When it comes to beauty, some ingredients come and go. Whether they’re part of a fleeting beauty trend or make claims that will later be debunked – only a few will stand the test of time. When it comes to tocopherol, it’s almost impossible to deny its greatness.
Tocopherol, also referred to as a form of vitamin E, is an essential fat-soluble nutrient. Helps support the immune system, cellular function and skin health. It is also a known antioxidant with powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. It can strengthen the skin’s barrier against sun damage and is also popular as a treatment to minimize the appearance of stretch marks and scars.
But those aren’t the only reasons we love tocopherol: it’s a super versatile ingredient that you’ll find in everything from lip gloss to hair conditioner. Keep reading to find out why tocopherol is one of our all-time favorites for healthy skin and hair!
Tocopherol Vs. Tocopheryl acetate: The many faces of vitamin E
In the skin care world, you may have noticed that ingredients can go by a variety of different names. Tocopherol is no exception – but why exactly do we call it tocopherol and not vitamin E?
Vitamin E actually comes in many different forms. Most often, we are talking about fat-soluble tocopherols. When it comes to skin care, there are two common types you’ll see on an ingredients list: tocopherol and tocopherol acetate.
While tocopherol occurs in nature, tocopheryl acetate is a synthetic compound made from tocopherol ester by adding an acetate group. While this added acetate may make it more stable, some may argue that this makes it less bioavailable to the skin and possibly not as beneficial. There are still many studies that credit tocopherol acetate as extremely beneficial when applied topically, for moisture retention and wound healing.
Tocopherol is an essential ingredient in many of our formulas, so we are proud to supply high quality forms of this vitamin. Many of our tocopherols are meticulously extracted from rice bran, which is also gluten-free!
Tocopherol for the skin
While its benefits certainly don’t stop with the skin, it’s definitely one area where tocopherol shines. See how vitamin E can benefit your skin!
Hydration
One of the most popular features of vitamin E is its ability to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier. It is possible antioxidant abilities Make it a favorite ingredient for soothing inflammation and redness, whether as part of a soothing lip balm or hand moisturizer.
Because of tocopherol’s ability to relieve dryness, redness, and flaking, it is often used to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms associated with eczema and psoriasis. While limited research has shown that tocopherol may indeed help with the symptoms of psoriasis, it does not necessarily address the root problem and is not recommended for people with severe cases of psoriasis.
Shine
Whether it’s caused by scarring, hormones, or too much sun exposure, hyperpigmentation is a common concern. Many women turn to vitamin E during pregnancy to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, while those experiencing weight gain or loss can also use pure vitamin E oil for the same purpose.
Evidence suggests that tocopherol may help with hyperpigmentation in topical treatments, but only to a moderate degree unless combined with vitamin C. When we formulated the Vitamin C Rejuvenating Serum, we made sure to keep these two allstar vitamins together! With added benefits of green apple, aloe vera and alpha-lipoic acid, your skin will be more than happy with this glow-promoting formula.
Antiaging
Perhaps most notably, tocopherol is known for its antioxidant richness. The antioxidant power of vitamin E is helpful in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Some people report that their skin feels firmer after topical application and more supple thanks to the aforementioned moisturizing benefits.
Tocopherol for hair
If you thought tocopherol only helped the skin, think again! Tocopherol can be just what you need to make your hair shiny and rich, especially when used on a regular basis.
Scalp support
As we’ve mentioned before, tocopherol is known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a useful moisturizer for dry or brittle hair and dehydrated scalps.
In addition to maintaining scalp health for better hair growth, the antioxidant effect of tocopherol can be especially helpful for those who suffer from dandruff. By reducing the oxidative stress that causes hair follicles to break down, tocopherol hair treatments can be great for those who suffer from brittleness and breakage.
If you’re dealing with a flaky scalp, try nourishing it with the Burdock & Neem Healthy Scalp Shampoo or the Honey & Virgin Coconut Oil Restorative Conditioner. The former helps unclog the pores of the scalp, while the latter is a mega-moisturizer – both contain tocopherol!
Heat damage repair
You may notice that there is an ongoing theme with tocopherol: it is a nutrient known for its ability to nourish and replenish. This can help repair hair damaged by heat tools or styling treatments.
If you’re looking for a little restoration for your hair, Pro-Vitamin B5 Smoothing Serum offers an impressive list of benefits! It uses coconut, provitamin B5 and tocopherol to create the foundations for restoring radiance and strength.
Length & Strength
Many vitamins and minerals are necessary to support healthy hair, but because of its high antioxidant activity, vitamin E may actually be the best for hair growth.
A Trial period of 8 months They even showed that subjects who took 50 mg of mixed tocotrienols increased their hair count by 34.5%. This success is attributed to tocopherol’s ability to reduce not only inflammation, but also lipid peroxidation – one of the main causes of hair loss.
Tocopherol in Make-up
Skin softener
We use vitamin E in our makeup products to keep the skin hydrated and deep. Our Fruit Pigmented® Lip Gloss has Vitamin E as one of its key ingredients to keep lips soft and supple.
Preservative
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, tocopherol has the power to help extend the shelf life of natural products. We use it in combination with Japanese honeysuckle, rosemary, goldenseal or oregano in place of common chemical preservatives.
Tocopherol is one of the most common ingredients used in personal care products, but it’s best combined with nutritious natural ingredients that won’t neutralize its beneficial effects. For more on nutrients, check out our posts on 15 Little-Known Uses of Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil Benefits for Skin, and Neem Oil for Eczema, Dandruff, and Acne!
Tocopherol for skin resilience and healing
Tocopherol doesn’t just enhance your skin’s appearance—it actively supports its resilience and ability to heal. As an antioxidant, tocopherol neutralizes harmful free radicals, which can accelerate aging and damage skin cells. This protective function allows the skin to maintain its structural integrity, resulting in a smoother, firmer appearance over time.
In addition, tocopherol helps repair microdamage caused by daily wear and tear. From minor environmental stressors to irritation from harsh products, tocopherol helps soothe and restore balance to distressed skin. Its ability to further reduce inflammation contributes to faster healing, making it a must-have ingredient for those with sensitive or stressed skin.
How to maximize skin resilience with tocopherol:
- Use tocopherol after sun exposure to reduce inflammation and support recovery from UV damage.
- Combine tocopherol with ceramides or fatty acids for a complete barrier repair routine.
- Incorporate tocopherol-rich products into your routine consistently for long-term improvement in skin health and texture.
Frequently asked questions about tocopherol in skin and hair care
1. Can tocopherol be used on all skin types?
Yes, tocopherol is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Its soothing and moisturizing properties make it a versatile ingredient, but people with oily skin should opt for lightweight formulas to avoid clogging pores.
2. Is tocopherol safe for daily use?
Absolutely. Tocopherol is gentle and can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine. It works well in both morning and evening applications, although it is especially beneficial in the evening when the skin undergoes its natural repair processes.
3. Can tocopherol help with scars and stretch marks?
Yes, tocopherol is known for its ability to improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Its antioxidant properties promote collagen production and support the skin’s healing process, leading to smoother, more even skin over time.
4. Does tocopherol work well with other ingredients?
Tocopherol combines excellently with other antioxidants such as vitamin C, as the combination enhances their protective and brightening effects. It also complements moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, boosting overall skin hydration and resilience.
5. Can tocopherol be used for hair care?
Yes, tocopherol is great for hair care. Nourishes the scalp, promotes healthy hair growth and repairs damage caused by heat styling and environmental factors. Regular use of tocopherol-enriched products can lead to shinier, stronger and more manageable hair.
