Tocophereth-10 (inci)

Tocophereth(e) are the polyoxyethylene ethers of tocopherol (for comparison see: laurethe as polyoxyethylene ether of lauryl alcohol; stearethe as polyoxyethylene ether of stearyl alcohol and others). In the designation of tocopheres, the numbering inserted means the average number of ethylene oxide units per mole. Tocophereth-10, for example, is the INCI designation for a polyoxyethylene ether with 10 ethylene oxide units per mole.

The substance is used in cosmetic formulations. It acts as surfactant (washing-active substance; improves the even distribution of the products during application), skin care product (keeps the skin in a good condition) and as antioxidant (inhibits reactions promoted by oxygen and thus prevents oxidation and rancidity).