Tocotrienols

High-Potency Vitamin E Antioxidant for Skin & Hair Defense

INCI Name: Tocotrienols

Tocotrienols represent a super-charged form of Vitamin E, offering significantly higher antioxidant potency than conventional tocopherols. Naturally derived from palm, this oil-soluble active is a powerful free-radical scavenger that defends skin and hair against environmental aggressors like UV radiation and pollution. Its unique molecular structure allows for superior absorption, making it an essential ingredient for advanced anti-aging, moisturizing, and protective formulations.

Solubility Notes:

Oil-soluble, incorporate into the oil phase of your formulation.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Anti-Aging Serums & Creams

Protects skin from premature aging by neutralizing oxidative stress and supporting skin elasticity.
Protective Facial Oils

Enhances the skin's natural defense against environmental damage and strengthens the lipid barrier.
After-Sun & UV Repair Products

Helps mitigate the damaging effects of UV exposure, reducing redness and preventing long-term damage.
Hair Repair Oils & Serums

Shields hair strands from oxidative damage, improves shine, and helps prevent breakage.
Body Lotions & Moisturizers

Delivers deep moisturization and antioxidant protection to maintain healthy, resilient skin.
Lip Balms & Treatments

Provides robust antioxidant protection for the delicate lip area, preventing environmental aging.

Performance & Formulation Insights for Tocotrienols

How Tocotrienols Work

Tocotrienols are members of the Vitamin E family comprising four isomers (alpha, beta, gamma, delta). Unlike tocopherols, their unsaturated side chain allows greater mobility within lipid membranes, enabling faster interaction with and neutralization of free radicals. This enhanced bioactivity translates into markedly higher antioxidant efficiency—reported up to 40–60 times that of conventional tocopherols. By quenching oxidative stress, tocotrienols help protect cellular lipids and proteins from damage triggered by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental aggressors, supporting overall skin integrity and helping prevent visible premature aging. Their lipophilicity also makes them valuable in hair care, where they protect keratin structures from oxidative degradation.

Formulation Guidelines

Supplied as a viscous, oil-based liquid, Tocotrienols integrate seamlessly into the oil phase of emulsions or anhydrous systems. Add to the oil phase and warm gently if needed to ensure uniform distribution. They are broadly compatible with oils, esters, and other oil-soluble actives, and remain stable across common cosmetic formats. For visible skin and hair benefits, use at 0.5–2.5%. When employed primarily to protect the oil phase from oxidation and rancidity, 0.1–0.5% is typically effective.

Key Formulation Benefits

Superior Antioxidant Power: Offers significantly higher free-radical scavenging activity than standard tocopherol for robust environmental defense.
UV Damage Mitigation: Helps reduce lipid peroxidation and cellular stress from UV exposure, ideal for daily wear and after-sun formulas.
Anti-Aging Support: Protects collagen and elastin from oxidative stress to help maintain elasticity and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Enhanced Moisturization: Supports barrier function to reduce TEWL and improve overall skin hydration.
Hair Health & Shine: Shields hair fibers from oxidative damage to improve strength, reduce breakage, and enhance natural luster.
Formulation Stability: Acts as a natural antioxidant to help extend the shelf life of oils and other oxidation-prone ingredients.

Heading #1
Benefits	Anti-Aging & Anti-Wrinkle, Antioxidants, Barrier Repair, Hair & Scalp Care, Hair Repair, Moisturizing & Hydration, Skin Elasticity, UV Damage Repair, UV Protection & Defense
INCI Name	Tocotrienols
Usage Rate	0.5%-2.5%
Active Type	Vitamin E & Tocotrienols, Vitamins & Derivatives
Solubility	Oil-Soluble
Application Area	Body, Face, Hair, Lip, Scalp
Physical Form	Oil
Certifications	Halal, Kosher, Natural (ISO 16128), Non-GMO, Vegan

Frequently Asked Questions About Tocotrienols

Tocotrienols have an unsaturated side chain that allows greater mobility and deeper interaction within lipid membranes, delivering significantly higher antioxidant potency—reported up to 60 times more effective at neutralizing free radicals than tocopherols.

For active skin and hair benefits, use 0.5% to 2.5%. When used primarily as an antioxidant to stabilize the oil phase, 0.1% to 0.5% is typically sufficient.

Tocotrienols are oil-soluble and should be added to the oil phase of your formulation.

Yes. While not a sunscreen active, their strong antioxidant activity makes them an excellent addition to sun care and after-sun products to help mitigate UV-induced free radical damage.

Tocotrienols help protect hair from oxidative stress that can lead to color fading and weakness. They also support moisture retention and enhance shine for healthier-looking hair.

We encourage sourcing tocotrienols from suppliers offering certified sustainable options (e.g., RSPO) to help ensure responsible environmental and ethical practices.

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