Natural Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol, 1490IU/g) is a high-potency fat-soluble antioxidant concentrate derived from vegetable oils, standardized for d-alpha tocopherol activity for use as a cosmetic antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
The free tocopherol form is already in the active configuration used by the body and skin. Compared with tocopheryl acetate it is more immediately antioxidant-active but also more sensitive to air, light and heat, so stability depends strongly on how you design the oil phase, chelators, packaging and headspace.
In formulations it protects unsaturated oils, butters and lipids against rancidity, helps support barrier lipids in leave-on products and can contribute to marketing claims around antioxidant, anti-aging and environmental protection when used alongside a robust formulation and packaging strategy.
Usage: Oil-phase antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent for facial serums, creams/lotions, balms, body oils, lip products, hair oils and treatments.
Mixing method:
- Pre-dissolve in the oil phase (vegetable oils, esters, triglycerides) or in an anhydrous concentrate before emulsification.
- Process in the oil phase or add during cool-down; keep below about 70°C whenever possible to limit oxidation.
- Combine with chelators (e.g. EDTA), secondary antioxidants and low-permeability packaging (airless or foil-lined) to slow color change and rancidity.
- Minimize air incorporation and headspace; protect from strong oxidizing agents and repeated heating/cooling cycles.
Usage rate: 0.05–1% in the finished product (typical 0.1–0.5% in leave-on formulas, higher for very unsaturated oil systems).
Product characteristics: Pale yellow to brownish-red viscous oily liquid; practically insoluble in water; characteristic mild oil-like odor.
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water; freely soluble in acetone, anhydrous ethanol, methylene chloride, fats and fixed oils; miscible with most cosmetic oils and oil phases.
Storage: Store tightly closed in a cool, dark place away from air, light and metal ions; flush headspace with inert gas where possible to maximize shelf life.
