Dietary supplements, Cosmetics and Personal Care, Natural plant extracts

Tocopherol-Vitamin E

English Name: Tocopherol-Vitamin E

Specification

- Purity: ≥ 96% (HPLC for alpha – tocopherol)

- Solubility: Practically insoluble in water; highly soluble in fats, oils, and organic solvents such as ethanol (≥ 50 g/100 mL), propylene glycol

- Appearance – related: Loss on drying ≤ 1.0%, Heavy metals ≤ 10 ppm, Residual solvents ≤ 0.5%

- Form: Can be in the form of oil (concentration often 90 – 95% tocopherols), powder (micro – encapsulated for better stability, particle size ≤ 100 μm)

Appearance

- Yellow to amber – colored viscous oil (natural or synthetic oil form), or off – white to light yellow free – flowing powder (micro – encapsulated form), odorless or with a faint, characteristic mild odor, not related to chocolate

CAS NO.

- Alpha – Tocopherol: 59 – 02 – 9; General Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols): 1338 – 43 – 8

Lead time: 5 – 7 Working Days

Package

- Oil form: 1 kg/bottle (glass or plastic container), 25 kg/drum (stainless – steel or plastic drum with proper sealing)

- Powder form: 1 kg/aluminum foil bag, 25 kg/drum (double – layer PE bag inside cardboard drum)

Main Market

- Global market, with significant demand in North America, Europe, Asia, mainly applied in food and beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed industries

Application Scenarios

Core Properties

Chemical Structure: A group of eight closely related fat – soluble compounds, including four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) and four tocotrienols, with alpha – tocopherol being the most biologically active form. The molecular structure features a chromanol ring and a phytyl side – chain, which contribute to its antioxidant properties.

Key Features

- Antioxidant: One of the most potent natural antioxidants. It donates a hydrogen atom to free radicals (such as hydroxyl, peroxyl radicals), preventing oxidative damage to cell membranes, DNA, and lipoproteins. This helps protect cells from aging, inflammation, and the development of chronic diseases.

- Anti – Inflammatory: Modulates the activity of immune cells and reduces the production of pro – inflammatory cytokines, helping to alleviate inflammation – related conditions.

- Skin Protection: Promotes skin health by protecting against UV – induced damage, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and accelerating wound healing. It also helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier.

- Cardiovascular Support: Reduces the oxidation of low – density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis, thus contributing to heart health.

- Neuroprotective: May help protect neurons from oxidative stress and inflammation, showing potential in preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Application Scenarios

1. Food and Beverage Industry

Antioxidant and Preservative

- Added to edible oils, margarines, and fats (0.01 – 0.1% concentration) to prevent oxidation and rancidity, extending the shelf – life of products. For example, in olive oil, vitamin E helps maintain its quality and flavor over time.

- Used in processed meats, dairy products, and bakery items to protect against lipid oxidation and improve product stability.

Nutritional Fortification

- Fortifies breakfast cereals, energy bars, and functional beverages to enhance their vitamin E content, meeting consumer demand for nutritious food products.

2. Dietary Supplements

Standalone Supplements

- Available in capsule, softgel, or tablet form (ranging from 100 – 1000 IU per serving), commonly taken to supplement the daily intake of vitamin E, especially for individuals with dietary deficiencies or specific health needs.

Multivitamin Formulations

- A key ingredient in multivitamin – mineral supplements, providing antioxidant support and contributing to overall health and well – being.

3. Cosmetics and Personal Care

Skin – Care Products

- Added to moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, and anti – aging creams (0.5 – 5% concentration) to protect the skin from environmental damage, reduce oxidative stress, and promote skin rejuvenation. It helps improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and enhance skin hydration.

Hair Care

- Included in shampoos, conditioners, and hair oils to nourish the scalp, prevent hair damage caused by free radicals, and improve hair strength and shine.

4. Pharmaceutical Industry

Medicinal Formulations

- Used in topical medications for treating skin conditions such as burns, scars, and dermatitis, due to its wound – healing and anti – inflammatory properties.

- Investigated for potential applications in treating certain cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and as an adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment, although more clinical research is needed.

5. Animal Feed Industry

Livestock and Poultry Feed

- Added to animal feed (50 – 200 mg/kg) to improve animal health, enhance immune function, and prevent oxidative stress in animals. It also helps improve the quality of animal – derived products, such as increasing the shelf – life of meat and eggs.

Pet Nutrition

- Included in pet food and supplements to support the overall health of pets, especially for skin and coat health, and to boost antioxidant defenses.

