“Tocopheryl Acetate?”Here!vitamin E (as the acetate ester)
Appears in 1 scanned product.
In personal care
A more stable, ester form of vitamin E, made by attaching an acetate group to tocopherol so it resists breaking down as quickly when exposed to air and light.
Why it’s used
It is added as an antioxidant to help protect oils in a formula from going rancid, and is marketed for its conditioning feel on skin and hair.
What the evidence says
The CIR safety assessment reviewed animal and human data on Tocopheryl Acetate at the concentrations used in cosmetics (up to 36% in formulations) and found it was generally not irritating or sensitizing to skin, with reproductive and developmental toxicity tests negative, and clinical studies showed it was not an irritant or sensitizer. One animal test did show sensitization and one photocarcinogenesis study showed non-dose-related enhancement, but the panel concluded the overall data supported safety as used in cosmetic formulations. The assessment is a 2002 industry-sponsored ingredient review rather than independent long-term human outcome data.
Context
Common in leave-on products such as moisturizers and serums, typically at low percentages where it functions mainly as a preservative for the oils rather than a treatment ingredient.
Rumors
Tocopheryl acetate irritates skin and causes redness, rashes and allergic contact dermatitis.
Supports — suggestivehealth and safety evidence
Studied in: post-surgical wound/scar patients applying vitamin E ointment to healing skin.
Measured as an outcome.
- The effects of topical vitamin E on the cosmetic appearance of scars (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not checked
Who’s saying this
- Annmarie Skin Care — a brand: sells handcrafted organic skin care
How we know who this is
- “Step 1: Curate At Annmarie Skin Care, we curate with organic and wildcrafted ingredients—from herbs to high-vibration plant extracts—that meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness for your skin and body.” (their page)
- “Take this 2-minute assessment for a personalized Annmarie Skin Care regimen for next-level results.” (their page)
Tocopheryl acetate promotes skin healing and reduces the appearance of scars and blemishes.
Does not support — suggestivehealth and safety evidence
Studied in: patients who underwent skin cancer removal surgery (post-surgical scars).
Measured as an outcome.
- The effects of topical vitamin E on the cosmetic appearance of scars (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not checked
Who’s saying this
- Biotulin — a brand: sells pro-age skincare
How we know who this is
- “Developed through advanced German skincare research, the Biotulin Effect is a pro-age formulation approach designed to deliver visible results and progressively improve skin quality with consistent use.” (their page)
- “Start Your Pro-Age Skincare System with Biotulin's Bestselling Pro-Age Smoothing Serum Concentrate” (their page)
Tocopheryl acetate is an antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage.
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
- Lotioncrafter — a retailer: sells cosmetic ingredients
How we know who this is
- “Lotioncrafter - Premium Ingredients at Less Than Premium Prices” (their page)
- Lotioncrafter — a retailer: sells cosmetic ingredients
Tocopheryl acetate can be contaminated with hydroquinone, which may cause cancer.
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
- Annmarie Skin Care — a brand: sells handcrafted organic skin care
How we know who this is
- “Step 1: Curate At Annmarie Skin Care, we curate with organic and wildcrafted ingredients—from herbs to high-vibration plant extracts—that meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness for your skin and body.” (their page)
- “Take this 2-minute assessment for a personalized Annmarie Skin Care regimen for next-level results.” (their page)
- Annmarie Skin Care — a brand: sells handcrafted organic skin care