Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Vitamin E Phosphate
Synthetic
Antioxidant
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Clean
Sodium salt of a complex mixture of esters of phosphoric acid and Tocopherol
Effective at 0.06%
Form
Powder
Functions
Antioxidant
Fights free radicals — the unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and stress that break down collagen and cause premature aging.
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Reducing
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks in moisture
Neutralizes free radicals
Traditional Use
A water-soluble derivative of vitamin E (tocopherol), which was discovered in 1913. This phosphate ester form was developed to allow vitamin E to be incorporated into aqueous cosmetic formulations for antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
5.5e-05%
0.12%
0%8%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.0015-0.12 | 0.000055-0.1
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Sun Damage
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR