Vitamin E is a powerful natural antioxidant that helps protect the product formulation and to protect skin from the adverse effects of free radicals.
What is Vitamin E?
Like many vitamins, Vitamin E is naturally found in the body and also through food sources. It’s considered a fat soluble nutrient critical to our overall health including vision, blood circulation, skin and reproductive health. When used as a topical ingredient in skincare, Vitamin E is typically listed as d-alpha-tocopherol, d-alpha-tocopherol acetate, dl-alpha tocopherol, or dl-alpha tocopherol acetate depending on its source and processing. All can have different uses, benefits, availability and costs.
What Does Vitamin E Do for Your Skin?
Topical Vitamin E materials play a variety of roles in a skincare formula. When we think about applying Vitamin E topically, it can be a beneficial moisturizer and act as an anti-inflammatory all depending on the percentage of use. It has also been shown to improve hyperpigmentation when applied in high enough concentrations. Its natural antioxidant properties help protect the skin from cellular damage caused by free radicals and other environmental stressors.
Vitamin E Benefits
The clinical test results of the topical benefits of Vitamin E show that it can help hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin which in turn helps to address visual signs of aging and uneven skin tone. Dermatologists suggest it can also be a useful addition to address the skin concerns related to eczema and psoriasis by addressing irritation and dryness and in targeting the effects of UV exposure by combating inflammation. You will often see Vitamin E or a derivative in a formula where it is purposefully incorporated to act as an antioxidant for the formula itself. Additionally Vitamin E works well alongside many other ingredients to boost benefits such as retinol, Vitamin C, and ferulic acid.
Can You Use Vitamin E with Retinol?
Yes! Used alongside Vitamin A and Vitamin A derivatives, Vitamin E can help to minimize the irritation known to be induced by retinols/retinals - by hydrating and soothing the skin as the actives work to increase skin cell turnover. Together they are a powerful combo in addressing the visual concerns of aging skin.
Does Vitamin E Clog Pores?
No, Vitamin E on its own is not considered comedogenic and is not generally considered to cause breakouts, however the formula/application of the Vitamin E can be comedogenic if used in an oil format. Vitamin E, when used in clinically tested, non-comedogenic formulas, can be used for all skin types with very minimal risk of clogging pores.
DISCLAIMER: All skin care articles are intended to help educate on specific ingredients and skin care topics. Our articles are written to be informative and informational. Any reference to a specific patient experience is not a medical suggestion for treatment. Please note that any Prequel products with referenced ingredients are formulated for Cosmetic Use Only and NOT intended as replacements for physician advice and/or pharmaceutical product recommendations.
