A high-molecular-weight water-soluble Vitamin E ether (50 PEG, 20 PPG units). The predominantly hydrophilic character makes it fully water-soluble, enabling incorporation of Vitamin E antioxidant benefits into purely aqueous cosmetic systems. It provides free radical protection while also functioning as a mild humectant and texture enhancer.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Complete water solubility — allows Vitamin E antioxidant benefits in 100% water-based formulas
+ Free radical defense — protects skin cells from oxidative damage caused by environmental stressors
+ Mild humectant action — helps attract and retain moisture on the skin surface
Pros
+ Vitamin E's skin benefits confirmed by extensive clinical research (PubMed: well-documented)
+ CIR-safe — tocopherol derivatives approved for leave-on and rinse-off products
+ EWG score: 1 — minimal hazard
+ Fully water-soluble — simplifies formulation of clear antioxidant products
+ Non-irritating — well-tolerated on sensitive skin
Cons
− High polymer-to-active ratio — significant percentage of molecular weight is PEG/PPG chain
− Ethoxylation residue concern — must be sourced from reputable manufacturers with purification steps
− Prone to oxidation — formula must include stabilizing antioxidants
− Synthetic — not compliant with natural cosmetic standards
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 %
Clear serums
0.1-2%
Hydrating mists
0.05-1%
Gel-based 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.