Any studies that show NO contamination concerns with "botanical" sources of Vitamin E (Tocopherol/Tocopheryl)?

Question

As a health-conscious consumer, I've been trying to find skin and haircare products free of harmful chemicals (ewg.org has been a very helpful tool). EWG illustrates how some ingredients, such as "Vitamin E" (aka "Tocopherol" or "Tocopheryl") has a contamination concern ("HYDROQUINONE" - a highly toxic substance with a score of 10, the highest EWG hazard score!).

Unfortunately, most products (for skin, hair, and even babies) contain Vitamin E. So, I contacted a reputable/high-end baby product manufacturer regarding the contamination concern (i.e., When can it happen? How can it can be prevented, if at all?) Their response: It may occur during manufacturing process (NOT post-production). Plus, they "claim" it does NOT apply to botanically-derived Vitamin E.

An EWG rep informed me that this "claim" cannot be proven. So, I followed up with manufacturer, asking for any studies that would prove their claim, but they NEVER replied to my email (after multiple attempts).

Answer 1

If I'm understanding your question correctly, by "botanical source"of vitamin e - I'm assuming they are referring to the soybean, which is usually the natural source of vitamin e.  (I happen to be allergic to soy, so I actually need to use the artificially-derived tocopheryl acetate - vitamin e - with everything I eat or put on my body).  BTW, regular tocopherol usually is naturally derived, tocopherol acetate is usually the manufactured one.  Anyway, soybeans as they are grown these days, are oftentimes contaminated with all sorts of pesticides (like RoundUp) and chemicals - not to mention all the phytoestrogens (which some say can promote breast cancer).  So, while I am unsure about hydroquinone per se, I do not believe that botanically derived vitamin e products are any better/worse than the artificially derived ones.