Tocopherol T-50 (Natural Vitamin E)
Tocopherol T-50 (Natural Vitamin E) is an anti-oxidant that is processed in a manner to minimize deterioration. Vitamin E derived from natural sources has a higher biological activity on a weight basis than Vitamin E derived from synthetic sources.
Tocopherols are transparent, viscous, oily liquids with slightly characteristic odor and have colors ranging between light yellow to reddish brown. They are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. The color changes gradually into dark brown after contact with air or light though it does not alter the antioxidant acivity.
Tochopherol is Vitamin E in the alcohol form; a hydroxyl group (-OH) is positioned on the aromatic ring at position 6. This hydroxyl group acts as a hydrogen donor which allows for the antioxidant effect of Vitamin E, limiting free-radical damage to other molecules. Because the hydroxyl group of Vitamin E gives itself up to oxidation so readily, tocopherols degrade when exposed to oxygen, high temperatures or metal ions. In order or maintain stability tocopherols should be stored in airtight containers and at cool temperatures.
Vitamin E has long been considered the most important oil-soluable antioxidant and free-radical scavenger with studies indicating that Vitamin E can perform these noted functions when applied topically.
Common Uses of Vitamin E
* Anti-aging creams and lotions
* UV protective products
* Moisturizers
* Effective in the treatment of burns
* Antioxidant
* Photoprotectant and helps protect cellular membrane from free-radical damage
* Protects against oxidation
* Absorbes well into the skin
* Improves skin's water binding ability
* Improves appearance of rough, dry and damaged skin
Tocopherols is a term used to describe the collection of all the tocopherols in Vitamin E that occur naturally in food.
There are 4 types of tocopherols: d-alpha, d-beta, d-gamma and d-delta. Low d-alpha mixed tocopherols are often used to slow the onset of rancidity in fats & oils.
Natural oxidants are isolated from vegetable oils and concentrated to contain a mixture of d-alpha (commonly known as Vitamin E), d-beta, d-gamma and d-delta tocopherols.
T-50 is all natural, low d-alpha mixed tocopherols that has 400 IU per cc tocopherols and is a brownish-red, clear, viscous oil. At proper usage levels T-50 doesn’t contribute odor, taste or color to the end product.
Tocopherols are nature’s perfect antioxidant. The optimal level of tocopherols in finished products will range from 0.01% to 0.2% of the fat or oil content.
Because antioxidants can only prevent oxidation, not reverse it, it is important to add the antioxidant as early in the process as possible.
Tocopherols also slows the onset of rancidity in fats & oils in your soaps & lotions. If you superfat your soaps, then Vitamin E is a must so that your soaps won’t develop a rancid scent in a few months.
Tocopherols also help to protect the most vulnerable citrus essential oils.
Recommended usage: 4 drops per one pound of oils in a recipe.
The US FDA has generally recognized tocopherols as safe (GRAS) as a nutrient and as a preservative. It’s insoluble in water.
