Vitamin E: what is its method of use in cosmetics?

The essential points to remember.

Vitamin E can be applied topically to the skin to harness its antioxidant, protective, and soothing properties.
Vitamin E can be used morning and evening, without risk of photosensitization.
For hair, vitamin E is applied via shampoo, serum, mask, or hair oil to fortify and promote growth.
In cosmetics, vitamin E is often used at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 5%.
Oral intake of vitamin E can complement topical treatments, particularly for skin disorders or to enhance hair health, but it is best administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

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How can vitamin E be applied to the skin?

The vitamin E is an active ingredient frequently used in cosmetics, particularly because of its protective role. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it neutralizes free radicals generated by UV radiation or pollution, thus limiting the oxidative damage responsible for premature skin aging. The vitamin E also contributes to maintaining the skin barrier by protecting the lipids of the stratum corneum and sebum from oxidation. Additionally, its soothing action may help reduce redness and discomfort related to external stressors, while its beneficial effects on microcirculation may be of interest in cases of heavy legs or vascular dark circles.

These numerous benefits explain why vitamin E is so often incorporated into cosmetic skincare formulations.

In practice, vitamin E can be applied both in the morning and in the evening, since it is not photosensitizing. It can even be used several times a day without risk. That is actually an advantage because we find the vitamin E in a wide range of products, from moisturizers to serums, including lip balms and eye-area treatments. Concentrations vary by formulation but are generally between 0.1% and 5% for topical use. That said, European regulations have not set a maximum concentration. In any event, as with any active ingredient, it is recommended to perform a tolerance test on a small area of skin upon first application to prevent any widespread reaction.

Hair application: what are the instructions for using vitamin E?

Vitamin E is also beneficial for hair and scalp health. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it shields hair follicles from oxidative stress, a known factor in weakening the hair shaft and accelerating hair loss, but also promoting hair graying. Vitamin E can also help soothe daily scalp irritations caused, for example, by frequent use of heat styling tools or harsh products. Additionally, its potential effects on blood circulation support better oxygenation and nourishment of the hair bulbs, thereby creating more favorable conditions for growth.

The multiple properties of vitamin E also make it a valuable active ingredient for scalp care.

In terms of usage, vitamin E can be integrated into a hair care routine in various ways. It is found in numerous shampoos, conditioners, or nourishing masks, but it can also be incorporated into plant oils, such as the coconut oil or the castor oil, which are very popular for hair care. Vitamin E can be used both on the scalp and on the lengths and, as with the rest of the skin, it is well tolerated.

Does oral vitamin E supplementation provide cosmetic benefits?

Vitamin E is often taken as a dietary supplement because it plays an important role in protecting cells against oxidative stress. This supplementation is sometimes recommended in cases of deficiency, but also to support cardiovascular health, strengthen immune defenses, or limit certain processes associated with chronic inflammation. In the cosmetics field, oral intake of vitamin E is generating growing interest. Indeed, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties could be beneficial for the skin, particularly in individuals suffering from inflammatory dermatoses, such as eczema or psoriasis. By protecting hair follicles from oxidative stress and stimulating blood circulation, vitamin E may also promote their growth.

Several clinical studies, some of which are presented below, have investigated the cosmetic effects of vitamin E supplementation, with promising yet still variable results depending on the protocols. Indeed, some studies were conducted on a limited number of volunteers, while in others, vitamin E was administered in combination with other active ingredients, making it more difficult to precisely attribute the observed effects solely to vitamin E.

Before considering supplementation with vitamin E or any other nutrient, we recommend seeking medical advice to assess whether this intake is appropriate and to confirm its compatibility with your individual circumstances.

Study	Effect under investigation	Protocol	Results
CORTES-FRANCO & al. (2002)	Photoprotection against UV radiation	45 healthy volunteers, single-blind controlled clinical trial, 3 groups for 1 week: Group 1: d-alpha-tocopherol 1,200 IU/day; Group 2: ascorbic acid 2 g/day; Group 3: combination of vitamin E 1,200 IU/day + vitamin C 2 g/day. Evaluation: minimal erythema dose (MED).	Median increase in MED: Group 1: +5 mJ/cm²; Group 2: 0; Group 3 (combination): +20 mJ/cm². The best photoprotective effect was observed with the vitamin E + C combination.
KORKINA & al. (2009)	Psoriasis	58 patients with psoriasis received supplementation for 30–35 days: coenzyme Q10 (50 mg/day), vitamin E (50 mg/day), and selenium (48 µg/day) dissolved in soy lecithin versus placebo. Evaluation: clinical parameters and oxidative stress markers (superoxide, SOD, catalase, nitrites/nitrates).	Significant and more rapid clinical improvement, normalization of oxidative stress markers compared to placebo (regulation of antioxidant enzymes, reduction of plasma nitrites/nitrates).
HAY & al. (2010)	Hair growth	38 volunteers suffering from hair loss received oral supplementation for 8 months: 2 capsules per day (placebo or vitamin E: 50 mg of tocotrienols + 15.43 mg of α-tocopherol).	+15.2% in hair count after 4 months and +34.5% after 8 months (vitamin E group) versus +3.2% after 4 months and –0.1% after 8 months (placebo group).
MIRSHAFIEY & al. (2011)	Atopic dermatitis	45 patients in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Four groups over 60 days: placebo (n=11), vitamin D3 alone (1600 IU, n=12), vitamin E alone (600 IU α-tocopherol, n=11), and a D3 + E combination (n=11). Assessment: SCORAD (Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis).	SCORAD reduction: –34.8% (group D), –35.7% (group E), –64.3% (group DE). Objective and subjective improvements were confirmed.
KIMBERLY & al. (2017)	Acne	168 participants underwent 3 months of supplementation: 2 capsules per day containing lactoferrin, vitamin E, and zinc (n = 82) versus placebo (n = 82).	Active group: median lesion reduction as early as 2 weeks (–14.5%), peaking at 10 weeks (–28.5%). Reduction in comedones (–32.5%) and inflammatory lesions (–44%). No improvement in the placebo group.
CZAJKOWSKI & al. (2023)	Vitiligo	46 patients with non-segmental vitiligo for over 1 year. Three groups were formed: UVB alone (3 times/week for 4 months), vitamin A (5000 IU) + vitamin E (400 mg), or a combination of UVB and vitamins.	Increased antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased oxidative stress were observed in all groups. Better repigmentation (VASI score) and improved quality of life (DLQI score) were found in the UVB + vitamins combination group (VASI −6.95 ± 4.69; DLQI −1.90 ± 2.77).