Tocopheryl acetate is a specific form of vitamin E that is often found in skin care products, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. It is a synthetic form of vitamin E that is created by mixing natural vitamin E with acetic acid. Tocopheryl acetate is known for its antioxidant properties, which help to protect the body from damaging compounds called free radicals. However, there are some concerns about the safety of tocopheryl acetate, including:
Positive:
- Antioxidant properties that help protect the body from free radicals.
Negative:
- Potential skin irritation, causing redness, rashes, and potential allergic reactions.
- Suspected of causing genetic defects and cancer.
- Very toxic to aquatic life and may cause eye damage.
Ingredients or materials:
- Tocopheryl acetate is a chemical compound that consists of acetic acid and tocopherol (vitamin E) .
- Alpha-tocopheryl acetate (ATA) is the most active form of vitamin E in humans.
- ATA is more stable than AT, meaning it can better withstand environmental stresses such as heat, air, and light.
- Tocopheryl acetate is often used in dermatological products such as skin creams because it is not oxidized and can penetrate through the skin to the living cells, where about 5% is converted to free tocopherol.
- Tocopheryl acetate is used as an alternative to tocopherol itself because the phenolic hydroxyl group is blocked, providing a less acidic product with a longer shelf life.
- Tocopheryl acetate was first synthesized in 1963 by workers at Hoffmann-La Roche.
- Tocopheryl acetate is typically made through a chemical reaction between tocopherol (a natural form of vitamin E) and acetic acid.
