What are the various uses of vitamin E?

The essential points to remember.

Vitamin E can be applied directly to the skin for its antioxidant effects and its ability to brighten the complexion.
Vitamin E can be used morning and evening, without risk of photosensitization.
The concentration of vitamin E in cosmetics is often between 0.1% and 5%.
For hair, vitamin E is applied as a shampoo, serum, mask, hair oil, or in vitamin E capsules for hair to protect fibers from oxidative stress.
The consumption of vitamin E can also be obtained in the form of dietary supplements, whether as vitamin E capsules, vitamin E tablets, liquid vitamin E, or powdered vitamin E. There are also tocotrienol supplements, one of the vitamin E isoforms. It should be noted that it is preferable for such supplementation to occur under medical supervision. The recommended vitamin E dose depends on individual requirements, with the daily amount needed by the body generally ranging from 10 to 15 mg.

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How can vitamin E be used on the skin?

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

All these benefits explain why vitamin E is so often incorporated into cosmetic skincare products.

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 multiple times a day without risk. In fact, this is an advantage because one finds the vitamin E in numerous products, ranging from moisturizers to serums, lip balms, and eye contour treatments. Concentrations vary depending on the formulation but typically range from 0.1% to 5% for topical use. That being said, European regulations have not set a maximum concentration. In any case, as with any active ingredient, it is recommended to perform a tolerance test on a small area of skin before first use to prevent any widespread reaction.

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

Vitamin E is also beneficial for hair and scalp health. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it protects hair follicles from oxidative stress, a factor known to weaken the hair fiber, accelerate hair loss, as well as promote hair graying. Vitamin E can also help soothe everyday scalp irritations, such as those caused by frequent use of heated styling tools or harsh chemical treatments. Furthermore, its potential effects on blood circulation promote better oxygenation and nourishment of the hair bulbs, thereby creating more favorable conditions for growth.

The various properties of vitamin E also make it an interesting active ingredient for caring for the scalp.

In terms of application, vitamin E can be incorporated into a haircare routine in various ways. It is found in many shampoos, conditioners, or nourishing masks, but it can also be added to vegetable oils, such as coconut oil or castor oil, which are very popular for hair care. Vitamin E is 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 intake provide cosmetic benefits?

Vitamin E is often consumed as a supplement—in capsules, tablets, or liquid form—because it plays a crucial role in protecting cells against oxidative stress. This supplementation is sometimes recommended in cases of deficiency, as well as to support cardiovascular health, strengthen immune defenses, or limit certain processes associated with chronic inflammation. In the cosmetic field, oral intake of vitamin E is generating growing interest. Indeed, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may benefit the skin, particularly in individuals with inflammatory dermatoses such as eczema or psoriasis. By protecting hair follicles from oxidative stress and enhancing blood circulation, vitamin E may also promote their growth.

Several clinical studies, some of which are presented below, have focused on the cosmetic effects of vitamin E supplementation, with encouraging but still variable results depending on the protocols. Indeed, some studies were carried out 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 to vitamin E alone.

Before considering taking vitamin E capsules or tablets or other supplements, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional to assess whether this intake is appropriate and to ensure compatibility with your individual circumstances.

Study	Effect under study	Protocol	Results
CORTES-FRANCO & al. (2002)	Photoprotection against UV radiation	45 healthy volunteers, single-blind controlled clinical trial, 3 groups over 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 + 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 greatest photoprotective effect was observed with the vitamin E + C combination.
KORKINA & al. (2009)	Psoriasis	58 patients with psoriasis, supplemented for 30–35 days: coenzyme Q10 (50 mg/day), vitamin E (50 mg/day), selenium (48 µg/day) dissolved in soy lecithin vs 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 nitrite/nitrate levels).
HAY & al. (2010)	Hair growth	38 volunteers with hair loss, 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% hair 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, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. 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 (Atopic Dermatitis Severity Score).	SCORAD reduction: -34.8% (group D), -35.7% (group E), -64.3% (group DE). Objective and subjective improvements confirmed.
KIMBERLY & al. (2017)	Acne	168 participants, supplementation for 3 months: 2 capsules per day of lactoferrin + vitamin E + zinc (n=82) vs. placebo (n=82).	Active group: median lesion reduction as early as 2 weeks (–14.5%), reaching a maximum at 10 weeks (–28.5%). Decrease in comedones (–32.5%) and inflammatory lesions (–44%). No improvement was observed in the placebo group.
CZAJKOWSKI & al. (2023)	Vitiligo	46 patients with non-segmental vitiligo lasting more than one year. Three groups were formed: UVB only (three times per week for four months), vitamin A (5000 IU) plus vitamin E (400 mg), or a combination of UVB and vitamins.	Antioxidant enzyme levels increased and oxidative stress decreased in all groups. The UVB plus vitamins combination group exhibited superior repigmentation (VASI score −6.95 ± 4.69) and improved quality of life (DLQI score −1.90 ± 2.77).