Tocotrienols

Best

Antioxidant

Tocotrienols at a glance

  • Potent, stable forms of vitamin E
  • Considered powerful antioxidants
  • Known to offer skin-conditioning + soothing benefits
  • Can help mitigate the unwanted effects of sun exposure
  • May be naturally or synthetically derived as a cosmetic ingredient

Tocotrienols description

Tocotrienols are potent forms of vitamin E that are considered stable and powerful antioxidants, as well as skin-soothing agents. Tocotrienols are also classified as skin-conditioning agents and have been shown to help mitigate the effects of sun exposure on skin. The tocotrienols used in cosmetic products are usually derived from rice bran, wheat germ, oats, or grapes but can be produced synthetically. Other natural sources of tocotrienols include cocoa butter, coconut oil, raspberry seed oil, and soybean (just to name a few). Tocotrienols have a long history of safe use in skin care, backed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel who has reconfirmed this category of ingredients as safe multiple times. Of 439 products surveyed in their most recent report, the concentration levels of tocotrienols ranged from 0.0015-0.12% (high concentrations aren’t needed for efficacy).

Tocotrienols references

  • Plants, May 2021, pages 1-10
  • https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/pubmed-central/red-raspberry-rubus-idaeus-l-seed-oil-a-review-OuvirNhxkE?articleList=%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3Dtocotrienols%2Bcosmetics
  • Herba Polonica, December 2018, pages 63-70
  • https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/de-gruyter/oils-from-fruit-seeds-and-their-dietetic-and-cosmetic-significance-WFZr5c5AfV?articleList=%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3Dtocotrienols%2Bcosmetics
  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2018, pages 61S-94S
  • https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/sage/safety-assessment-of-tocopherols-and-tocotrienols-as-used-in-cosmetics-NE9VU0e0X0?articleList=%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3Dtocotrienols%2Bcosmetics
  • Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology, November 2012, pages 1,449-1,453
  • https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/wiley/clinical-evaluation-of-photoprotective-effect-by-a-topical-zqajFtTpEY?articleList=%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3Dtocotrienols%2Bcosmetics%26page%3D2
  • Journal or Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 2010, pages 7,013–7,020
  • Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, April 2008, pages 117–123
  • Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2003, pages 355-362

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.