Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate, also known as Vitamin E acetate, is a stable ester form of vitamin E widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutritional products.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is preferred over free alpha-tocopherol because it is more resistant to oxidation and degradation.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate can be converted in the body to active vitamin E.
CAS Number: 52225-20-4
Molecular Formula: C31H52O3
Molecular Weight: 472.74
EINECS Number: 257-757-7
Synonyms:alpha-Tocopherol acetate, Tocopherol acetate, Alfacol, Ecofrol, Contopheron, Tofaxin, Econ, Ephynal acetate, Evipherol, Tocopherex, Tocophrin, Erevit, Gevex, Combinal E, Tokoferol acetate, Endo E Dompe, Juvela, Copherol 1250, Covitol 1100, Covitol 1360, Vitamin E alpha acetate, Tinoderm E, Fertilvit, Simmyungsaengmosu, (2R,4'R,8'R)-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate, 9E8X80D2L0, [(2R)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-[(4R,8R)-4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl]-3,4-dihydrochromen-6-yl] acetate, [(2R)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-[(4R,8R)-4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl]chroman-6-yl] acetate, 2H-1-Benzopyran-6-ol, 3,4-dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-((4R,8R)-4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-, acetate, (2R)-, Tocopheryl acetate, alpha, E-tabs, ((2R)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-((4R,8R)-4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman-6-yl) acetate, ((2R)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-((4R,8R)-4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-3,4-dihydrochromen-6-yl) acetate, RefChem:5532, Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol acetate), 2,5,7,8-Tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman-6-yl acetate, 2H-1-Benzopyran-6-ol, 3,4-dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl- 2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-, acetate, [2R(4R,8R)]-(±)-;3,4-dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-,acetate,(2r*(4r*,8r*))-(+-)-2h-1-benzopyran-6-o;3,4-dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-,acetate,[2R*(4R*,8R*)]-(+-)-2H-1-Benzopyran-6-ol;acetate,(2r*(4r*,8r*))-(+-)-yl);[2R*(4R*,8R*)]-(±)-3,4-dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-yl acetate;VitaminEacetateoleaginous;2H-1-Benzopyran-6-ol, 3,4-dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4R,8R)-4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl-, acetate, (2R)-rel-;(+-)-ALPHATOCOPHEROLOACETATE
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is the acetate ester of alpha-tocopherol, consisting of a chromanol ring and a long phytyl side chain.
The acetate group protects the phenolic hydroxyl group, increasing chemical stability.
This structure makes it fat-soluble and highly compatible with lipid phases.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is a clear to pale yellow, viscous oily liquid.
It is insoluble in water but soluble in oils, fats, and organic solvents.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate has low volatility and good stability under normal formulation conditions.
After application to skin or absorption in the body, esterases hydrolyze the acetate group and release free alpha-tocopherol.
The active vitamin E then acts as an antioxidant by scavenging free radicals.
This helps protect cell membranes and lipid structures from oxidative damage.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is widely used in skin care products such as creams, lotions, serums, sunscreens, and anti-aging formulations.
It helps protect skin from oxidative stress caused by UV radiation and environmental pollution.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate also improves skin softness, elasticity, and barrier function.
In hair care products, it supports scalp health and helps protect hair fibers from oxidative damage.
It contributes to smoother hair texture and improved shine.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is commonly included in shampoos, conditioners, and hair oils.
In pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, it is used as a vitamin supplement to prevent or treat vitamin E deficiency.
It supports immune function, cardiovascular health, and neurological protection.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is commonly found in capsules, tablets, and fortified foods.
In food applications, it is used as an antioxidant to stabilize fats and oils.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate helps prevent rancidity and extends shelf life of lipid-containing products.
It is approved as food additive E307 in many regions.
From a safety perspective, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is considered low in toxicity and safe at recommended use levels.
Skin irritation and allergic reactions are rare but possible in very sensitive individuals.
Eye contact with concentrated material may cause mild irritation.
Inhalation risk is minimal due to its low vapor pressure.
Accidental ingestion of large doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or diarrhea.
Extremely high oral doses over long periods may interfere with blood clotting.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is not flammable under normal conditions but may burn when exposed to strong ignition sources.
Combustion may release carbon oxides and irritating fumes.
Standard fire-fighting procedures are sufficient.
It should be stored in tightly closed containers, protected from light, heat, and air to prevent oxidation.
Antioxidants such as BHT are sometimes added to improve shelf stability.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is compatible with most cosmetic oils, emulsifiers, UV filters, and active ingredients, but should be added to the oil phase during formulation.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate, also called Tocopheryl Acetate or Vitamin E Acetate, is an esterified derivative of natural vitamin E designed to improve chemical stability.
It is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food industries because it resists oxidation better than free alpha-tocopherol.
This stability allows it to remain effective throughout product shelf life and during high-temperature processing.
Chemically, the molecule contains a chromanol ring responsible for antioxidant activity and a long saturated phytyl side chain that provides lipid solubility.
