The most obvious difference between the two types is where Vitamin E is sourced. dL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate or nature-derived Vitamin E comes from petrochemicals. Meanwhile, d-Alpha Tocopherol or natural Vitamin E is made out of natural nutrients from vegetable oils, nuts, grains, etc.

Alpha-tocopherol is the prevalent form of vitamin E in common dietary oils such as sunflower, peanut, sesame, and olive oils and is also the form best absorbed by the body.

The most active and best form of vitamin E for humans is d-alpha-tocopherol.

D-alpha-Tocopherol acetate is a form of vitamin E used to treat and prevent vitamin deficiencies. Alpha-tocopherol is the primary form of vitamin E that is preferentially used by the human body to meet appropriate dietary requirements.

On a supplement label, natural vitamin E is listed as d-alpha tocopherol, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate, or d-alpha tocopheryl succinate. In contrast, synthetic forms of vitamin E are labeled with a dl- prefix. Alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form of vitamin E, and its natural form consists of one isomer.

The key difference between DL alpha tocopheryl acetate and D alpha tocopherol is that the DL alpha tocopheryl acetate occurs as a synthetic racemic mixture whereas the D alpha tocopherol is a natural compound. Moreover, the natural D form of alpha-tocopherol is more active than DL alpha tocopheryl acetate.

Dl alpha tocopherol is a synthetic form of vitamin E and is used for its antioxidant properties. It is found in many personal care products such as skin creams and lotions to promote skin healing and reduce scarring after injuries such as burns.