In this video we explain the difference between mixed tocopherols and alpha-tocopherol.
Natural Sources
There are four different forms of tocopherol: alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol. The exact composition of each Tocopherol depends on the plant that they are derived from. By extracting tocopherols from rapeseed or soybean seeds, you get a high content of beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol.
In contrast, tocopherols extracted from sunflowers contain mainly alpha-tocopherol.
Mixed tocopherols with a high content of beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol are excellent for protecting oils and waxes. Whereas mixed tocopherols with a high content of alpha-tocopherol are the best choice for skin protection – because only alpha-tocopherol is bioactive and thus protects against free radicals and skin ageing.
Synthetic Version
Synthetic alpha-tocopherol is also available – but the human body prefers the natural version. To achieve the same effect, you need double concentration of synthetic alpha-tocopherol.
Characteristics
Pure tocopherols are pasty and sticky and 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, this color does not influence the color of the formulation because of the low application concentration of 0.05 % to 0.2 %.
At Cosphatec we definitely recommend the natural tocopherols due to their considerably better effects in both skin and product protection.