Vitamin E Acetate, USP

High-Performance Antioxidant for Product Stability and Skin Protection

INCI Name: DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate

Vitamin E Acetate, USP is the stabilized ester form of Vitamin E, renowned for its potent antioxidant properties. As DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, it effectively protects cosmetic formulations from oxidation and defends the skin against free radical damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants. This versatile ingredient also offers moisturizing benefits, making it an essential active for anti-aging, sun care, and daily wear products.

Solubility Notes:

Oil-soluble; add to the oil phase of your formulation. Can also be added during the cool-down phase in emulsions.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Anti-Aging Face Creams

Protects skin from oxidative stress, a key contributor to premature aging, and helps smooth the look of fine lines.
Sun Care & After-Sun Products

Helps mitigate UV-induced free radical damage and soothes skin post-sun exposure.
Body Lotions & Moisturizers

Provides lasting moisturization and antioxidant protection to maintain healthy, resilient skin.
Lip Balms & Lipsticks

Keeps the delicate lip area hydrated and protected from environmental aggressors.
Anhydrous & Oil-Based Serums

Acts as a stabilizer, helping prevent oxidation of other oils and actives in the formula.
Hair Care Conditioners & Oils

Imparts antioxidant properties to help protect hair from environmental damage while adding moisture and shine.

Performance & Formulation Insights for Vitamin E Acetate, USP

How Vitamin E Acetate Works

Vitamin E Acetate (DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate) is a highly stable and effective form of Vitamin E for cosmetic use. Unlike pure tocopherol, the acetate ester is more resistant to oxidation and heat, ensuring its potency is delivered to the skin. Once it penetrates the skin, enzymes convert it to alpha-tocopherol, its active form. As a powerful, oil-soluble antioxidant, it integrates into the skin’s lipid barrier, where it neutralizes damaging free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution. This action helps prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin, reduces cellular damage, and supports the skin’s natural defense mechanisms.

Formulation Guidelines

Vitamin E Acetate is a viscous, oil-soluble liquid that is easy to incorporate into the oil phase of creams, lotions, and anhydrous systems. It is stable to heat and can be added before emulsification or during cool-down in emulsions. For optimal antioxidant benefit for the formula itself (to help prevent rancidity of other oils), a usage rate of 0.5–1% is effective. For active skin benefits, use 1–5%. It has excellent compatibility with most cosmetic ingredients and works synergistically with Vitamin C to create a comprehensive antioxidant network. The optimal pH for formulations containing Vitamin E Acetate is between 4.0 and 8.0.

Key Formulation Benefits

Superior Stability: Enhanced resistance to heat and oxidation compared to pure tocopherols, supporting longer product shelf life.
Potent Antioxidant Protection: Neutralizes free radicals to protect both the skin and the cosmetic formulation from oxidative degradation.
Moisturizing Properties: Contributes emolliency and helps improve skin hydration and barrier function.
Synergistic Activity: Pairs well with other antioxidants, particularly Vitamin C, for broad-spectrum environmental defense.
UV Damage Mitigation: Helps reduce cellular damage associated with UVB exposure; ideal in daily wear and sun care products.
Versatile Application: Easily incorporated into emulsions, anhydrous serums, balms, and color cosmetics.

Heading #1
Benefits	Antioxidants, Barrier Repair, Moisturizing & Hydration, UV Damage Repair, UV Protection & Defense
INCI Name	DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate
Usage Rate	0.5%-5%
Active Type	Vitamin E & Tocotrienols, Vitamins & Derivatives
Solubility	Oil-Soluble
Application Area	Body, Eye, Face, Hair, Lip
Physical Form	Oil
Certifications	Cruelty-Free, Vegan

Frequently Asked Questions About Vitamin E Acetate, USP

Tocopheryl Acetate is the ester of Tocopherol (Vitamin E). This form is more stable in cosmetic formulations, protecting it from degradation by heat and oxygen. The skin’s natural enzymes convert the acetate back to its active tocopherol form upon application.

For protecting the formula from oxidation, 0.5–1% is recommended. For delivering active antioxidant and moisturizing benefits to the skin, use between 1% and 5%.

Vitamin E Acetate is oil-soluble. It should be incorporated into the oil phase of your formulation or added to anhydrous (oil-based) products.

Yes, they have a synergistic relationship. Vitamin E helps protect lipids from peroxidation, and Vitamin C can help regenerate Vitamin E after it neutralizes a free radical, enhancing overall antioxidant capacity.

Yes, Vitamin E Acetate is well-tolerated and generally considered non-irritating, making it suitable for products for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

No, it is not an FDA-approved sunscreen active and does not provide an SPF value. However, its ability to neutralize UV-induced free radicals makes it an excellent complementary ingredient in sun care formulations.

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