Detection Methods

High – Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

- Column: C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm), Mobile Phase: Ethanol – hexane (gradient elution), Flow Rate: 1.0 mL/min, Detection Wavelength: 295 nm (for alpha – tocopherol). This method accurately quantifies different tocopherol forms in various samples.

Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC – MS)

- Ideal for analyzing volatile and semi – volatile components of vitamin E, providing detailed information about the chemical profile and detecting trace amounts of compounds.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

- Helps confirm the chemical structure of tocopherols by analyzing the characteristic absorption peaks of functional groups, ensuring product quality and authenticity during production.

Source & Advantages

Natural Sources: Found in many foods, such as nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), seeds (sunflower seeds), vegetable oils (sunflower oil, soybean oil), and leafy green vegetables. Natural vitamin E is often extracted from these sources using solvent extraction or physical refining methods.

Synthetic Production: Synthetic vitamin E, mainly in the form of dl – alpha – tocopherol, is produced through chemical synthesis, offering a more cost – effective and consistent supply.

Versatile Applications: Its multiple health – promoting properties make it highly valuable across diverse industries, from food and nutrition to beauty and healthcare, presenting numerous business opportunities.

Regulatory Acceptance: Generally recognized as safe for use in food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals in many regions. However, regulations regarding dosage, labeling, and claims vary by country, and manufacturers need to ensure compliance.

Categories: Dietary supplements, Cosmetics and Personal Care, Natural plant extracts

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The Ultimate Guide to Natural Tocopherol-Vitamin E: Science, Benefits & Premium Sourcing

1. What is Tocopherol Vitamin E?

Tocopherol, universally recognized as Vitamin E, is a potent fat-soluble antioxidant and an essential micronutrient. It primarily exists in eight chemical forms: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols, and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienols. Alpha-tocopherol is the form most actively retained and utilized by the human body and is often the benchmark for Vitamin E activity. Its primary biological role involves protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation, crucial for maintaining cellular integrity.

2. Source, Chemical Properties & Identification

Primary Natural Sources: Abundant in plant oils (wheat germ, sunflower, safflower), nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), seeds, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals. Natural d-alpha-tocopherol is preferred over synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol due to superior bioavailability.
Chemical Properties:
- CAS Number: 59-02-9 (d-alpha-Tocopherol), 10191-41-0 (Tocopherols, mixed)
- Molecular Formula (MF): C29H50O2 (alpha-Tocopherol)
- Molecular Weight (MW): 430.71 g/mol
- EINECS: 200-412-2 (d-alpha-Tocopherol)
Key Characteristics: A viscous, pale yellow oil, insoluble in water but soluble in fats, oils, and organic solvents. Sensitive to heat, light, and oxidation.

3. Identifying the Best Tocopherol: A Comprehensive Analysis

Choosing premium tocopherol involves scrutinizing several factors:

Key Components & Purity: Opt for high-purity natural d-alpha-tocopherol (>98%) or carefully standardized mixed tocopherol concentrates (rich in d-alpha, d-gamma, d-delta). Synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol is less bioactive. Rigorous HPLC analysis confirms composition and potency.
Potency & Bioavailability: Natural d-alpha-tocopherol exhibits significantly higher biological activity (measured in International Units – IU, or mg RRR-alpha-tocopherol equivalents) compared to its synthetic counterpart. Gamma-tocopherol also possesses unique antioxidant properties relevant to health.
Origin & Extraction: Source matters. Look for tocopherol derived from non-GMO, sustainably sourced plant oils (e.g., European sunflower, US soybean) using advanced molecular distillation or supercritical CO2 extraction. This ensures minimal solvent residues and optimal preservation of bioactive isomers. Traceability from raw material to final product is crucial.
Compliance & Safety: Premium suppliers provide comprehensive Certificates of Analysis (CoA) verifying identity, purity, potency, and safety (heavy metals, pesticides, microbes) against stringent standards (USP, Ph. Eur., FCC, FDA GRAS). Adherence to cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) is non-negotiable.
Application & Delivery: The best form depends on the end-use:
- Oil Soluble (d-alpha-tocopherol): Ideal for softgels, cosmetics, oils.
- Water-Dispersible (e.g., tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate – TPGS): Essential for clear beverages, tablets, enhanced bioavailability in low-fat applications.
Health Benefits & Mechanisms:
- Potent Antioxidant: Protects cell membranes from lipid peroxidation, neutralizing free radicals.
- Immune Support: Enhances T-cell mediated immunity.
- Skin Health: Topically and orally, it protects skin from UV damage, promotes wound healing, and combats photoaging. A key cosmeceutical ingredient.
- Cardiovascular Health: Inhibits LDL oxidation, potentially reducing atherosclerosis risk.
- Neurological Protection: May help protect neuronal membranes; role in age-related cognitive decline under investigation.
- Eye Health: Protects retinal cells; associated with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Daily Intake & Dosage (RDA):
- Adults: 15 mg (22.4 IU) of alpha-tocopherol daily (NIH guidelines). Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is 1000 mg/day for supplemental alpha-tocopherol. Dosages for specific health conditions should be medically supervised.
Usage Guidelines: Follow product-specific recommendations. Typically taken orally with fat-containing meals to enhance absorption. For topical use, incorporate into formulations at efficacious levels (e.g., 0.1-5%).
Applicable Population: Generally safe for adults. Consult a physician before use by pregnant/nursing women, children, individuals with bleeding disorders (e.g., on anticoagulants like warfarin), vitamin K deficiency, or prior to surgery.
Crucial Considerations & Potential Side Effects:
- High doses (>300 mg/day) may increase risk of hemorrhagic stroke.
- Potential anticoagulant effects; monitor closely if on blood thinners.
- Rare side effects: nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue, headache, blurred vision.
- Ensure product is stored away from light, heat, and oxygen to prevent degradation.
- Allergen Statement: Verify sourcing if specific plant oil allergies exist (e.g., soybean).

