Vitamin E in Cosmetics: In Which Products Can You Find It?

Contrary to what is sometimes believed, vitamin E does not refer to a single compound, but rather to a group of eight. Indeed, it is a family of molecules that includes four tocopherols, α, β, γ, and δ, and four tocotrienols, also α, β, γ, and δ. Their distribution in nature is not equal, with tocotrienols being the rarest compounds. It is the tocopherols that are used to formulate skincare or haircare products because these molecules are biologically more active. Often extracted from vegetable oils, vitamin E has several interesting cosmetic properties, explaining its widespread use.

• Cleansing Oils : Gentler alternatives to aqueous makeup removers, it's not uncommon for cleansing oils to contain vitamin E. Although it's not a preservative per se, this active ingredient is often included in oil-based formulations to protect them from oxidative degradation, which could potentially reduce the effectiveness and quality of the products.

• Antioxidant Serums, Creams, and Masks : The antioxidant properties of Vitamin E also allow it to be used in various formulations targeting photoaging, pollution, or any other factor generating free radicals. It neutralizes these reactive species by donating an electron, made possible by its aromatic structure, before they can damage cellular constituents.

• Brightening Care : We can also find vitamin E in products designed to reduce pigmentation spots where it is often associated with vitamin C, another well-known depigmenting active ingredient. From a mechanistic point of view, vitamin E inhibits tyrosinase, the key enzyme in melanogenesis, and helps to achieve a more uniform complexion.

• Soothing Care for Sensitive Skin : The Vitamin E is a gentle active ingredient, generally well tolerated by all skin types. Moreover, it has an extensive anti-inflammatory action and can act at different levels of inflammation to soothe the skin and reduce redness and irritation.

• Purifying Care : Naturally found in sebum, the vitamin E is a source of benefits for oily skin. It indeed preserves the quality of the sebum and prevents its oxidation, leading to the production of comedogenic compounds.

• Densifying Shampoos : Vitamin E is also attributed with densifying effects, supported by several studies. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection it provides to hair follicles is enhanced by its ability to stimulate blood circulation, a crucial element for hair growth as it allows the delivery of necessary nutrients to the hair bulbs.

• Sunscreen and After-Sun Products : Vitamin E can also be found in some sunscreens or after-sun care products due to its antioxidant properties. Indeed, although it is not a sun filter, it helps to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays by neutralizing free radicals.

• Makeup : Vitamin E can finally be incorporated into the formulation of certain lipsticks, foundations, and eyeshadows. Its use in makeup serves a dual purpose: to preserve the products from oxidation and to provide antioxidant protection to the skin.

Due to the versatility of Vitamin E and its various cosmetic properties, we have incorporated it into numerous skincare products:

• Radiant Facial Scrub : Formulated 100% with natural origin ingredients, this melting gel with micro grains of apricot kernels unclogs pores and promotes cellular renewal for smoother skin and a uniform, luminous complexion.

• Purifying Mask : Enriched with charcoal and nettle, astringent active ingredients, this mask purifies the skin without drying it out, regulates sebum production, and fights against blemishes.

• Eye Cream for Wrinkles and Fine Lines : Concentrated with coenzyme Q10 and prickly pear oil, which have tightening effects, this cream hydrates and prevents the appearance of the first wrinkles around the eye contour.

• Nourishing Face Cream : This cream is formulated with hyaluronic acid, a recognized moisturizer, and shea butter and squalane, nourishing agents to restore the hydrolipidic film, make the skin more supple, and reduce the appearance of dehydration fine lines.

• Purifying Face Cream : Concentrated with zinc PCA, which has antibacterial and sebum-regulating properties, and bamboo extract, a mattifying agent, this cream is designed for individuals with oily skin. It helps to reduce excess sebum while diminishing imperfections.

• Firming Night Cream : Composed of 0.2% retinol, this cream helps to prevent signs of skin aging. It also contains moisturizing tsubaki oil.

• Botanical Radiance Blend : This night serum helps to reveal skin's radiance thanks to the antioxidant and regenerative actions of 5 botanical extracts.

• Purifying Botanical Blend : The botanical extracts found in this botanical blend work in synergy to purify and regenerate the skin during sleep.

• Botanical Tensing Blend : Thanks to the toning and regenerating actions of 7 botanical extracts, this night serum optimizes cellular renewal and tones the skin.

• Tinted Lip Oil : Enriched with nourishing and antioxidant ingredients, this oil, available in 7 colors, delicately tints the lips while providing them with comfort and flexibility.

• Nourishing Treatment Shampoo : Composed of a biolipid complex, this shampoo forms a protective film around the hair fibers and nourishes the hair without weighing it down.

• Densifying Scalp Treatment : This densifying serum has a light texture that leaves a non-greasy finish on the scalp. It strengthens the hair's anchorage to limit hair loss while adding volume to the hair.

• 10-Ingredient Hand Balm : Designed solely with ingredients necessary for its function, this balm hydrates and nourishes the hands, leaving a light finish.

• Nourishing Body Scrub : To be used once or twice a week, this body scrub made with almond oil gently exfoliates the skin while providing it with softness and flexibility.

• Stretch Mark Gel-to-Oil : Enriched with baobab oil and shea olein, this gel-to-oil prevents and reduces the appearance of inflammatory stretch marks, while providing flexibility and elasticity to the skin.

• Bronzing Concentrate : Enriched with antioxidant actives and natural nacre, this concentrate provides an immediate tan, while combating oxidative stress, which is responsible for a dull complexion and premature skin aging.

• NACHBAR F. & KORTING H. C. The role of vitamin E in normal and damaged skin. Journal of Molecular Medicine (1995).

• ERKEKOGLU P., SANTOS S. & BLUMENBERG M. Vitamin E in Health and Disease: Interactions, Diseases and Health Aspects. Biochemistry (2021).