Tocopherol

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about tocopherol (vitamin E). Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that tocopherols and tocotrienols are safe as used in cosmetics.

Citations:

• • Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2018). Safety assessment of tocopherols and tocotrienols as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(2 Suppl), 61S–94S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818794455
    • What it shows: CIR safety assessment (2018).

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. The chemistry and antioxidant properties of tocopherols are well documented.

Citations:

• • Kamal-Eldin, A., & Appelqvist, L. Å. (1996). The chemistry and antioxidant properties of tocopherols and tocotrienols. Lipids, 31(7), 671–701. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02522884
    • What it shows: Review of tocopherol chemistry and antioxidant activity.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant in skin and sebum. In a small study, applying vitamin E to scars caused contact dermatitis in about a third of people, so ORY^® keeps leave-on levels low and makes no scar claims.

Citations:

• • Thiele, J. J., & Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage, S. (2007). Vitamin E in human skin: Organ-specific physiology and considerations for its use in dermatology. Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 28(5–6), 646–667. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mam.2007.06.001
    • What it shows: Review of vitamin E in skin.
  • Baumann, L. S., & Spencer, J. (1999). The effects of topical vitamin E on the cosmetic appearance of scars. Dermatologic Surgery, 25(4), 311–315. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1524-4725.1999.08223.x
    • What it shows: Study of vitamin E on scars.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Supported. Its main role is protecting the oils in hair products from oxidation. ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat scalp conditions or hair loss.

Citations:

• • Kamal-Eldin, A., & Appelqvist, L. Å. (1996). The chemistry and antioxidant properties of tocopherols and tocotrienols. Lipids, 31(7), 671–701. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02522884
    • What it shows: Antioxidant activity in oils.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Reviews describe vitamin E’s antioxidant and moisturizing roles in skin, mostly from lab and short-term studies. In a small study on scars, vitamin E did not improve, and sometimes worsened, scar appearance. Antioxidants do not replace sunscreen, and ORY^® does not make sun-protection claims for this ingredient; SPF claims are drug claims under FDA rules.

Citations:

• • Thiele, J. J., & Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage, S. (2007). Vitamin E in human skin: Organ-specific physiology and considerations for its use in dermatology. Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 28(5–6), 646–667. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mam.2007.06.001
    • What it shows: Review.
  • Keen, M. A., & Hassan, I. (2016). Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 7(4), 311–315. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Keen%20Hassan%20Vitamin%20E%20in%20dermatology%20Indian%20Dermatology%20Online%20Journal
    • What it shows: Review of vitamin E in dermatology.
  • Baumann, L. S., & Spencer, J. (1999). The effects of topical vitamin E on the cosmetic appearance of scars. Dermatologic Surgery, 25(4), 311–315. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1524-4725.1999.08223.x
    • What it shows: Scar study (no benefit).
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019, February 26). Sunscreen drug products for over-the-counter human use (proposed rule), 84 FR 6204. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/26/2019-03019/sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use
    • What it shows: FDA sunscreen rules.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported. In soap, it is added to the oils to help prevent rancidity and orange spots.

Citations:

• • Kamal-Eldin, A., & Appelqvist, L. Å. (1996). The chemistry and antioxidant properties of tocopherols and tocotrienols. Lipids, 31(7), 671–701. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02522884
    • What it shows: Antioxidant protection of oils.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
    • What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported. Supported by CIR review and oxidation science.

Citations:

• • Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2018). Safety assessment of tocopherols and tocotrienols as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(2 Suppl), 61S–94S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818794455
    • What it shows: Safety conclusion.
  • Kamal-Eldin, A., & Appelqvist, L. Å. (1996). The chemistry and antioxidant properties of tocopherols and tocotrienols. Lipids, 31(7), 671–701. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02522884
    • What it shows: Antioxidant science.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Allergy at high levels. Do not apply neat.
  • No scar benefit. Not supported by a controlled study.
  • Light- and heat-sensitive. Store in the dark.
  • Used up over time. It protects oils by being consumed.

Citations:

• • Baumann, L. S., & Spencer, J. (1999). The effects of topical vitamin E on the cosmetic appearance of scars. Dermatologic Surgery, 25(4), 311–315. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1524-4725.1999.08223.x
    • What it shows: Allergy and scar study.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • Do not apply pure vitamin E oil directly to skin.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2018). Safety assessment of tocopherols and tocotrienols as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(2 Suppl), 61S–94S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818794455
    • What it shows: Safety conclusion.
  • Baumann, L. S., & Spencer, J. (1999). The effects of topical vitamin E on the cosmetic appearance of scars. Dermatologic Surgery, 25(4), 311–315. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1524-4725.1999.08223.x
    • What it shows: Contact dermatitis.

10. Product-line notes

• • ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • ORY^® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Tocopherol is added to soap oils to help keep bars fresh. Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Baumann, L. S., & Spencer, J. (1999). The effects of topical vitamin E on the cosmetic appearance of scars. Dermatologic Surgery, 25(4), 311–315. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1524-4725.1999.08223.x
  • Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2018). Safety assessment of tocopherols and tocotrienols as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(2 Suppl), 61S–94S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818794455
  • Kamal-Eldin, A., & Appelqvist, L. Å. (1996). The chemistry and antioxidant properties of tocopherols and tocotrienols. Lipids, 31(7), 671–701. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02522884
  • Keen, M. A., & Hassan, I. (2016). Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 7(4), 311–315. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Keen%20Hassan%20Vitamin%20E%20in%20dermatology%20Indian%20Dermatology%20Online%20Journal
  • Thiele, J. J., & Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage, S. (2007). Vitamin E in human skin: Organ-specific physiology and considerations for its use in dermatology. Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 28(5–6), 646–667. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mam.2007.06.001

Government and regulatory sources

• • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019, February 26). Sunscreen drug products for over-the-counter human use (proposed rule), 84 FR 6204. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/26/2019-03019/sunscreen-drug-products-for-over-the-counter-human-use
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20