Vitamin E: The Lipid Antioxidant Your Skin Needs

Vitamin E, with 88-92% dermatologist support, is a lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage and enhances photoprotection when paired with Vitamin C.

What is Vitamin E?

Vitamin E refers to a group of compounds, with alpha-tocopherol being the most biologically active form in skin. It's fat-soluble, meaning it protects the lipid-rich cell membranes that form your skin barrier.

Forms of Vitamin E

Key Benefits

1. Lipid Antioxidant Protection

Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals that would otherwise damage cell membranes, preserving skin structure and function.

2. Enhanced Photoprotection

When combined with Vitamin C and ferulic acid, Vitamin E doubles the UV protection of sunscreen alone.

3. Moisture Retention

As an emollient, Vitamin E strengthens the skin barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

4. Wound Healing Support

Vitamin E supports tissue repair and reduces inflammation, though pure Vitamin E on fresh wounds is not recommended.

The Vitamin C + E Synergy

The combination is more than additive—it's synergistic:

Vitamin C regenerates Vitamin E after it neutralizes free radicals

Together they provide 4x more photoprotection than either alone

Adding ferulic acid stabilizes both and boosts efficacy further

How to Use

Look for serums containing both Vitamin C and E

Apply in the morning before sunscreen

Store properly - Vitamin E is sensitive to light and air

Use 0.5-1% concentration for best results

Cautions

Can be comedogenic in some formulations—patch test if acne-prone

Best as part of a formula, not pure Vitamin E oil on face

Check expiration - oxidized Vitamin E can be pro-oxidant

The Bottom Line

Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant that works best in combination with Vitamin C and sunscreen. Look for stable formulations with both vitamins for maximum photoprotection.