Vitamin E in cosmetics
Tocopherol is an ingredient that is found in many cosmetics, especially in cream and oil-based skin care products.
It may also be in the skin care products you use.
This article explains in detail the origin and effects of tocopherol, and also examines how international organizations evaluate its safety.
What is tocopherol made from?
Tocopherol is a type of vitamin E. In cosmetics, it is common to use tocopherol extracted from plant oils.
Specifically, they are often made from the following vegetable oils:
- Soybean oil
- Sunflower oil
- Almond oil
- Wheat Germ Oil
- Naturally derived: d-α-tocopherol
- Synthetic origin: dl-α-tocopherol
(Caution) There is also a cosmetic ingredient called tocopherol acetate . It is a member of the tocopherol family, but its safety and concentration are slightly different.
Related article: Not actually natural! Natural ingredients in cosmetics
The role of tocopherol in skin care
Tocopherol is used in many cosmetics because it is expected to have the following effects on the skin.
Antioxidant action against aging
The greatest feature of tocopherol is its powerful antioxidant effect.
Free radicals (active oxygen species) are now known to be a factor in accelerating skin aging.
When the skin is damaged by ultraviolet rays or pollutants in the air, free radicals are produced, which are now known to be the cause of wrinkles and blemishes .
Tocopherol is effective in such situations. Tocopherol, which has antioxidant properties, suppresses the action of free radicals and protects the skin from oxidation.
Moisturizing effect leaves skin feeling moisturized
Tocopherol also has excellent moisturizing properties, helping to strengthen the skin's barrier function and retain moisture.
It's a great ingredient for people with dry skin or skin that is prone to irritation during seasonal changes.
Prevents oxidation of cosmetics
Tocopherol also acts as an antioxidant.
Various oils are used in cosmetics, but some types of oil are prone to oxidization (deterioration).
Applying oxidized cosmetics to the skin is not good for the skin, so tocopherol is added to prevent the oxidation and deterioration of the oil components.
Safety of Tocopherol
We know that tocopherol is a valuable ingredient in many skin care products.
But is it a safe ingredient?
Let's take a look at the safety opinions of CIR and EWG, global organizations that evaluate the safety of cosmetic ingredients.
CIR's Viewpoint
The CIR report states that tocopherols are safe when used in common concentrations.
The general concentration is 5.4% or less. In skin care, it is said that if the concentration is below this level, the risk of skin irritation or allergies is low.
However, if used in high concentrations, it may cause mild irritation, but this has been reported in rare cases.
EWG's position
Tocopherol is also rated as a low-risk ingredient in the EWG database .
The safety score is 1 to 2 out of 10 (10 being the highest risk), and the risks of toxicity, carcinogenicity, and reproductive toxicity are also low.
summary
We found that tocopherol, a type of vitamin E, is a wonderful ingredient in terms of both its effectiveness in skin care and its safety. If you know that it protects the skin with its antioxidant properties while also providing moisturizing effects, you'll definitely want to incorporate it into your skin care routine!
Based on the opinions of CIR and EWG, there seems to be little concern about safety. However, there is one thing I would like to point out.
The CIR report states that even though tocopherol is considered safe, caution is needed when consumed in high concentrations.
At present, it is rarely used in high concentrations in general cosmetics, but there is a trend for the concentration of tocopherol to increase year by year.
In 1999, the highest concentration was 2%, but by 2013 it had risen to 5.4%.
This concentration is still safe for many people, but there is a possibility that the concentration may become even higher in the future.
If you are concerned that tocopherol may not be suitable for your skin, it may be a good idea to check with the manufacturer.
We are also distributing information that can only be said on LINE
CONCIO Academy's LINE account provides useful information to help you choose safer cosmetics.
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"CONCIO" - A company that thoroughly researches the risks of cosmetic ingredients
CONCIO is the first additive-free skin care product in Japan to receive EWG certification, meeting new standards.
Focusing on the risk of skin irritation and allergies caused by cosmetic ingredients, we have implemented our own safety standards by not using 2,500 ingredients, including synthetic polymers and silicone oils that are poorly biodegradable.
*This does not guarantee that skin irritation or allergies will not occur in all people.
