A very high-molecular-weight water-soluble Vitamin E derivative with 70 PEG and 30 PPG units. The extended polyether chain makes this ingredient function more like a polymeric humectant with antioxidant properties rather than a pure antioxidant. It provides moisture-binding benefits alongside free radical protection, and is used in hydrating serums, mists, and gel formulations.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Combined humectant + antioxidant function — attracts moisture while fighting free radicals
+ Excellent water solubility — disperses easily into clear aqueous products
+ Film-forming — creates a light, breathable protective barrier on skin
Pros
+ Multi-functional — reduces need for separate humectants and antioxidants in formula
+ Vitamin E backbone supported by robust clinical evidence
+ CIR-safe and EWG score: 1
+ Very mild — extremely low irritation potential due to high molecular weight
+ Non-comedogenic
Cons
− Very large molecule — sits primarily on the skin surface, limited penetration
− Antioxidant potency diluted by the massive PEG/PPG chain
− Potential tackiness at high concentrations
− Synthetic — not suitable for natural product claims
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 serums
0.5-3%
Facial mists
0.1-2%
Gel moisturizers
0.5-2%
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.