A-Tocopherol

Gold-standard lipophilic antioxidant for both product stabilisation and skin anti-aging benefit. Effective at 0.01–0.05% as product antioxidant; 0.05–1% for skin benefit. Photosensitive in pure form — opaque/airless packaging is mandatory. The C+E+ferulic acid combination clinically inhibits UV-induced erythema, sunburn cell formation, and thymine dimer DNA damage. Vitamin C regenerates oxidised vitamin E — making C+E synergistic rather than additive. Ferulic acid at 0.5% doubles the photoprotective capacity of this combination. No regulatory restrictions.

FDA GRAS for food use (21 CFR 182.3890). CIR Expert Panel final report confirms safety of tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, and mixed tocopherols as used in cosmetics at typical use levels (0.01–1%). No concentration limits for cosmetic use.