A water-soluble derivative of Vitamin E (Tocopherol), created by etherifying tocopherol with a PEG/PPG copolymer chain (2 PEG, 5 PPG units). This modification makes the normally oil-soluble Vitamin E dispersible in water-based formulations. It delivers antioxidant protection by neutralizing free radicals generated by UV exposure and environmental pollutants, while also providing skin-conditioning benefits.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Water-soluble Vitamin E — delivers antioxidant protection in water-based serums and toners
+ Neutralizes free radicals — helps prevent oxidative damage from UV and pollution
+ Skin-conditioning — softens and smooths skin texture
+ Synergistic with Vitamin C — combined use enhances overall antioxidant efficacy
Pros
+ Vitamin E is one of the most researched antioxidants — extensive clinical data supports its efficacy
+ CIR-reviewed — Tocopherol and derivatives are safe as used in cosmetics
+ Water-dispersible form — overcomes solubility limitations of pure tocopherol in water-based formulas
+ Non-comedogenic — suitable for all skin types including oily and acne-prone
+ EWG score: 1 — low hazard
Cons
− Less potent per gram than pure tocopherol due to PEG/PPG chain weight
− Ethoxylated — carries trace 1,4-dioxane risk if manufacturing is poor
− May oxidize over time — requires proper packaging (airless, opaque) and antioxidants in formula
− Not suitable for anhydrous (oil-only) formulations
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 %
Serums
0.1-2%
Toners / mists
0.05-1%
Light moisturizers
0.1-1%
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.