Researched by Helena DeMaria-Williams
Formula IngredientAntioxidantINCI: Tocophersolan
Tocophersolan (also known as Vitamin E TPGS — tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate) is a water-soluble synthetic derivative of vitamin E created by esterifying tocopherol with succinic acid and then attaching approximately 22 ethylene oxide (PEG) groups. Unlike natural vitamin E, which is fat-soluble only, tocophersolan is amphiphilic — it can function in both water- and oil-based formulations. It acts as an antioxidant by neutralising free radicals, protecting the skin from oxidative stress caused by UV exposure and environmental pollution.
Category
Antioxidant
Irritation Risk
Low
Skin Types
all skin types, oily, dry, combination, sensitive, acne-prone
antioxidant protection, free radical neutralisation, skin conditioning, stabilisation of other actives in formulation, improved bioavailability of vitamin E
The CIR Expert Panel found tocophersolan safe as used in cosmetics. Animal studies noted it was a slight eye irritant, but it is not considered a skin sensitiser or irritant at cosmetic concentrations. No EU CosIng Annex II or III restrictions apply. A CosDNA safety score of 1 (out of 5) confirms low irritation risk.
Tocophersolan does not increase photosensitivity. As an antioxidant, it can provide indirect photoprotective benefits by neutralising UV-generated free radicals, but it is not a UV filter and does not require SPF pairing.
Oral administration of tocophersolan did not produce reproductive or developmental effects in rat studies (CIR Safety Assessment, 2002). Reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity studies were negative. Topical vitamin E derivatives at cosmetic concentrations are widely considered safe during pregnancy.
Tocophersolan (also known as Vitamin E TPGS — tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate) is a water-soluble synthetic derivative of vitamin E created by esterifying tocopherol with succinic acid and then attaching approximately 22 ethylene oxide (PEG) groups. Unlike natural vitamin E, which is fat-soluble only, tocophersolan is amphiphilic — it can function in both water- and oil-based formulations. It acts as an antioxidant by neutralising free radicals, protecting the skin from oxidative stress caused by UV exposure and environmental pollution.
Individuals with known sensitivity to PEG ingredients or vitamin E derivatives should review the considerations above before use.
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