Tocopherol

Tocopherol protects skin cells from free-radical damage, helping to preserve collagen integrity. It provides notable photoprotection primarily against UVB rays, reducing sunburn cell production and inhibiting photocarcinogenesis. When combined with Vitamin C (especially at ~15%), the two work synergistically to provide broad-spectrum photoprotection with doubled effectiveness.

Comedogenicity is rated 0–3 (variable). Tocopherol should not be applied to surgical scars for wound healing purposes — multiple studies have failed to demonstrate benefit and some showed worsened outcomes. It does not protect against UVA-caused skin issues such as sagging when used alone.