In this video, we explain the difference between mixed tocopherols and alpha-tocopherol.
Sources of natural tocopherols
There are four different forms of tocopherol in general: alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol. The exact composition of the individual tocopherols depends on the plant from which they are extracted. Extracting tocopherols from rapeseed or soybeans results in a high content of beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol.
In contrast, tocopherols extracted from sunflowers mainly contain alpha-tocopherol.
Mixed tocopherols with a high content of beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol are ideal for protecting oils and waxes. Mixed tocopherols with a high content of alpha-tocopherol, on the other hand, are the best choice for skin protection – because only alpha-tocopherol is bioactive and thus protects against free radicals and skin ageing.
Synthetic tocopherol
Synthetic alpha-tocopherol is also available, but the human body prefers the natural version. To achieve the same effect, twice the concentration of synthetic alpha-tocopherol is required.
Properties of natural tocopherols
Pure tocopherols are viscous and sticky, so we mix them with a small amount of oil to make them more user-friendly. All tocopherols have a slightly yellowish to brownish colour. However, due to the low application concentration of 0.05% to 0.2%, this colour has no effect on the colour of the formulation.
At Cosphatec, we recommend the natural tocopherols because of their significantly better effect in both skin and product protection.