4. Premium Sourcing: Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.

Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd. stands as a leading high-tech enterprise at the forefront of bioactive compound research, manufacturing, and global supply. For over 28 years, we have specialized in the advanced extraction, isolation, and purification of premium natural plant extracts, serving the demanding needs of the chemical, materials, and life science industries.

Core Expertise: Natural Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Natural Plant Extracts, Cosmetic Active Ingredients, Nutraceutical Ingredients, Pharmaceutical Intermediates, Natural Pigments, Natural Sweeteners.
Unparalleled Scientific Rigor:
- Research Fortress: Strategic collaborations with 5 elite universities via Joint Research Laboratories.
- Proprietary Technology: Holding 20+ patents and maintaining a globally exclusive compound library for novel applications.
Cutting-Edge Quality Infrastructure:
- Advanced Analytics: Equipped with HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography), UPLC (Ultra-Performance LC), GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy).
- Superior Purity: Our tocopherol consistently exceeds industry purity standards by >20%, guaranteed by our state-of-the-art detection systems.
Global Reach & Customization: Our robust supply network seamlessly delivers to 80+ countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. We excel in providing bespoke ingredient solutions tailored to the unique specifications of multinational pharmaceutical corporations, innovative research institutions, and premium supplement/formulation brands.

5. Product Specification & Certificate of Analysis (CoA)

Our Natural Tocopherol (d-alpha or Mixed) meets the highest international quality and safety standards. Below is a summary of our comprehensive CoA:

Parameter Category	Test Item	Specification Limit	Test Method
Pesticide Residues	Total BHC (α,β,γ,δ)	≤ 0.2 mg/kg	GC-ECD/GC-MS/MS
	Total DDT (o,p’-, p,p’-DDT, DDE, DDD)	≤ 0.2 mg/kg	GC-ECD/GC-MS/MS
	Quintozene (PCNB)	≤ 0.01 mg/kg	GC-ECD/GC-MS/MS
	Hexachlorobenzene	≤ 0.01 mg/kg	GC-ECD/GC-MS/MS
	Aldrin + Dieldrin	≤ 0.01 mg/kg	GC-ECD/GC-MS/MS
	Ethylene Oxide (ETO)	≤ 0.02 mg/kg	GC-MS (Headspace)
	2-Chloroethanol (2-CE)	≤ 0.02 mg/kg	GC-MS (Headspace)
Heavy Metals	Lead (Pb)	≤ 0.5 mg/kg	ICP-MS / AAS
	Arsenic (As)	≤ 0.5 mg/kg	ICP-MS / HG-AAS
	Cadmium (Cd)	≤ 0.1 mg/kg	ICP-MS / AAS
	Mercury (Hg)	≤ 0.1 mg/kg	Cold Vapor AAS / ICP-MS
Microbiological	Total Plate Count	≤ 1,000 CFU/g	USP <61> / EP 2.6.12
	Yeast & Mold	≤ 100 CFU/g	USP <61> / EP 2.6.12
	Escherichia coli	Absent in 1g	USP <62> / EP 2.6.13
	Salmonella spp.	Absent in 10g	USP <62> / ISO 6579
	Staphylococcus aureus	Absent in 1g	USP <62> / EP 2.6.13
	Pseudomonas aeruginosa	Absent in 1g	USP <62> / EP 2.6.13

Additional specifications include Appearance, Identification (FTIR/NMR), Assay (HPLC), Specific Rotation, Loss on Drying, Residue on Ignition, Peroxide Value, and more, compliant with USP/Ph.Eur/FCC.

