ACTIVE
Vitamin E
A trusted antioxidant that helps defend skin against everyday environmental stress, found naturally in plant oils, seeds and nuts, and used in dermatology and skincare for more than 50 years.
Source
Plant oils and seeds, or made synthetically
Used for
Antioxidant support, skin conditioning
How it works
Vitamin E is the collective name for tocopherols and tocotrienols, fat-soluble antioxidants found naturally in plant oils, seeds and nuts. On an ingredient list it usually appears as Tocopherol, and it is one of the most widely used antioxidants in creams and oils.
Vitamin E has been used in dermatology and cosmetics for more than 50 years, and research points to its antioxidant and skin barrier-stabilising properties. It is a long-established antioxidant ingredient that complements, rather than replaces, daily sun protection.
Vitamin E has been used in dermatology and cosmetics for more than 50 years, and research points to its antioxidant and skin barrier-stabilising properties. It is a long-established antioxidant ingredient that complements, rather than replaces, daily sun protection.
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A fat-soluble antioxidant used in dermatology and cosmetics for more than 50 years
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Found naturally in plant oils, seeds and nuts, and listed as Tocopherol on ingredient lists
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03
Research points to antioxidant and skin barrier-stabilising properties
Questions
What is tocopherol?
Tocopherol is the name vitamin E usually takes on an ingredient list. Vitamin E is a family of eight related compounds, four tocopherols and four tocotrienols, and alpha-tocopherol is the most abundant form in human tissues. In cosmetics, tocopherol is listed as an antioxidant that helps protect a formula from oxidation, and as skin conditioning, helping keep skin in good condition. (Keen & Hassan, 2016; COSMILE Europe)
What does vitamin E do in skincare?
It is a fat-soluble antioxidant that has been used in dermatology for more than 50 years, and studies point to antioxidant and skin barrier-stabilising properties. In a formula it also does a practical job, helping to stop ingredients such as plant oils from oxidising and deteriorating. (Thiele et al., 2005; Keen & Hassan, 2016; COSMILE Europe)
Can vitamin E be used with vitamin C?
Yes, it is one of the classic pairings. The European cosmetic ingredient database notes that vitamins C and E are recommended together because the two regenerate each other, which is why they are so often formulated side by side. Vitamin E is fat-soluble, so it sits comfortably in the oil phase of a formula. (COSMILE Europe; Keen & Hassan, 2016)
Where it comes from
Vitamin E occurs naturally in foods, with the richest sources including nuts, spinach, whole grains, olive oil and sunflower oil, and it is also found in wheat germ oil. It is a fat-soluble vitamin, and alpha-tocopherol is the form found in the greatest amounts in human tissues. It is an important ingredient in many cosmetic products. (Keen & Hassan, 2016; COSMILE Europe)
The tocopherol used in cosmetics may be of plant or synthetic origin, and some forms are especially valued for their stability. (COSMILE Europe; Keen & Hassan, 2016)
The tocopherol used in cosmetics may be of plant or synthetic origin, and some forms are especially valued for their stability. (COSMILE Europe; Keen & Hassan, 2016)
Good to know
Reactions to vitamin E are uncommon, though it can rarely cause a contact allergy, so if you know you react to it, check ingredient lists. As with any new skincare, patch test first if your skin is easily irritated. (Keen & Hassan, 2016)
The research
- Thiele JJ, Hsieh SN, Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage S. Vitamin E: critical review of its current use in cosmetic and clinical dermatology. Dermatologic Surgery. 2005;31(s1):805-813. PMID: 16029671. DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31724. (opens in a new tab)
- COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe) cosmetic ingredient database: Tocopherol (functions: antioxidant, perfume excipient, skin conditioning; origin: plant/synthetic) (opens in a new tab)
- Keen MA, Hassan I. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2016. PMID: 27559512 (opens in a new tab)
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