Tocopherol in Clean Beauty - Go Organic With PuraVeda

Pure Tocopherol – or natural Vitamin E in Skin Care is the all-in-one ingredient your skin needs to strengthen your skins’ barrier, accelerate repair, hydrate, and remove redness. Also of great importance. The Tocopherol in PVO’s clean beauty contains powerful antioxidants that neutralizes free radicals before they can damage your skin.

Naturally obtained from nuts and expeller pressed vegetable oils, Tocopherol/ Vitamin E is widely used in sunscreens and moisturizers. Here is a detailed breakdown of this ingredient, why you should be using it, some precautions, and the recommended PVO products compatible with your personal dosha:

Vitamin E or Tocopherol

An extremely versatile ingredient – Tocopherol is a fat soluble vitamin available in several different formats. While it is found in our own naturally produced sebum, outside replenishment is frequently required, especially for those with Vata/ Pitta Skin.

The Natural Sources of Tocopherol in Clean Beauty

The best natural sources of Tocopherol used in our products:

(Sustainably sourced/ Organic/ Non-GMO/ Cold-pressed/ USDA-approved) Sunflower seed oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Hemp seed Oil, Jojoba oil, Coconut Oil, Grapeseed oil, Apricot Kernel oil, Olive Oil, and more.

Is Tocopherol/ Vitamin E the same as Tocopheryl Acetate (Synthetic)?

While Tocopherol is the pure, active form of Vitamin E used in high-end or clean beauty products, do not get this natural product confused with Tocopheryl Acetate (TA), which is a lab-made version of Vitamin E and is widely used in less expensive OTC skin care and cosmetics.

Diving Deep into the Labels

Synthetic Tocopherol/ Tocopheryl Acetate/ ‘dl-alpha-tocopherol’ is cheap and has a longer shelf life. However, it is also responsible for causing breakouts, allergic reactions, increased sensitivity, and other skin issues.

Additionally, it has very ‘low bioavailability’ (meaning, it absorbs poorly into the skin). Those with combination/ kapha skin experience more oiliness with topical application of synthetic Vitamin E.

On the other hand, Natural Tocopherol or Vitamin E is ‘d-alpha-tocopherol’ – derived from nuts/seeds/plant oils through the natural/ cold-pressed process is far more bioavailable and is therefore preferred in clean beauty and is used exclusively in our products.

Comedogenicity – Does Tocopherol Cause Breakouts?

Synthetic forms of Tocopherol are largely responsible for causing breakouts (explained below).

However, natural forms of Tocopherol are Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS designation by the FDA) and are non-comedogenic (ie; will not form Blackheads/Pimples).

Note: Vitamin E can act as an allergen in some individuals. Precaution should be made (in the form of a patch test) if you are using heavy formulations, especially the ones that can trigger your individual sensitivity (Dosha). Pure Vitamin E oil/ capsules can be too heavy or occlusive, leading to breakouts or heat buildup, which can worsen acne or conditions such as rosacea.To avoid this:

Look for ‘non-comedogenic’ on the labels.
Take the ‘Dosha test’ for compatible product recommendations from Puraveda Organics.
Do a patch test on the first application, especially if you have hypersensitive or rosacea-prone skin/ midst of a flare.
For oily or combination skin, choose lighter formulations (Non-comedogenic values of 0-2) such as those made with Grapeseed Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil or Sunflower Seed Oil.

The Benefits of Tocopherol in Skin Care

Antioxidant Protection: Destroys free radicals (unstable molecules responsible for fine lines, wrinkles, and skin damage).
Reinforces Skin Natural Barrier: Helps repair and strengthen the skin’s natural pH barrier.
Moisturization: Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Enhances shelf life: As a powerful natural antioxidant, Tocopherol enhances shelf life of products by preventing rancidity.
Anti aging: Vit E lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially when combined with ingredients like Vitamin C, Peptides, and Gotu Kola. Skin feels softer and plumper with regular use.
Easy Penetration: When used as part of our lightweight carrier oils, the essential vitamin E is absorbed quickly without leaving behind any sticky or greasy feel.
Reduces Redness with Gentle (Non-occlusive) Formulations: Vit E is a natural emollient known to improve pH barrier function and reduce sensitivity. The anti-inflammatory properties in Tocopherol can calm irritation in rosacea or eczema prone skin.
Supports Recovery from Sun Damage – While Vitamin E is not a true UV filter, it shields the skin from environmental aggressors and helps repair cellular damage caused by exposure to UV rays.

More FAQs about Tocopherol in Skincare

Q: Does sourcing of Tocopherol matter?

A: Yes. Plant-derived and biodegradable sources of Tocopherol fit into clean beauty principles.True clean beauty products will have non-GMO, cold-pressed, or organic sources of tocopherol.

Q: Can Vitamin E help with scars, stretch marks, and dark spots?

A: Combining Vitamin E with clinically proven ingredients like Kojic Acid, Licorice Root, and Uva ursi (DevaBright Proprietary Blend) will promote faster healing and even out complexion. Use our Vanilla Silk Body Butter for overall skin improvement and anti-aging effects on body skin.

Q: Can Vitamin E be used with other skin care ingredients?

A. When used in clinically proven ratios, Vitamin E works well with Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and botanical ingredients in our sunscreens, moisturizers, and other formulas. Avoid layering with strong acids or peeling solutions.

Q: Are PVO products with Vitamin E safe for daily use?

A. Absolutely! Our products/ skin care lines are recommended to be used 2X daily. Sunscreen should be applied 1X daytime and thereafter every 2 hours. Masks/ Exfoliators can be used 2-3X times/ week.

Q. Should I apply Vitamin E capsules directly to my skin?

A. No..Vitamin E capsules are concentrated and very thick for facial tissue. In 90% of the cases, direct application leads to breakout.

Q. Can Vitamin E help with under eye dark circles, crow’s feet, and signs of aging around the eyes?

A. Our Eye Skin Care line is designed to remove dark circles, puffy eyes, and crow’s feet. The two formulations are made with Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, and other Vit E rich oils that intensely moisturize and penetrate deep into dermal tissues to slow down the signs of aging.

Q. How long does it take to see results with Vitamin E?

With the correct combination of Vit E and compatible active ingredients in our products, you may notice improved hydration and softness quickly. For targeted treatments and results, go to our Solutions section. Our clinically proven treatments are covered by a 60 days money back guarantee.