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Tocopheryl acetate

Tocopheryl acetate suppliers and sourcing guide

Tocopheryl acetate is the acetate ester of alpha-tocopherol. The synthetic all-rac (dl-alpha) form is made by condensing trimethylhydroquinone with isophytol and acetylating the product; the natural-source RRR (d-alpha) form is made from tocopherols recovered from vegetable oil distillates, converted to alpha-tocopherol and acetylated. It is a clear, pale yellow viscous oil, more stable to air than free tocopherol, and is also sold as dry powders for foods and supplements.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
vitamin E acetate · alpha-tocopheryl acetate · dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate · d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate · CAS 7695-91-2
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of tocopheryl acetate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (synthetic)

    All-rac oil, the most common cosmetic and feed grade, usually 96 to 102 percent.

  • d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (natural-source)

    RRR form from vegetable oils, priced higher and often specified for natural-origin claims; soy- or sunflower-derived source should be stated.

  • Powder grades

    Tocopheryl acetate adsorbed on silica or spray-dried with gum acacia or starch, commonly 50%, for tablets and dry mixes.

  • Non-GMO and IP grades

    Natural-source grades from identity-preserved or non-GMO oilseed feedstock.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (GC)
Tocopheryl acetate content by gas chromatography, as in the pharmacopeial method.
Optical rotation or isomer form
Specific rotation or a chiral test, which distinguishes natural-source RRR from synthetic all-rac material.
Acidity and free tocopherol
Acid value and free tocopherol, which rise if the ester hydrolyzes.
Identity (IR)
Infrared spectrum against a reference standard.
Heavy metals
Lead and other metals against the pharmacopeial or food-chemical limit.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store the oil in full, tightly closed containers away from light and heat, ideally under nitrogen once opened; it is stable at room temperature when protected from air. Powders must be kept dry. Shelf life is set by the supplier, usually with a retest of assay and acidity to extend it.

Lots and expiry dates

Record whether each lot is dl- or d-alpha and its source oil, since this affects label claims and allergen statements. Track assay and acid value and use opened containers first.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 182.8892 lists alpha-tocopherol acetate as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate (CAS 52225-20-4) as an approved ingredient with skin-conditioning agent among its non-medicinal purposes.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Tocopheryl acetate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking tocopheryl acetate suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of tocopheryl acetate can brands buy?

Common forms include dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (synthetic), d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (natural-source), powder grades and non-GMO and IP grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for tocopheryl acetate include?

Expect assay (GC), optical rotation or isomer form, acidity and free tocopherol, identity (IR) and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should tocopheryl acetate be stored?

Store the oil in full, tightly closed containers away from light and heat, ideally under nitrogen once opened; it is stable at room temperature when protected from air. Powders must be kept dry. Shelf life is set by the supplier, usually with a retest of assay and acidity to extend it.

What is the regulatory status of tocopheryl acetate?

21 CFR 182.8892 lists alpha-tocopherol acetate as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate (CAS 52225-20-4) as an approved ingredient with skin-conditioning agent among its non-medicinal purposes.

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