Is tocopherol in cosmetics safe?

What ingredients are used in cosmetics?

Japan is known as a beauty powerhouse. When you step into the cosmetics section of a drugstore or department store, you will see a huge number of cosmetics lined up in a small space.

One thing to keep in mind is that cosmetics meant to make you beautiful don't just contain beauty ingredients.

• Preservatives to keep cosmetics from spoiling
• Surfactants that mix oil and water
• Antioxidants to prevent deterioration
• Thickener for adjusting texture

It contains a variety of ingredients with different functions.
This article summarizes the purpose, effects, and safety of the ingredient "tocopherol."

What is Tocopherol?

Cosmetics often contain the ingredient "tocopherol."

Tocopherol is commonly known as vitamin E.
Also known as "alpha-tocopherol," it is abundantly found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils , green leafy vegetables, fruits, etc.

Tocopherol is characterized by its powerful antioxidant properties.

It protects the skin from oxidative stress and damage caused by external stimuli such as ultraviolet rays. Vitamin E is also expected to have moisturizing effects and improve the skin barrier .

The expected effects of tocopherol on the skin

Our skin is constantly exposed to oxidative stress and skin stress caused by a variety of factors.

Tocopherol acts as a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes oxidative stress on the skin , protecting healthy skin cells, and is said to replenish antioxidant levels on the skin's surface when applied to the skin.

Oxidation is also related to aging such as wrinkles, so this is a welcome effect.

What's more, tocopherol also has moisturizing properties, strengthening the skin's barrier function and preventing moisture loss.

Also good for maintaining the quality of cosmetics

Tocopherol has a strong antioxidant effect, and its power is not only exerted on the skin.
It also acts as an antioxidant to prevent the deterioration of cosmetics.

Tocopherol prevents the oxidation of oily ingredients in cosmetics, helping to keep their quality stable for a long period of time.

It's great because it not only protects the skin but also increases the stability of cosmetics! That's why it's included in many skin care products.

Safety of Tocopherol

Now you know why tocopherol is included in so many cosmetics. But even if it's a great ingredient, is it safe to apply it to your skin every day?

Any cosmetic ingredient carries the risk of allergies or skin irritation. There is no cosmetic ingredient that is 100% safe for everyone. So, of course, tocopherol is a possibility. The risk of allergies or skin irritation is not zero.

However, it is generally believed that tocopherol is unlikely to cause skin allergies .

However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Be especially careful when the concentration is high. It has been suggested that there may be an increased risk of allergic reactions. It has also been shown that tocopherol that has been altered by exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures may increase the risk of skin problems.

Other Related Ingredients

Contact allergy to tocopherol may also be associated with skin sensitization to other ingredients , such as:

• Vitamin A
• Glycyrrhizic acid
• Decyl Oleate
• Aloe Vera

Just to be on the safe side, you may want to avoid any products that contain these ingredients along with tocopherol.

Additionally, tocopherol acetate, a derivative of tocopherol, does not necessarily pose the same risks. Some literature points out different risks from tocopherol.
Although the names are similar, it is best to think of them as different things.

summary

Which ingredients suit your skin and which don't?

It's difficult to judge just by looking at the ingredient names, isn't it? However, learning as much as you can about the characteristics of cosmetic ingredients and choosing cosmetics that contain as few unnecessary ingredients as possible may help prevent skin problems.