Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. In skincare, vitamin E is most effective when combined with vitamin C — each regenerates the other, creating a sustained antioxidant defense. It also provides moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects. Alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form. Found naturally in sebum, where it serves as the first line of antioxidant defense.
Concentration & Usage
Concentrations: 0.5-2% in formulations. Most commonly used at 1% alongside vitamin C (15%) and ferulic acid (0.5%). Higher concentrations can feel greasy and may cause breakouts in acne-prone skin. D-alpha-tocopherol (natural) is more potent than DL-alpha-tocopherol (synthetic).
Application
Topical (serum, cream, oil). Best in combination with vitamin C and ferulic acid. Apply in the morning under sunscreen.
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Mechanism of Action
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is the skin's primary lipid-soluble antioxidant, concentrated in stratum corneum and sebum. Donates hydrogen from chromanol ring to neutralize lipid peroxyl radicals (LOO•), preventing peroxidation chain reaction in cell membranes. After donating, becomes tocopheroxyl radical, regenerated by vitamin C via ascorbate-tocopherol cycle — why C+E+ferulic is synergistic. Modulates UV-induced inflammation: inhibits protein kinase C, NF-kappa B activation, reduces PGE2 synthesis. Inhibits 5-lipoxygenase, decreasing leukotriene production. Accumulates in sebaceous glands, delivered via sebum as first-line antioxidant defense. Protects polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidative damage.
Ingredient Interactions
Vitamin C regenerates oxidized vitamin E, and together they provide significantly stronger photoprotection than either alone. Add ferulic acid for the gold-standard antioxidant trio.
Ferulic acid boosts the stability and efficacy of vitamin E. Best used together with vitamin C for the complete antioxidant network.
See our full Ingredient Interactions Guide for more combinations and timing strategies.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient and dietary supplement. Available OTC worldwide. GRAS ingredient.
Risks & Safety
Common
Can feel heavy/greasy at high concentrations. May cause breakouts in acne-prone skin.
Serious
Contact dermatitis (uncommon).
Rare
Allergic reactions. Pure vitamin E oil on wounds may worsen scarring in some people.
Compare Vitamin E (Tocopherol) With
Research Papers
10Published: March 14, 2001
AI Summary
Quantitative evidence in human skin is poor. Nanotopes performed best, followed by liposomes and solubilized vitamin E acetate.
Published: May 8, 1998
AI Summary
Experimental studies concerning All-Trans Retinoic acid 0.1% with the antioxidant action of the Vitamin E (tocopherol acetate 0.20%) and Vitamin C (coated ascorbic acid 0.20%) efficacy in both the vascular neoformation induction and cellular membrane stabilization have been conducted by us to improv
Published: July 25, 1998
AI Summary
With both types of emulsions, vitamin E increased the stratum corneum hydration statistically significantly (p = 0.0002). In addition, we could provide evidence of an enhanced water-binding capacity after treatment with vitamin E (p = 0.05).
Published: January 4, 2004
AI Summary
The numbers of DOPA-positive melanocytes of guinea pigs treated with VC, VE and Cys were significantly decreased compared with those in VC group. In B16 melanoma cells, simultaneous treatment of VC, VE and NAC was the most effective to decrease the melanin contents and to inhibit tyrosinase activity.
Published: December 31, 1971
AI Summary
Abstract too short to summarize.
Published: February 28, 1965
AI Summary
Abstract too short to summarize.
Published: June 30, 1957
AI Summary
Abstract too short to summarize.
Published: June 30, 1957
AI Summary
Abstract too short to summarize.
Published: August 7, 2023
AI Summary
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing disease with a pathophysiology including skin barrier damage, microbiome disbalance and inflammation. Classically, emollients maintaining a healthy microbiome are recommended as the basis of any AD severity management.
Published: July 9, 2021
AI Summary
Vitamin E (tocopherol) a naturally occurring mixture of antioxidants commonly used in topical skin care products, may cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vitamin E (Tocopherol) used for?
A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. In skincare, vitamin E is most effective when combined with vitamin C — each regenerates the other, creating a sustained antioxidant defense. It also provides moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects. Alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form. Found naturally in sebum, where it serves as the first line of antioxidant defense.
What are the side effects of Vitamin E (Tocopherol)?
Common: Can feel heavy/greasy at high concentrations. May cause breakouts in acne-prone skin. Serious: Contact dermatitis (uncommon). Rare: Allergic reactions. Pure vitamin E oil on wounds may worsen scarring in some people.
How is Vitamin E (Tocopherol) administered?
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) is administered via topical (serum, cream, oil). best in combination with vitamin c and ferulic acid. apply in the morning under sunscreen..
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