6. Advanced Production Flow

Our tocopherol manufacturing integrates cutting-edge technology for maximum purity and sustainability:

Raw Material Sourcing & QC: Premium, identity-verified, non-GMO plant oils (e.g., sunflower, soybean distillates).
Initial Extraction: Solvent extraction or physical pressing to obtain crude vegetable oil fractions rich in tocopherols.
Molecular Distillation: Under high vacuum and precise temperature control, this low-temperature short-path distillation separates tocopherols from sterols, free fatty acids, and glycerides with minimal thermal degradation.
Ethanol Fractionation/Crystallization: Further purification to isolate specific tocopherol isomers or remove trace impurities.
Supercritical CO2 Extraction (Optional): An ultra-clean, solvent-free method for high-purity isolates, particularly for sensitive applications.
Esterification (if applicable): Conversion to stable esters (e.g., Tocopheryl Acetate) using acetic anhydride under controlled conditions.
Final Purification & Drying: Chromatography or additional distillation steps to achieve pharma-grade purity. Removal of residual solvents/moisture.
Rigorous Quality Control: Comprehensive testing against specifications (HPLC assay, heavy metals, pesticides, microbes, etc.) before release.
Nitrogen Flushing & Packaging: To prevent oxidation during storage and transport.

7. Diverse Application Scenarios

Nutraceuticals & Dietary Supplements: Softgels, capsules, tablets (using TPGS), functional foods/beverages for antioxidant and immune support.
Cosmeceuticals & Skincare: Anti-aging creams, serums, sunscreens, lip balms, hair care products for UV protection, moisturization, and barrier repair.
Pharmaceuticals: Active ingredient or stabilizer in topical formulations, injectables (using solubilized forms like TPGS), and oral medications.
Food & Beverage Industry: Natural antioxidant/preservative (E306-E309) in oils, fats, meat products, dairy, and baked goods to prevent rancidity.
Animal Nutrition: Feed additive for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture to improve health, fertility, and product quality.

8. Stringent Quality Control (QC)

Quality is the cornerstone of our tocopherol production. Our ISO 9001 and potentially ISO 22000/FSSC 22000 certified QC system ensures every batch meets or exceeds global pharmacopeial standards (USP, Ph. Eur., JP, CP). This multi-tiered approach includes:

Incoming Raw Material Inspection: Rigorous identity, purity, and contaminant testing using FTIR, GC, and ICP-MS.
In-Process Controls (IPC): Critical parameter monitoring (temp, pressure, pH, solvent levels) at every stage, with intermediate HPLC checks for tocopherol profile.
Stability Studies: Accelerated and real-time studies under ICH guidelines to establish shelf life and optimal storage conditions.
Final Product Release Testing: Exhaustive analysis per CoA requirements (Assay, Isomer Profile, Heavy Metals, Pesticides, Microbiological, Residual Solvents, Physicochemical specs) using calibrated, validated methods (HPLC, GC-MS, ICP-MS, Microbial Enumeration/Pathogen Testing).
Documentation & Traceability: Full cGMP documentation ensures batch traceability from raw material source through production, testing, and final distribution. Electronic Batch Records (EBR) enhance accuracy and compliance. Our commitment to purity >98% and contaminant levels 20% below industry norms is demonstrable and certified.

9. Secure Packaging & Global Logistics

Primary Packaging: Food-grade HDPE drums (25kg, 180kg) or stainless steel containers (bulk), internally lined or flushed with high-purity nitrogen to prevent oxidation. Tamper-evident seals standard.
Secondary Packaging: Robust corrugated cartons for smaller units. Temperature-controlled options available for sensitive shipments.
Labeling: Compliant with destination regulations, including Product Name, CAS, Batch No., MF, MW, Expiry, Storage Conditions, Safety Symbols (GHS if applicable), Barcode.
Storage: -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F) recommended for long-term stability. Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly sealed under nitrogen atmosphere.
Global Logistics: Efficient shipping via air, sea, or land. Expertise in handling hazardous materials documentation (if applicable). Cold chain logistics available. Seamless customs clearance support.

