TOCOPHEROL

Description: TOCOPHEROL — antioxidant, skin conditioning (Vitamin E).

All Functions: antioxidant, skin conditioning (Vitamin E)

Quick Facts:

• Category: active
• Also Known As: vitamina e, vitamine e

Proven Benefits At A Glance:

• Tocopherol is a form of vitamin E that works as an antioxidant in skincare
• Research shows it may help reduce redness and swelling from sunburn when applied after UV exposure
• It appears to have moisturizing properties due to its oil-based nature
• Most studies are limited in scope; stronger evidence exists for some uses than others

Safety tier is a starting heuristic from regulatory status and comedogenic rating, not a dermatological verdict — see our Terms for the full disclaimer. Research confidence reflects how many real cited studies back this ingredient, not the strength of their findings.

🧪 TOCOPHEROL

TOCOPHEROL

CAS Number: 54-28-4 (gamma)/ 16698-35-4(beta) / 10191-41-0(DL) / 119-13-1 / 1406-18-4 / 1406-66-2 / 2074-53-5 (DL) / 59-02-9 (D)/7616-22-0

Also Known As: vitamina e, vitamine e

Category: active

EC Number: 200-201-5 / 240-747-1 / 233-466-0 / 204-299-0 /215-798-8 / – / 218-197-9 / 200-412-2 / –

Korean Name: 토코페롤

3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E

TOCOPHEROL is an active ingredient used in skincare formulations.

🌍 Regulatory Status

📊 Comedogenicity

📚 Research & Evidence

🔬 The Science

Tocopherol, also called vitamin E, is an antioxidant—a substance that neutralizes harmful molecules called free radicals and reactive oxygen species that damage skin (Clin Exp Dermatol, 2002). These unstable molecules are generated by UV exposure and pollution, both of which accelerate skin aging. #1: Sunburn reduction. In a mouse study, applying d-alpha-tocopherol acetate (a stable, oil-based form of tocopherol) immediately after UVB sun exposure significantly reduced redness by 40–55% and decreased skin swelling by 26–61% depending on timing and dose (Arch Biochem Biophys, 1992). The treated skin also showed less sensitivity to touch compared to untreated burned skin. Notably, 8 days later, treated skin returned to normal thickness while untreated burned skin remained visibly thickened.

However, this was a mouse study, not human research. #2: Anti-aging potential. A human clinical study tested a serum containing 15% L-ascorbic acid, tocopherol, and other antioxidants on 40 women over 90 days (J Cosmet Dermatol, 2022). The serum reduced visible photoaging signs, hyperpigmentation, and air pollution-induced skin damage with good safety. That said, tocopherol was one ingredient among several, so its individual contribution cannot be isolated. #3: Moisturizing effect. The thick, oily nature of tocopherol acetate creates a physical barrier that reduces water loss from skin and is used clinically for dry skin conditions like eczema and atopic dermatitis (Ann N Y Acad Sci, 2004).

#4: Photoprotection evidence is mixed. While tocopherol can quench free radicals in theory (Clin Exp Dermatol, 2002), its role in preventing sun damage or skin cancer remains unclear and “has yet to be established” as a preventive agent (Clin Exp Dermatol, 2002). It should not replace sunscreen.

💧 Skin Type Compatibility

⚠️ Don’t Combine With

🧴 Products Containing TOCOPHEROL

• Schaebens Feuchtigkeits Maske
• Schaebens Totes Meer Wasch-Gel
• Beierdorf, Nivea Naturally good crema giorno idratante
• Tahi’Sun Graisse à traire scintillante
• Eucerin pH5
• Floressance, Léa Nature Huile 100% naturelle Avocat
• Nivea Intimate Gel de toilette intime Apaisant Extrait de camomille, Panthenol & Acide lactique
• Nivea Intimate gel de toilette intime Douceur Huile de jojoba bio, Extrait de camomille & Acide lactique
• Eucerin Sun Allergy Protect
• Nivea Care Shower Rose & Almond Oil
• Brynild AS Labello Peach Shine 1 stk
• Eucerin Oil control
• BRYNILD GRUPPEN AS Nivea Day Care Naturally Good 50ml
• nivea natural balance tagespflege
• Nivea nivea bronze efect
• Nivea Natturally good anti-age
• Nivea Naturally Good Avena Naturale Nutriente
• Nivea
• Nivea 24hr moisture
• Kneipp Pflegeölbad Mandelblüten Hautzart

📄 Related Research

Matched by search — not necessarily verified support for every statement above.

• Trevithick JR et al. (1992). Topical tocopherol acetate reduces post-UVB, sunburn-associated erythema, edema, and skin sensitivity in hairless mice. Arch Biochem Biophys.
• Neves JR et al. (2022). Efficacy of a topical serum containing L-ascorbic acid, neohesperidin, pycnogenol, tocopherol, and hyaluronic acid in relation to skin aging signs. J Cosmet Dermatol.
• Anstey AV (2002). Systemic photoprotection with alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) and beta-carotene. Clin Exp Dermatol.
• Pinnell SR (1999). Regarding d-alpha-tocopherol. Dermatol Surg.
• Panin G et al. (2004). Topical alpha-tocopherol acetate in the bulk phase: eight years of experience in skin treatment. Ann N Y Acad Sci.