Guide: Vitamin E and Skincare

Fruits, vegetables and nuts rich in vitamin E on laid out on a wooden board

A Guide to Vitamin E and Skincare

When you examine the ingredient list of your moisturising skincare products, you may come across the addition of vitamin E. It is a key component in many nourishing skin creams and lotions. In this guide, we will delve into the powerful properties of vitamin E that make it a superstar in skincare.

What is vitamin E?

Vitamin E refers to a group of compounds consisting of eight different forms. These oil-soluble antioxidants naturally occur in the body, helping fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. Our skin produces vitamin E through sebum, the natural protective oils. It can be taken orally as supplements or applied topically to moisturise and soothe the skin.

Among the eight types, tocopheryl acetate and tocopherol are the most commonly found in skincare products. So, when you spot "tocopherol" on the ingredient list, that indicates vitamin E.

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Our Rejuvenating Rosewood Face Cream contributes important antioxidant components to assist in anti-ageing.

Antioxidants and free radicals

Antioxidants play a vital role in maintaining our health, both internally and topically. They prevent oxidative damage to cells by eliminating free radicals.

Free radicals are destructive entities that seek stability by snatching electrons from DNA, skin proteins, connective tissues, and cell membranes. The more we can neutralise these free radicals, the better our skin will be protected. This is where vitamin E comes into play.

How does vitamin E benefit the skin?

Topically, vitamin E provides two primary benefits. Firstly, as an antioxidant, it combats free radical damage. Unlike most other antioxidants, vitamin E is also a highly hydrating molecule. It acts as both a humectant, absorbing water into the skin, and an emollient, trapping water in the skin.

This makes it incredibly useful for various skin disorders and promotes cellular restoration, from healing support for scars or burns to repairing sun damage.

Additionally, vitamin E moisturises, heals, and strengthens the skin barrier. It possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties, offering soothing effects and calming the skin. Vitamin E also acts as a moderately effective natural barrier against the sun.

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How is vitamin E used in skincare products?

Vitamin E is commonly found in beauty and skincare products as a powerful moisturiser. It soothes dry and irritated skin while preventing water loss. Many anti-ageing products incorporate vitamin E due to its ability to combat free radicals, which contribute to signs of ageing. At Oleo Bodycare, we extensively use vitamin E in our vegan body moisturisers and facial moisturisers, harnessing its incredible skincare attributes.

It is also present in many sunscreens as it enhances SPF effectiveness. By absorbing energy from UV rays, vitamin E provides photoprotection, preventing UV-induced free radical damage. Additionally, it helps counteract environmental pollution and cigarette smoke. Applying vitamin E after sunburn can help relieve itchy and inflamed skin.

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How do the different types of vitamin E benefit my skin?

The four common forms of vitamin E in skincare products are alpha, beta, gamma, and delta tocopherols. Each tocopherol offers unique features that effectively retain moisture and protect the skin against environmental pollution.

Alpha (α) - This easily absorbed form of vitamin E penetrates both the epidermis and the dermis. Alpha-tocopherol is popular in skincare products for its soothing and moisturising properties. It helps protect against the harmful effects of UV rays while fighting free radicals.
Beta (β) - Beta-tocopherol also acts as an antioxidant, safeguarding healthy skin cells from free radicals and preventing cell degradation. This results in a radiant, healthy complexion.
Delta (δ) - Similar to alpha and beta tocopherols, delta-tocopherol helps the skin retain moisture and firmness while preventing signs of ageing.
Gamma (γ) - Like other tocopherols, gamma-tocopherol moisturises the skin and defends against wrinkle-forming free radicals.