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TOCOPHEROL

Last update on Jan 16, 2026

Tocopherol is an active form of vitamin E that is truly a magical ingredient in skin care and cosmetics. It is a pale yellow liquid that conditions the skin and hair deeply and also acts as an antioxidant. Tocopherol further protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. This ingredient is added to a wide variety of products such as sunscreens and moisturizers, makeup products, hair styling products, etc. Tocopherol is also a preservative preventing the products from going bad. The chemical formula of tocopherol is C29H50O2.

CAS Number: 1406-66-2 / 10191-41-0 / 2074-53-5 / 59-02-9 / 148-03-8 / 119-13-1 / 54-28-4Chem/IUPAC Name: 3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E EINECS/ELINCS No: - / 233-466-0 / 218-197-9 / 200-412-2 / 205-708-5 / 204-299-0 / 200-201-5COSING REF No: 80273

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What is TOCOPHEROL used for?

Tocopherol has multiple benefits for the skin and hair - from conditioning them deeply to protecting them from harmful rays of the sun. It is thus used in a wide range of cosmetic, skin care, and hair care products.

  • Skin care: It acts as a skin conditioning agent in skin care products. Apart from deeply hydrating the skin, it also strengthens the skin’s barrier and protects it against harm. Tocopherol has also been proven to reduce hyperpigmentation on the skin
  • Hair care: It is added as a hydrating and conditioning ingredient. It has anti-inflammatory properties that moisturize and repair dry and brittle hair. Because of its antioxidant properties, Tocopherol also promotes healthy hair.

Origin

Tocopherol is a natural ingredient found in a variety of vegetable oils and fats such as peanuts, sunflowers, walnuts, sesame, and olive oil. It can also be found in certain dairy products. However, tocopherol can also be made synthetically in the labs.

What does TOCOPHEROL do in a formulation?

ANTIOXIDANT|
SKIN CONDITIONING|
EMOLLIENT|
HAIR CONDITIONING

Safety Profile

Tocopherol is considered safe for cosmetic use, as reaffirmed by the CIR Expert Panel (safe as used). It has a very low hazard rating from EWG (1) with minimal concerns for irritation, sensitization, or toxicity at typical concentrations (0.1-5%). It is non-comedogenic, well-tolerated across skin types (including sensitive), and suitable for all ages. High concentrations may cause mild irritation in rare cases. Approved by the EU COSING database for antioxidant and skin conditioning functions in rinse-off and leave-on products.

TOCOPHEROL technical profile

PropertyValues
Boiling Point200-220°C
Melting Point2.5-3.5°C
SolubilityInsoluble in water