UV–vis degradation of α-tocopherol in a model system and in a cosmetic emulsion—Structural elucidation of photoproducts and toxicological consequences

•UV–vis photodegradation of α-tocopherol was investigated in a model system and in a cosmetic emulsion.•Nine photoproduct families were detected and identified based on their mass spectra.•Phototransformation mechanisms were postulated to rationalize their formation under irradiation.•In silico QSAR toxicity predictions were conducted on photoproducts, traducing a potential toxicity more than 10 times greater that of α-tocopherol.•In vitro assays on Vibrio fischeri bacteria showed that the global ecotoxicity of the α-tocopherol solution significantly increases with irradiation time. The UV–vis photodegradation of α-tocopherol was investigated in a model system and in a cosmetic emulsion. Both gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultrahigh resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (LC-UHR-MS) were used for photoproducts structural identification. Nine photoproduct families were detected and identified based on their mass spectra and additional experiments with α-tocopherol-d9; phototransformation mechanisms were postulated to rationalize their formation under irradiation. In silico QSAR (Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship) toxicity predictions were conducted with the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T.E.S.T.). Low oral rat LD50 values of 466.78mgkg−1 and 467.9mgkg−1 were predicted for some photoproducts, indicating a potential toxicity more than 10 times greater that of α-tocopherol (5742.54mgkg−1). In vitro assays on Vibrio fischeri bacteria showed that the global ecotoxicity of the α-tocopherol solution significantly increases with irradiation time. One identified product should contribute to this ecotoxicity enhancement since in silico estimations for D. magna provide a LC50 value 4 times lower than that of the parent molecule.