PEG/PPG-5/30 TOCOPHERYL ETHER

INCI: PEG/PPG-5/30 TOCOPHERYL ETHER | Function: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning | Type: Antioxidant

What Is PEG/PPG-5/30 TOCOPHERYL ETHER?

A high-molecular-weight water-soluble Vitamin E derivative (5 PEG, 30 PPG units etherified to tocopherol). The extended PPG chain enhances surfactant properties, making this ingredient useful as both an antioxidant and a mild solubilizer/emulsifier in cosmetic products. Provides free radical scavenging while contributing to product texture.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Antioxidant protection — neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by UV and pollution
+ Mild surfactant action — helps solubilize lipophilic ingredients in water-based formulas
+ Contributes to formulation stability — protects oxidation-prone ingredients from degradation

Pros

+ Tocopherol efficacy extensively documented — one of the most studied skincare antioxidants
+ CIR safe — Vitamin E derivatives widely accepted in cosmetics
+ EWG score: 1 — very low hazard
+ Dual-function — antioxidant plus emulsifier reduces need for additional surfactants
+ Non-comedogenic

Cons

− High PPG content may reduce skin penetration of the active tocopherol
− Ethoxylation contaminant risk — reputable sourcing essential
− Requires stabilizing antioxidants in the formula — can oxidize over time
− 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 %
Serums / ampoules	0.1-2%
Creams	0.1-1.5%
Cleansers	0.05-1%

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.

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