

Common Name

Vitamin E

Category

Vitamin E (Antioxidant)

Benefits
  • Antioxidant
  • Moisturizing
  • Protective
  • Anti-aging
Performance Rating

Exceptional

Chemical Structure

Tocopherol is a fat-soluble compound with a chromanol ring and a hydrophobic side chain. The most common form in supplements is α-tocopherol.

Quick Summary Benefits

  • Powerful antioxidant protection against free radicals
  • Moisturizes and improves skin barrier function
  • Reduces signs of aging and sun damage
  • Supports skin healing and reduces inflammation

Use & Background in Skincare

Vitamin E has been used in skincare for decades due to its potent antioxidant properties. It's a naturally occurring nutrient found in many foods and is essential for skin health. In skincare, it's prized for its ability to protect against environmental stressors and improve overall skin appearance.

Detailed Description

Tocopherol, commonly known as Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble antioxidant that plays a crucial role in protecting skin cells from oxidative stress. Its molecular structure allows it to penetrate cell membranes, providing protection from within. This unique property makes it highly effective in combating free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and accelerate aging [1].

Historically, Vitamin E was first discovered in 1922 by Herbert Evans and Katherine Bishop at the University of California, Berkeley. Its importance in skincare was recognized in the 1950s when it was found to protect against UV radiation damage. Since then, numerous studies have confirmed its benefits for skin health [2].

Clinical data supports the efficacy of Vitamin E in skincare. A study published in the Journal of Molecular Medicine found that topical application of Vitamin E reduced UV-induced skin damage by 55% [3]. Another study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that Vitamin E improved skin hydration and elasticity when used regularly over 12 weeks [4]. These findings underscore Vitamin E's role as a multifaceted skincare ingredient, capable of both protecting and improving skin quality.

Comedogenicity

Comedogenicity: 2 (Low) [5]

Sustainability Notes

Sustainability Notes: Vitamin E can be derived from both natural and synthetic sources. Natural sources are generally considered more sustainable, often extracted from vegetable oils. Efforts are being made to develop more eco-friendly extraction methods.

How It's Made

Sourcing: Tocopherol is commonly extracted from vegetable oils such as soybean, sunflower, and corn oil. It can also be produced synthetically through chemical processes.

References

  1. Thiele JJ, Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage S, Hsieh SN. Cosmeceuticals. Elsevier; 2005:411-420. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4160-2534-2.50047-0
  2. Traber MG, Stevens JF. Vitamins C and E: Beneficial effects from a mechanistic perspective. Free Radic Biol Med. 2011;51(5):1000-1013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.05.017
  3. Nachbar F, Korting HC. The role of vitamin E in normal and damaged skin. J Mol Med. 1995;73:7-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00203614
  4. Keen MA, Hassan I. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(4):311-315. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.185494
  5. Fulton JE Jr, Pay SR, Fulton JE 3rd. Comedogenicity of current therapeutic products, cosmetics, and ingredients in the rabbit ear. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1984;10(1):96-105. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0190-9622(84)80050-9