Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
What is it?
Vitamin E occurs naturally in most vegetable oils. The highest concentrations are found in corn, soybeans, sunflower seed, wheat germ, grapeseed, alfalfa, and lettuce. Commercially, it is also added as an antioxidant or preservative in foods and skin care products.
How can I avoid it?
Skin contact with tocopherol is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing tocopherol should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have the ingredients
listed either on the product package or the box that contains it, so check the labeling of your skin care products for this ingredient.
If there is not enough information, ask your pharmacist or retailer, or contact the company directly. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.
Uses:
- Aftershave lotions
- Baby products
- Wipes
- Skin care products/Cosmetics
- Antiperspirants/Deodorants
- Hair sprays, gels, tonics, lotions, and mousse
- Hair colorants/“Permanents-relaxers”
- Make-up
- Lotions/Creams
- Nail polish/Nail polish remover
- Powders/Sprays
- Shampoos/Conditioners
- Shaving products
- Soaps, bar, and liquid soaps
- Sunscreens and self-tanners
- Fragrances
- Toothpastes, mouthwash, and breath fresheners
- Feminine deodorants/Douches
- Topical medications (prescription and over the counter) such as
- Anesthetics
- Topical antifungals
- Topical cold sore treatments
- Antiseptics
- Creams, ointments, solutions
- Foot and other powders
- Nasal decongestants
- Herbal remedies, including traditional Chinese medications
- Wound dressings
- Scar treatment
- Foods
- Breakfast cereals
- Vegetable oils
- Corn, soybeans, sunflower seed, wheat germ, and lettuce
Other names for Tocopherol
- D-alpha-tocopherol
- dl-alpha-tocopherol
- DL--tocopherol
- Mixed tocopherols
- Vitamin E
- gamma tocopherol
- TCP
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