“Tocopherol?”Here!vitamin E
Appears in 3 scanned products.
In personal care
A fat-soluble compound in the vitamin E family, extracted from plant oils (soy, sunflower, wheat germ) or made synthetically. It exists in several chemical forms; tocopherol is the one most often used in cosmetics.
Why it’s used
Primarily an antioxidant. In a formula, it helps slow the oxidation of oils and fragrance components, extending shelf life. It is also marketed for its own skin-conditioning properties, though the evidence there is weaker than for its preservative-adjacent role.
What the evidence says
CIR has found tocopherol safe as used in cosmetics. Some studies suggest antioxidant benefits for skin at higher concentrations than typically found in commercial products; a small number of people develop contact dermatitis from concentrated vitamin E oil, though this is uncommon at the low levels used in most formulas.
Context
Relevant mainly in leave-on products where oxidation of oils over time is a concern. The concentrations used for shelf-stability (often under 1%) are lower than those tested in skin-benefit studies, so claims of dramatic skin effects from a standard formula should be read cautiously.
Rumors
Vitamin E applied to the skin fades scars.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- 100% PURE — a brand: makes and sells its own clean skincare and makeup
How we know who this is
- “We chose not to sell because 100% PURE is more than a company to us.” (their page)
- “Everything we make is formulated and manufactured in our own Silicon Valley, California facility, powered entirely by solar energy.” (their page)
- 100% PURE — a brand: makes and sells its own clean skincare and makeup