Micro-E™ (Tocopherol Microemulsion)
Tocopherol microemulsion concentrate (30% α‑tocopherol) for C+E photoprotection combos; add 1–8% in cool‑down.
Micro-E (Tocopherol Microemulsion) is a ready-to-use tocopherol microemulsion concentrate built on Dimethyl Isosorbide (DMI) and PEG‑40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil to deliver free α‑tocopherol with improved cutaneous penetration.
Human in‑vivo work shows that combining vitamin C with vitamin E meaningfully blunts UV‑induced erythema and sunburn‑cell formation compared with either alone; microemulsion carriers further aid delivery into the stratum corneum (JAAD, PubMed).
Compared with tocopheryl acetate, free α‑tocopherol is the active form in skin. The acetate converts poorly in human epidermis and is less protective against UV‑related DNA damage; this concentrate provides α‑tocopherol directly in a skin‑penetrating vehicle.
Usage: Antioxidant booster in day serums/lotions, after‑sun care, and barrier‑support formulas. Works best in C+E (+/‑ ferulic acid) photoprotection combos.
How to mix:
- Add in the cool‑down phase ≤40°C.
- In water‑based serums/lotions: stir into the main phase; additional solubilizer is usually unnecessary at 1–5% concentrate.
- In anhydrous balms/oils: add and mix until uniform. Avoid strong aeration/foaming.
Usage rate: 1–8% of this concentrate (delivers ~0.3–2.4% α‑tocopherol at 30% content).
Product Description: Clear to light‑amber, low‑viscosity microemulsion concentrate; faint characteristic odor.
Solubility: Self‑dispersible in water systems; miscible with DMI and glycols; compatible with many surfactant systems.
Storage: Store cool (15–25°C), tightly closed, protected from light.
INCI Name: Dimethyl Isosorbide, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, dl alpha tocopherol (30%), Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Glycerin
- Clear to light-amber microemulsion
- Room (25-40C)
- 24 Months from manufacturing or testing date. (Current Lot will expire: 04/2027)
- 1.00% - 8.00%
- 3.00%
- Add at last step. Avoid temperature above 40C.
- Heat Tolerant
- 3.50 - 7.50
- Soluble in glycols, Soluble in surfactant, Dispersible in water
- Cream, Lotion, Clear Gel, Sun Screen
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| Test Name | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear to light-amber liquid microemulsion; no phase separation at 25°C |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) content, % w/w | 30.0 ± 1.0 |
| Preservative system (Phenoxyethanol + Chlorphenesin + Glycerin), % w/w | 0.70 ± 0.10 |
| Odor | Characteristic, faint |
| TAMC (Total Aerobic Microbial Count) | ≤ 100 CFU/g |
| TYMC (Total Yeast & Mold Count) | ≤ 10 CFU/g |
| Specified pathogens (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans) | Absent / 0 in 1 g |