What is Tocophereth-10?
Tocophereth-10, also known as 3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol, ethoxylated (10 mol EO average molar ratio), is a synthetic ingredient derived from Vitamin E. It is a member of the Tocophereth family, which are all ethoxylated derivatives of tocopherol, the chemical name for vitamin E. The number following the name, in this case ’10’, refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units added to the molecule during the ethoxylation process.
The use of Tocophereth-10 in cosmetics can be traced back to the 20th century when scientists began to understand the benefits of antioxidants in skincare. Its antioxidant properties, combined with its skin conditioning and cleansing abilities, made it a popular choice for cosmetic manufacturers. Over the years, its usage has expanded to a wide range of cosmetic products.
The production of Tocophereth-10 involves a process known as ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is added to tocopherol. This process increases the water-solubility of the tocopherol, making it more suitable for use in cosmetic formulations. The ’10’ in Tocophereth-10 indicates that on average, 10 units of ethylene oxide have been added to each molecule.
While Tocophereth-10 shares similarities with other ethoxylated tocopherols, such as Tocophereth-20 or Tocophereth-50, the difference lies in the number of ethylene oxide units added. This affects the water-solubility of the ingredient and can influence its function in a cosmetic formulation. For instance, Tocophereth-10, with fewer ethylene oxide units, may be more suitable for oil-based products, while Tocophereth-50 may be more suitable for water-based products.
Tocophereth-10 is typically used in a variety of cosmetic products, including moisturizers, serums, cleansers, and anti-aging treatments. Its antioxidant properties help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, while its skin conditioning properties help to keep the skin soft and smooth. Additionally, its cleansing properties make it a useful ingredient in products designed to remove dirt and oil from the skin.
Benefits and Uses
In this section, we will delve into the officially recognized benefits and uses of Tocophereth-10:
Antioxidant
As an antioxidant, Tocophereth-10 plays a crucial role in protecting your skin from damage. It does this by neutralizing harmful free radicals that can be produced by exposure to environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage the skin cells, leading to premature aging and other skin issues. By neutralizing these free radicals, Tocophereth-10 helps to maintain the health and vitality of your skin.
Skin Conditioning
Tocophereth-10 also serves as a skin conditioning agent. This means it helps to make the skin feel smoother and softer by increasing its hydration levels. It achieves this by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface, which helps to prevent the loss of moisture. This can result in improved skin texture and appearance, making your skin feel more supple and well-nourished.
Cleansing
Another key function of Tocophereth-10 is its role as a cleansing agent. It helps to clean the skin by helping water to mix with oil and dirt on the skin so that they can be rinsed away. This leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed, without stripping away its natural oils. This makes Tocophereth-10 a valuable ingredient in products like facial cleansers and body washes.
It’s important to note that these benefits are based on the officially recognized and defined functions of Tocophereth-10. There may be other potential benefits and uses of this ingredient that go beyond these official functions. However, these additional benefits are not officially recognized and therefore, are not within the scope of this article.
Safety Profile
Tocophereth-10 is not a banned or regulated ingredient in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products. However, like any ingredient, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to Tocophereth-10, although this is relatively rare.
Potential side effects of topical application of Tocophereth-10 may include:
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Rash
A note for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding – there is currently a lack of data on the safety of topical usage of Tocophereth-10 during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
Adverse reactions to Tocophereth-10 are not common, but it is always recommended to perform a patch test before widespread usage to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction.
This ingredient analysis has been commissioned by Truth In Skincare (TiS), an independent industry regulator. The analysis was conducted by a TiS-appointed industry consultant, using sources that include the CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database – by the European Commission), the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), as well as other various publicly available sources.
