Comparing natural tocopherol sources: profiles, composition and performance in formulations
Tocopherols, known collectively as vitamin E, are essential compounds for both oxidative protection and nutritional enrichment in a wide range of applications, from food and nutraceuticals to cosmetics and animal nutrition. However, not all tocopherol sources are equal. Their composition, functional behavior, and suitability for different matrices vary significantly by botanical origin. Natural tocopherol sources […]
Transitioning from synthetic antioxidants to natural antioxidants in industrial formulations
The growing shift from synthetic to natural ingredients in industrial formulations is no longer driven solely by reputation or consumer perception. It has become a strategic response to regulatory pressure, technical performance demands, and sustainability goals. Among these ingredients, natural antioxidants are gaining prominence across sectors such as food, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and animal nutrition, offering […]
Repair & Protect Your Hands This Winter: The Power of Vitamin E
The Challenge: Cold Weather and Hand Skin Damage During the winter months, our hands are constantly exposed to environmental stressors: low temperatures, cold wind, indoor heating, and frequent hand washing or sanitizing. These factors deplete natural lipids, increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and compromise the skin barrier¹⁻². Dry, cracked hands are more than a cosmetic […]
Understanding additive E306: nature, myths, and food protection
When you browse supermarket shelves, you might notice a series of numbers on food labels, often preceded by the letter “E.” Among these, E306 frequently appears in products like vegetable oils, margarines, cereals, and packaged snacks. But what exactly is E306, and should we be concerned about it? Let’s explore its origins, role, and debunk […]
Improving confectionery stability with natural antioxidants
As the demand for reduced saturated fat, clean-label, and naturally preserved products increases, the confectionery industry faces growing pressure to extend shelf life without compromising product integrity. Traditional confectionery, rich in sugars and fats, is susceptible to oxidation and spoilage, particularly in alternative products seeking to reduce saturated fats and containing oils, nuts, or milk […]
Improving oxidation stability in infant formula powders using natural antioxidants
Infant formula powders are developed to replicate the nutritional benefits of human milk, particularly for infants who are not breastfed. These formulations must deliver essential fatty acids, vitamins, and other micronutrients crucial for early development. Their composition is regulated by stringent standards that evolve in line with scientific and nutritional advances. A clear example is […]
Enhancing fragrance stability in soap with natural antioxidants
Fragrances usually represent less than 3% of soap composition. While it may seem an insignificant percentage, their addition contributes to product identity and user satisfaction. In personal care products, the scent is often the first thing people notice, and it plays a major role in the buying decision. However, maintaining fragrance stability in soap throughout […]
Reducing lipid oxidation products in swine diets to enhance pork meat shelf life and stability
Lipid oxidation in animal feed is a significant challenge that impacts not only animal health and growth performance but also the oxidative stability and shelf life of pork meat. While fats and oils are essential components of energy-dense swine diets, their susceptibility to peroxidation raises concerns about the formation of lipid oxidation products (LOPs). These […]
Supplements to lower cortisol and inflammation in functional formulations: the role of natural antioxidants
The stress response is an ancient survival mechanism driven by the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. When a threat is perceived, the pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates adrenaline and cortisol production, enabling rapid energy mobilization to confront the threat that our body faces. Normally, once the perceived danger ends, […]
Natural antioxidants in aquaculture feed to improve oxidative stability
Aquaculture feeds depend on high quality to ensure healthy fish and optimal production. However, lipid oxidation during processing and storage degrades nutrients, reduces feed palatability, and compromises fish health. Traditionally, synthetic antioxidants such as ethoxyquin and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) have been used to control this process, but safety concerns and regulatory restrictions have limited their […]
The Science Behind Vitamin E in Hair Care
In today’s hair care industry, the demand for clean, effective, and multifunctional ingredients has never been greater. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing formulations that are both high-performing and naturally derived, driving formulators to seek ingredients that meet efficacy, transparency, and sustainability standards. One such ingredient that stands out is Natural Vitamin E (D-Alpha-Tocopherol)—a potent antioxidant with […]
Preventing terpene oxidation in perfume formulations: natural strategies for stability and safety
Perfumes have been crafted for thousands of years, with early civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans using aromatic resins, plant extracts, and essential oils in rituals, medicines, and personal adornment. These natural substances, rich in terpenes, were prized for their captivating scents and therapeutic properties. Over centuries, the art of perfumery evolved, incorporating […]
Extending protein bar shelf life: preventing lipid oxidation with natural antioxidants
Protein bars have become a staple in the functional food market, offering convenient nutrition across various sectors, including sports nutrition and meal replacements. It is no surprise that retail sales of snack, nutrition, and performance bars led to $8.9 billion in 2023 [1]. However, their protein and lipid content make them vulnerable to oxidation, leading […]
Oxidative Stability Challenges in Vitamin D Oil-Based Nutraceuticals
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble micronutrient essential for human health, especially for its roles in calcium metabolism, immune support, and the prevention of bone disorders. Its deficiency is a global concern, which has prompted its incorporation in nutraceutical products and food fortification. However, despite its health benefits, vitamin D is chemically fragile. In oil-based supplements, […]
Enhancing Face Lotion Stability with Natural Tocopherol Antioxidants in Cosmetic Formulations
As consumer expectations evolve toward safer, more transparent skincare, cosmetic formulators are increasingly seeking ingredients that combine product protection with added skin benefits. Natural tocopherols, a group of natural antioxidants, meet this dual requirement. Sourced from vegetable oils, the natural antioxidant vitamin E is valued for its ability to stabilize emulsions, such as face lotions, […]
