Tocopheryl Acetate

Tocopheryl acetate is one of the most commonly used forms of Vitamin E in cosmetic products. This is the esterified form of tocopherol, or pure Vitamin E, which has been chemically modified to enhance stability and prolong product shelf life. The esterification process protects tocopheryl acetate from oxidation-that is, it is less likely to break down over time, which prolongs the effective duration of skincare formulations.
Although this stability is a big plus in maintaining product quality, the skin absorbs less of the ingredient tocopheryl acetate than it does pure tocopherol. This may diminish its capacity to provide the complete range of activities ascribed to Vitamin E for the protection of skin against UV damage and neutralization of free radicals. Pure vitamin E is highly active in both its photoprotective and antioxidant properties, while tocopheryl acetate at this low level of absorption may not confer the same level of protection to the skin.
In other words, tocopheryl acetate is incorporated into cosmetic products because of its stability and validity over a longer period for formulation purposes. Simultaneously, however, one must take into account poor absorption and reduced photoprotective effects when choosing products for skin protection and antioxidant support.