Tocopherol Acetate

Best

Antioxidant

Tocopherol Acetate at a glance

  • One of many forms of vitamin E
  • Offers significant antioxidant benefits
  • Defends skin from pollutants and other environmental stressors
  • Deemed safe as used in cosmetics

Tocopherol Acetate description

Tocopherol acetate is one of many types of vitamin E. Like other forms of vitamin E, it offers significant antioxidant benefits for skin. This includes defending skin from pollution and other environmental stressors that lead to signs of aging. While naturally derived whole vitamin E (tocopherol) ends to have more benefits for skin, synthetic forms can still play a vital role in skin health. As with other forms of vitamin E, tocopherol acetate—which may also be listed as tocopheryl acetate—also helps keep delicate ingredients in cosmetics stable for longer. Vitamin E is often paired with pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid) for this purpose. The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has ruled all forms of vitamin E safe as used in cosmetics. Typical usage range hovers between 0.1–0.5%, although amounts up to 10% may be used depending on formulary needs and desired benefits.

Tocopherol Acetate references

  • https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/alpha-Tocopherol-acetate
  • Aesthetic Surgery Journal, September 2016, pages 959–965
  • Indian Dermatology Online Journal, July-August 2016, pages 311–316
  • Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2010, pages 7013–7020
  • Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1212–1217
  • Canadian Family Physician, July 2006, pages 855–856
  • International Journal of Toxicology, November 2002, pages 51-116
  • Dermatologic Surgery, April 1999, pages 311–315

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.