The Index · Vitamin E antioxidant

Tocopherol

Vitamin E antioxidant used to stabilise formulas and support antioxidant claims; evidence moderate for photoprotection adjunct use.

ModerateRobust antioxidant chemistry; clinical outcome size varies by formula.

Written byTheSkindex Desk

Reviewed byNot yet reviewed

Last updated18 Sept 2026

Sources2 cited

Tocopherol is the common cosmetic form of vitamin E. It scavenges lipid peroxyl radicals and is used both to protect formula oils and as a skin antioxidant claim[1].

What it does

Antioxidant in anhydrous and emulsion systems; sometimes paired with ascorbic acid in antioxidant serums. It is not a UV filter.

The evidence

Strong chemistry for radical scavenging; clinical photoprotection is adjunctive and dose/formulation dependent[1]. CIR assessed tocopherols as safe[2].

How to use it

Low mid-INCI percentages are usually formula antioxidants. Higher leave-on doses appear in dedicated antioxidant products.

Evidence by claim

Graded separately; the entry grade is the best-supported claim

Lipid antioxidant that can support photoprotection adjunctively[1]

Not a substitute for UV filters.

Moderate

Safe as used in cosmetics (CIR)[2]

Strong

Safety & limits

Source and region, always

all — CIR: tocopherols safe as used; oxidised vitamin E rare sensitiser in some contexts.[2] CA US EU UK

Sources · 2

Numbered as cited in the text

[1]Thiele JJ, Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage S. Vitamin E in human skin: organ-specific physiology and implications for health and disease. Free Radical Biology and Medicine (2007)doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2007.06.004
[2]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Safety Assessment of Tocopherols and Tocotrienols as Used in Cosmetics. CIR (2018)regulator

Revision history

18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk