The protective effect of tocopherol (I) and some of its esters with different lipophilicity tocopheryl acetate (II) tocopheryl nicotinate (III) and tocopheryl succinate (IV) against UVB-induced skin erythema in human volunteers was assessed monitoring the extent of erythema by reflectance spectrophotometry. Two different formulations(gel and O/W emulsion) of each active compd. tested were topically applied after skin exposure to UVB radiation. All compds. tested significantly decreased UVB-induced skin erythema compared to control(formulations without active compds.) both from gel and O/W emulsions. No significant difference was obsd. from gel and O/W emulsions. I and II showed comparative activity but they were less active than III and IV.