Enhancing oxidative stability in dark chocolate using natural antioxidants
Dark chocolate is not only appreciated for its complex flavor and texture, but also for its nutritional profile, which includes bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids. Its relevance is evident in light of the global market dynamics. The global chocolate market was valued at USD 119.39 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach […]
Enhancing rancidity prevention in poultry feed with natural tocopherols
The EU restrictions on animal by-products have shifted poultry feeds toward vegetable fats like soybean and palm oil, increasing the risk of oxidation due to their unsaturated nature. Combined with the variable stability of food-processing by-products, this makes modern poultry feed formulations more prone to rancidity and nutrient loss. Natural tocopherols help counteract these effects […]
Synergistic effects of vitamin E and co-antioxidants in anti-aging cosmetic applications
In advanced cosmetic formulation, selecting the right active ingredients is only part of the challenge. Equally important is how these ingredients interact to ensure both biological efficacy and product stability. Natural vitamin E is widely recognized for its antioxidant benefits for skin, but when used in combination with carefully selected co-antioxidants, its effectiveness can be […]
Natural antioxidants to extend shelf life in nutraceutical oils and softgels
Lipid-based nutraceuticals, such as fish oils, plant-derived omega-3s, and fat-soluble vitamin blends, are increasingly valued for their health benefits. However, these formulations are inherently prone to oxidative degradation, especially during storage and distribution. The result can be loss of efficacy, unpleasant odors, and reduced consumer trust. Extending the shelf life of nutraceutical oils and softgels […]
Natural antioxidants in emulsified food systems: addressing oxidative challenges in dressings and sauces
The growing demand for clean-label, minimally processed foods has placed emulsified food systems, like dressings and sauces, under new scrutiny. These oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions are susceptible to lipid oxidation, a key degradation process that alters flavor, color, nutritional value, and safety. As synthetic antioxidants lose favor, natural alternatives such as tocopherols, polyphenols, and plant extracts […]
How to Protect Cosmetic Fragrances: The Essential Role of Natural Antioxidants
In the world of cosmetics, fragrance is more than a scent—it’s an emotional trigger, a brand signature, and a key differentiator in an increasingly competitive market. From soothing skincare serums to luxurious haircare and body care products, fragrance plays a vital role in shaping the consumer’s sensory experience. However, despite its appeal, fragrance remains one […]
Natural antioxidants: an approach to protecting fats and oils in animal feed
The use of fats and oils in animal feed contributes not only to the energy density of diets but also to the supply of essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. However, their high susceptibility to oxidative degradation presents a significant challenge to maintaining feed quality over time. Oxidation of fats leads to the formation of […]
Omega-3 dietary supplements: efficacy, sources and formulation challenges
Omega-3 fatty acids have earned global recognition as essential nutrients in preventative and therapeutic health strategies. Their integration into nutraceutical supplements continues to expand, driven by research that confirms their benefits, from cardiovascular protection to cognitive support. However, the growing demand for omega-3 dietary supplements also presents challenges related to formulation. Omega-3 fatty acids are […]
Fats and oils oxidation in food products: natural strategies to enhance shelf life and quality
Food products experience chemical changes during processing, transport, and storage that can impact their quality and composition. Fats and oils are especially vulnerable, as they are highly susceptible to oxidation, one of the main causes of spoilage in both animal- and plant-based foods. Fats and oils oxidation affects not only the flavor and appearance but […]
Plant-based antioxidants in food formulation: clean label solutions backed by science
Consumers pay attention to food composition, not just nutrients or calories, but the actual list of ingredients. There’s a growing preference for simple, recognizable components over complex synthetic additives. Between 2011 and 2013, consumers who considered the ingredient list an essential item increased from 3 to 78% [1]. In response, plant-based antioxidants have gained popularity […]
Tocotrienols vs tocopherols: optimizing vitamin E forms for advanced cosmetic formulations
Vitamin E is not a singular compound but a family of eight fat-soluble molecules divided into two main categories: tocopherols and tocotrienols. Each possesses distinct structural, chemical, and biological properties, significantly influencing vitamin E antioxidant behavior in cosmetic formulations. Structural differences between tocotrienols and tocopherols The vitamin E family is composed of eight naturally occurring […]
Natural antioxidants in meat products: strategies to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life
Meat preservation is constantly challenged by oxidative deterioration. It is the main phenomenon, after microbial contamination, in meat and meat products that affects quality, nutritional value, and consumer acceptance. As consumer demand shifts toward cleaner labels and reduced use of synthetic additives, natural antioxidants in meat products have emerged as viable alternatives to enhance shelf […]
Formulating with natural vitamin E: enhancing nutraceutical stability, efficacy, and clean label positioning
In the rapidly evolving landscape of nutraceutical supplements, ensuring product stability, efficacy, and regulatory alignment is critical for success. Consumers are increasingly seeking transparency, efficacy backed by science, and ingredients derived from nature. As such, natural antioxidants like D-alpha-tocopherol vitamin E have become key components in the formulation of nutraceuticals, offering multifunctional benefits that support […]
Protecting pet food naturally: the power of tocopherol-based antioxidants
The pet food industry is evolving rapidly, driven by a surge in consumer awareness and demand for high-quality, natural nutrition for companion animals. Pet parents are no longer just buyers—they’re informed caretakers seeking the best for their pets. As a result, the market is shifting toward premium, clean-label, and sustainable pet food solutions. With this […]
Formulating for Performance: Why Antioxidants Matter in Sports Nutrition
As the sports nutrition market continues to expand beyond elite athletes to include everyday fitness enthusiasts, weekend warriors, and health-conscious consumers, product formulations have become more diverse than ever. Today’s sports nutrition products range from ready-to-drink shakes and functional bars to plant-based protein powders, energy gels, and specialized supplements aimed at performance, endurance, and recovery. […]