The phenolic hydroxyl group of alpha-tocopherol is esterified with acetic acid, forming the acetate ester.
This esterification protects the molecule from reacting with oxygen and light during storage.
Physically, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is a viscous, oily liquid that is clear to pale yellow in appearance.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is insoluble in water but highly soluble in vegetable oils, mineral oils, fatty esters, and many organic solvents.
It shows good thermal stability and does not readily volatilize or degrade during typical formulation processes.
In biological systems, enzymes such as esterases cleave the acetate group and regenerate free alpha-tocopherol.
The released vitamin E then functions as a lipid-phase antioxidant, interrupting free-radical chain reactions.
This protects cell membranes, skin lipids, and biological tissues from oxidative damage.
In cosmetic formulations, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is used both as an active skin-conditioning ingredient and as a formulation stabilizer.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate reduces oxidative stress in the skin caused by UV radiation, pollution, and environmental aggressors.
It also supports collagen preservation, improves skin elasticity, and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
Melting point : −27.5 °C
Boiling point : bp (0.01) 184 °C; bp (0.025) 194 °C; bp (0.3) 224 °C
Density : 0.96 g/mL at 20 °C (lit.)
Refractive index : n²⁰/D 1.497
Flash point : 9 °C
Storage temperature : 2–8 °C
Solubility : Chloroform; ethanol (sparingly); methanol (sparingly)
Form : Viscous liquid
Color : Clear light yellow to light green
Stability : Light sensitive
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate, also known as Tocopheryl Acetate or Vitamin E Acetate, is the esterified and more chemically stable form of alpha-tocopherol.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and food products due to its long shelf life and resistance to oxidation.
Compared to free vitamin E, it maintains potency better during processing and storage.
Chemically, it consists of a chromanol ring system with a long hydrophobic phytyl side chain, and the hydroxyl group is esterified with acetic acid.
This esterification blocks the reactive phenolic group, preventing premature oxidation.
The molecule remains fat-soluble and highly compatible with lipid phases of formulations.
Physically, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is a viscous, oily liquid that ranges from clear to pale yellow in color.
It is practically insoluble in water but readily soluble in vegetable oils, mineral oils, esters, and alcohol-based organic solvents.
It has very low vapor pressure and good thermal stability under cosmetic and food processing conditions.
After topical application or oral intake, enzymatic hydrolysis by esterases removes the acetate group and releases active alpha-tocopherol.
The free vitamin E then functions as a chain-breaking antioxidant in lipid membranes.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate neutralizes reactive oxygen species and prevents lipid peroxidation in biological tissues.
In cosmetic formulations, it is primarily used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent.
It protects skin lipids from oxidative damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate also supports skin barrier integrity, improves hydration, and reduces signs of premature aging.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is commonly included in anti-aging creams, sunscreens, after-sun products, body lotions, lip balms, and facial serums.
It enhances product stability by protecting oils and fragrances from oxidation.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate also contributes to smoother skin texture and improved elasticity.
In hair care products, it is used to support scalp health and protect hair fibers from oxidative stress.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate helps reduce damage from UV exposure, heat styling, and environmental factors.
It is added to shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, and scalp treatments.
In pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is used as a dietary supplement to prevent or treat vitamin E deficiency.
It supports immune response, neurological function, and cardiovascular health.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is widely used in softgel capsules, tablets, and fortified nutritional products.
In food technology, it is used as an antioxidant additive to stabilize fats and oils and prevent rancidity.
It helps extend shelf life of processed foods containing lipids.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is approved for use as food additive E307 in many regulatory systems.
From a safety perspective, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate has very low acute toxicity and is generally recognized as safe at normal exposure levels.
Skin irritation or sensitization is rare but may occur in very sensitive individuals.
Eye contact with concentrated material may cause mild temporary irritation.
Inhalation hazard is minimal due to its non-volatile nature.
Accidental ingestion of extremely high doses may lead to gastrointestinal upset or interfere with vitamin K-dependent blood clotting.
Long-term excessive intake should therefore be avoided.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is combustible and may burn if exposed to strong heat or open flames.
During combustion, it may release carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Firefighting should be carried out with standard protective equipment.
For storage, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate should be kept in tightly closed containers, protected from light, heat, and oxygen.
Addition of antioxidants such as BHT or storage under nitrogen can further improve shelf life.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is compatible with most cosmetic oils, emulsifiers, UV filters, preservatives, and active ingredients, and is typically incorporated into the oil phase of emulsions.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is a natural form of Vitamin E, used as a fortifying agent and dietary supplement for Vitamin E in food.
It is also the main ingredient of skin care products and dermatological preparations.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate in combination with α-tocopherol has been used in the therapy of conditions such as sterility, muscular dystrophy, cardiac vascular disorders and anemia.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is commonly incorporated into anti-aging creams, sunscreens, after-sun products, moisturizers, body lotions, lip balms, and facial oils.
It improves product shelf life by preventing oxidation of oils, fragrances, and unsaturated lipids.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate also enhances overall sensory feel by contributing to smoother and softer skin texture.
