Vitamin E generally refers to a family of fat-soluble antioxidants. This means that yes, Vitamin E is a vitamin but technically speaking, is actually a blanket name for about eight different types of compounds. Of the eight different forms of Vitamin E, “tocopheryl acetate” and “tocopherol” are the ones most commonly used in skincare products. So, when you see tocopherol listed on your favourite serum, don’t be alarmed, it really is just Vitamin E.

Vitamin E is often applied topically and can be beneficial for a variety of skin conditions and for skin repair. It is an especially good soldier against free radicals that come from irritants in the environment that are on a quest to oxidatively damage your skin. Vitamin E absorbs the energy from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and thus, can play a role in photoprotection. Vitamin E also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help calm and soothe your worst flare ups while also keeping your skin hydrated and strong.

Given that Vitamin E is a naturally occurring substance in the body, the majority of people can safely use topical products. Less than 1% of people have been shown to be sensitive to the vitamin and these situations are usually evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Because Vitamin E is oil soluble, the best way to incorporate it into your skincare regimen is with serums and moisturizers.

Vitamin E may not be the holy grail for eternally youthful skin, but it definitely could be a beneficial addition to your daily skincare routine. Many skincare lines out there already use Vitamin E in their formulas, so be sure to skim through the ingredient list before swiping your credit card!

 Written by: Prishni Seyone