The largest member of the PEG/PPG tocopheryl ether family (100 PEG, 70 PPG units). At this molecular weight, the ingredient functions primarily as a polymeric humectant and film-former with residual antioxidant activity from the tocopherol core. It forms a light, breathable film on the skin, helping to retain moisture and providing a smooth, cushiony texture to cosmetic formulations.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Strong humectant action — binds water to the skin surface, reducing TEWL
+ Film-forming — creates a lightweight moisture-locking barrier
+ Silky sensory profile — imparts a luxurious, cushiony feel to creams and gels
Pros
+ Very low irritation — large molecular size prevents skin penetration, minimizing sensitivity risk
+ CIR-reviewed — safe as used in cosmetics
+ EWG score: 1
+ Multi-functional — humectant, film-former, texture enhancer, and mild antioxidant
+ Non-comedogenic
Cons
− Minimal antioxidant benefit — the massive polymer chain overwhelms the tocopherol core
− May feel slightly tacky in high-humidity environments
− Surface-level only — does not deliver antioxidant activity to deeper skin layers
− Fully synthetic processing
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Eye, Body
Product Type
Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source
Semi-synthetic
Natural Level
Semi-synthetic
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
1/5 (very low)
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
EWG Score
1/10
Regional Regulatory Limits
Region
Leave-on %
Rinse-off %
Status
EU (CosIng)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Japan (MHLW)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
ASEAN
No limit
No limit
Allowed
China (NMPA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Hydrating creams
0.5-5%
Gel masks
0.5-3%
Body lotions
0.5-3%
References
CIR (2018) — Safety Assessment of Tocopherols and Tocotrienols as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. PMID: 29616569.
Keen MA, Hassan I (2016) — Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. PMID: 27601852.
CosIng (2025) — European Commission Cosmetic Ingredient Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
EWG Skin Deep — Tocopherol and Derivatives Hazard Score. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
Thiele JJ et al. (2001) — Vitamin E: critical review of its role in cutaneous biology. Free Radic Biol Med. PMID: 11395424.