Why Tocopherols Earn a Slot
Working Balm is exposed to pocket heat, glovebox swings, and trail dust. Tocopherols act as built-in oxidation brakes so the botanical oils inside do not go stale or smell off. They donate electrons to neutralize free radicals before the damage hits.
That protection keeps the balm's texture, scent, and performance steady even months after pouring. No synthetic preservatives required.
Skin Benefits Beyond Shelf Life
- Supports the skin barrier. Vitamin E helps reinforce lipid layers, easing dryness and irritation triggered by wind, sun, and friction.
- Pairs with lanolin and squalane. Tocopherols work alongside our heavyweight emollients to soften rough patches without feeling greasy.
- Calms stressed skin. Their antioxidant action soothes the micro damage that builds up from daily wear.
The payoff is lips and knuckles that recover faster, even when the job keeps you outside and on the move.
Natural Sources We Trust
Mixed tocopherols start with sunflower and canola seeds grown for their high native Vitamin E content. Gentle mechanical pressing pulls the oil, and a series of winterization and filtration steps separate waxes and heavy fractions while keeping the full spectrum of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocopherols intact.
The concentrate is then distilled under low heat and vacuum until it reaches a 95% tocopherol potency, often called T95, without chemical solvents or synthetic boosters. The result is a clean, neutral extract that layers into the formula without petrochemical baggage.
How Tocopherols Protect the Blend
Tocopherols are soluble in the same oils that carry our slip. They disperse evenly through lanolin, squalane, and meadowfoam seed oil, guarding every phase from rancidity. That stability is why the balm stays honey-smooth instead of turning grainy or waxy with time.
Even after repeated temperature swings, the balm remains ready for lips, gear, or leather without any plasticizers in sight.
Field-Ready and Naturally Derived
Tocopherols prove that a natural ingredient can pull double duty, preserving the formula and treating skin at the same time. They fit the Working Balm standard: resilient, clean, and backed by lab data plus real-world mileage.
Want to see how the other components stack up? Explore the full roster on our Field Reports page for deep dives on every ingredient.