10. Deep Dive: Health Mechanisms, Innovation & Research Frontiers

Mechanism of Action: Tocopherol’s primary role is as a chain-breaking antioxidant. It donates a phenolic hydrogen to lipid peroxyl radicals (LOO•), forming a stable tocopheroxyl radical, thereby terminating the lipid peroxidation chain reaction within cell membranes. It regenerates in vivo by Vitamin C and other reductants. Gamma-tocopherol uniquely traps reactive nitrogen species (RNS).
Industry Applications & Tech Innovation: Beyond basic supplementation, innovations include:
- Nanoemulsions & Liposomes: Enhancing topical and oral bioavailability.
- Stabilized Derivatives: TPGS for water solubility and enhanced absorption.
- Synergistic Blends: Combining with Vitamin C, Selenium, Carotenoids for amplified antioxidant networks (“ACE antioxidants“).
- Targeted Delivery Systems: For specific tissue delivery.
Research Frontiers & Challenges:
- Tocotrienols: Exploring the potentially superior cardiovascular and neuroprotective benefits of these Vitamin E isomers.
- Personalized Nutrition: Defining optimal Vitamin E forms and dosages based on genetics (e.g., TTPA gene mutations), health status, and microbiome.
- Cancer Prevention/Therapy: Complex role; high-dose effects require further elucidation.
- Neurodegenerative Diseases: Defining efficacy in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s.
- Sustainability: Optimizing extraction yields, reducing waste, utilizing novel feedstocks.
- Analytical Challenges: Precise quantification of all vitamers in complex matrices.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What’s the difference between natural and synthetic Vitamin E?
- A: Natural (d-alpha-tocopherol) is sourced from plants and has higher bioavailability (~2x) and biological activity than synthetic (dl-alpha-tocopherol). Look for “d-” or “RRR-” on labels.
Q: Is topical Vitamin E effective?
- A: Yes! It penetrates the skin, providing antioxidant protection against UV damage, improving hydration, reducing inflammation, and supporting wound healing. Stability in formulations is key.
Q: Can I take too much Vitamin E?
- A: Yes. High doses (>1000 mg/day supplemental alpha-tocopherol) can increase bleeding risk, especially if on blood thinners. Stick to the RDA (15 mg) unless advised otherwise by a doctor.
Q: Does Vitamin E interact with medications?
- A: It can potentiate anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin) and reduce the efficacy of some chemotherapy drugs. Always inform your doctor about supplements.
Q: What’s better: alpha-tocopherol or mixed tocopherols?
- A: Alpha is essential, but gamma and delta tocopherols offer unique benefits (e.g., trapping RNS). A balanced mixed tocopherol supplement may provide broader antioxidant coverage.
Q: How should I store Vitamin E oil/supplements?
- A: Cool, dark place, tightly sealed. Refrigeration can extend shelf life. Avoid heat and humidity.

12. Where to Buy Premium Natural Tocopherol

Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd. is your trusted global partner for high-purity, certified natural tocopherol (Vitamin E) and specialized plant extracts.

Visit Our Website: Explore our full product portfolio and technical resources: aiherba.com
Request a Free Sample: Experience the Zhonghong quality difference firsthand.
Contact Our Sales Team:
- Email: liaodaohai@gmail.com
- Web Contact Form: Available at aiherba.com/contact

13. Conclusion

Tocopherol (Vitamin E) remains a cornerstone essential nutrient and a powerful lipid-soluble antioxidant with proven benefits for cellular health, immunity, skin vitality, and chronic disease prevention. Choosing the highest quality tocopherol – defined by its natural source (d-alpha), exceptional purity (>98%), rigorous safety certifications (CoA), and advanced production methods – is paramount for efficacy and safety in nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd. leverages 28 years of bioactive compound expertise, university-backed R&D, patented purification technologies, and global cGMP manufacturing to deliver premium, reliable tocopherol solutions. Contact us today to elevate your formulations.

14. References

National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Scientific Opinions on Vitamin E health claims (e.g., protection of DNA, proteins, lipids from oxidative damage).
Traber, M. G., & Atkinson, J. (2007). Vitamin E, antioxidant and nothing more. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 43(1), 4-15.
Brigelius-Flohé, R., & Traber, M. G. (1999). Vitamin E: function and metabolism. The FASEB Journal, 13(10), 1145-1155.
United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Monographs: Tocopherols / Vitamin E. USP-NF.
European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) Monographs: Vitamin E (Tocopherol).
Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) Monograph: Vitamin E.
Keen, M. A., et al. (2014). Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 5(2), 175–184.
ICH Guidelines (Q1A-Q1E) – Stability Testing of New Drug Substances and Products.

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