INCI: Mixed Tocopherols
CAS: 59-02-9, 148-03-8, 54-28-4, 119-13-1
Raw materials: soybeans
Tocopherol
Raw material: 50% vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol, d-beta tocopherol, d-gamma-tocopherol, d-delta tocopherol) and 50% GMO-free refined soybean oil
Vitamin E MT – 50 is a chemically modified natural compound of plant origin that contains a full spectrum of tocopherols, including d-alpha, d-beta, d-gamma, and d-delta. These naturally occurring forms of vitamin E provide numerous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits for cosmetic products and help to protect oils and fats from oxidation and rancidity. (1,2,3)
Composition: Vitamin E MT-50 contains tocopherols but is not a pure ingredient. It is a blend of processed soybean oil derivatives and tocopherols added to improve its functionality and performance. The product comprises 50% tocopherols in a base of GMO-free soybean oil, a renewable resource. Soybean oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the soybean plant. (4,5)
While soybean oil has some benefits for cosmetic formulations, such as moisturizing and emollient properties, which can promote healthy skin and improve its appearance, it’s essential to consider some potential drawbacks, such as allergenicity, odor, color, and oxidation potential. (4,5)
Soybean farming involves sustainable practices such as crop rotation, reduced-till or no-till, water and nutrient management, precision farming technology, and cover crops. (6)
However, commercial soy farming has taken a toll on the planet’s soils and biodiverse regions. Soybean water use is significant, with 1,300 to 2,300 tonnes of water required per tonne produced. The expansion of soybean cultivation land happens mainly in pastures, displacing cattle ranching to forest areas and the savannah. (7)
Environmental Impact & Emissions: Soy farming is linked to deforestation, biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and water contamination. It also generates greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. (8) Sunflower farming has limited information on specific waste and emissions.
We know that sunflowers are a significant source of biomass and are used to produce bio-oils. Biomass is one of the most important renewable energy sources, accounting for 78% and 14% of global energy. Enhanced utilization of biomass, therefore, contributes significantly to the mitigation of global warming and climate change (9)
In conclusion, while soybean and sunflower farming have several sustainable aspects, they also have potential adverse environmental impacts.
1 - https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/12/6222
2 - https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-7075-11-52
3 - https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/products/raw-materials/vitamin-e-mt50-full-spectrum.html
4 - https://lotioncrafter.com/products/vitamin-e-mixed-tocopherols-t50
5 - https://www.humblebeeandme.com/project/tocopherol-vitamin-e/
6 - https://www.soyconnection.com/soy-sustainability/sustainable-soybean-production
7 - https://earth.org/soybean-products-and-its-environmental-impact/
8 - https://ffacoalition.org/articles/soy-farms/
9 - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10311-021-01266-z