In hair care products, it helps protect hair fibers from oxidative damage and environmental stress.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate supports scalp health by improving microcirculation and reducing dryness.
It is included in shampoos, conditioners, serums, and scalp treatments.
Uses:
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is the racemic analog of α-Tocopherol Acetate (T526155), one of the most bioactive of the naturally occurring forms of Vitamin E.
Richest sources are green vegetables, grains, and oils, particularly palm, safflower and sunflower oils.
This internal standard is suitable for HPLC or LC-MS/MS Vitamin E testing applications such as quality control testing of Vitamin E fortified foods, dietary supplements, or pharmaceuticals.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate may be used as an analytical standard for the determination of the analyte in aquatic organisms, fish feed and pharmaceutical formulations by colorimetric and chromatography techniques, respectively.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is widely used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations.
It helps protect skin lipids from oxidative damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollution.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate also supports skin barrier function and reduces signs of premature aging.
It is commonly included in anti-aging creams, facial serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, after-sun products, and body lotions.
It improves product stability by protecting oils and fragrances from oxidation.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate contributes to smoother skin texture and improved elasticity.
In hair care products, it is used to protect hair fibers and scalp from oxidative stress and environmental damage.
It helps improve scalp health, reduces dryness, and enhances hair shine.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is added to shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, and scalp treatments.
In pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, it is used as a vitamin supplement to prevent or treat vitamin E deficiency.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate supports immune function, cardiovascular health, and neurological protection.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is formulated in capsules, tablets, and fortified nutritional products.
In food products, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is used as an antioxidant additive to stabilize fats and oils.
It helps prevent rancidity and extends shelf life of lipid-containing foods.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is approved as food additive E307 in many countries.
In dermatological and therapeutic formulations, it supports wound healing and reduces inflammation associated with skin damage.
It helps improve recovery of irritated or sun-exposed skin.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is used in medical creams and ointments.
In lip care and baby care products, it is selected for its mildness and protective antioxidant properties.
It helps maintain moisture and protect delicate skin.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate supports formulation of gentle products for sensitive users.
In combination with other antioxidants such as vitamin C, ferulic acid, or coenzyme Q10, it provides synergistic protective effects.
It enhances overall antioxidant capacity of formulations.
This improves long-term skin protection and product performance.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is extensively used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient in cosmetic and dermatological formulations.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate protects skin lipids and cellular membranes from oxidative stress caused by UV radiation, pollution, and environmental toxins.
This helps slow visible signs of aging such as fine lines, dullness, and loss of elasticity.
It is widely incorporated into anti-aging creams, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, after-sun lotions, night creams, and body butters.
It stabilizes sensitive oils and fragrances, improving overall shelf life of cosmetic products.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate also enhances sensory properties by improving skin smoothness and softness.
In hair care formulations, it helps protect hair fibers from oxidative degradation and environmental exposure.
It supports scalp health by reducing dryness and irritation and improving microcirculation.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is used in shampoos, conditioners, leave-in treatments, hair oils, and scalp serums.
In pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, it is used as a vitamin supplement to maintain adequate vitamin E levels in the body.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate contributes to immune system function, protection of red blood cells, and maintenance of nervous system health.
It is formulated into soft-gel capsules, tablets, syrups, and fortified medical nutrition products.
In food technology, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate functions as an antioxidant additive to prevent oxidation of fats and oils.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate helps delay rancidity, preserve flavor, and extend shelf life of margarine, vegetable oils, infant formulas, and processed foods.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is regulated as food additive E307 in many countries.
In dermatological and wound-care formulations, it supports skin regeneration and reduces oxidative damage at injury sites.
It helps improve healing of minor burns, scars, and irritated skin.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is used in therapeutic creams, ointments, and post-procedure skincare products.
In lip care, hand creams, and baby care products, it is selected for its gentle antioxidant protection and moisturizing support.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate helps prevent dryness, cracking, and irritation of delicate skin areas.
It supports formulation of mild and protective products for sensitive populations.
Safety Profile
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is generally considered to have very low acute toxicity and is regarded as safe at normal cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical use levels.
However, direct contact with the concentrated raw material may cause mild irritation to the eyes and skin.
Eye exposure can result in temporary redness, stinging, and watering.
Prolonged or repeated skin contact with undiluted material may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions in very sensitive individuals.
Although sensitization is uncommon, patch testing is recommended for sensitive-skin formulations.
Protective gloves are advised during industrial handling.
Because Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate has very low vapor pressure, inhalation exposure is unlikely under normal conditions.
However, inhalation of heated vapors or aerosols during manufacturing may irritate the respiratory tract.
Adequate ventilation should be provided in processing areas.
Accidental ingestion of small amounts is not expected to cause serious harm.
Very high oral doses taken over long periods may cause gastrointestinal upset and may interfere with blood clotting by antagonizing vitamin K activity.
Medical supervision is recommended for high-dose supplementation.
Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate is combustible and may burn if exposed to strong ignition sources.