Vitamin E
A fat-soluble antioxidant and emollient (tocopherol) that softens dry skin and helps protect the barrier from free radical damage.
tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, alpha-tocopherol, tocotrienols, vitamin E
Dry & dehydrated skin · Barrier support · Ageing skin
What it does
A much-loved skincare stalwart, vitamin E (tocopherol) is a fat-soluble antioxidant that works alongside other antioxidants, especially vitamin C, each helping the other last longer on the skin. Vitamin E is best known for its nourishing, softening properties and is great for soothing and conditioning dry skin. It also enhances the skin's protection against free radical damage, helping skin stay supple and softening the look of fine lines.
How it works
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, vitamin E helps neutralise free radicals in the skin's fatty layers, protecting the lipids of cell membranes and the barrier. As an emollient, it softens the skin and helps reduce water loss through the barrier. On labels it usually appears as tocopherol, or as tocopheryl acetate, a more stable form. It is also added in small amounts to many oils and creams to stop them oxidising.
MG says
Naturally present in the skin but depleted with age and sun exposure, topical application of vitamin E can have many benefits. Auteur Definitive Sun Drops SPF 50 pairs UVA and UVB protection with antioxidants, including a tocopherol complex, and makes the perfect final step in a morning routine, whatever the weather.
Cautions
Vitamin E is generally well tolerated, but it can cause a contact allergy in some people, so patch test pure vitamin E oils first. Rich vitamin E oils can feel heavy on oily or breakout-prone skin.
