Ask an expert: Vitamin E benefits for your skin

Your doctor is right: You need to eat your fruits and vegetables! Need further convincing? Many greens, nuts, and seeds contain high vitamin E concentrations, providing significant benefits for your skin.

Vitamin E is a key player in overall health and a popular skincare ingredient found in a variety of places such as foods, supplements, creams, serums, oils, and more. When ingested or applied topically, this fat-soluble vitamin may provide a handful of key skin benefits you won’t want to miss. 

Here we’ll explain potential vitamin E benefits for the skin, how to apply it, and possible side effects.

What is vitamin E?

Vitamin E, aka tocopherol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that has been used in dermatology for more than 50 years.¹ The body does not produce vitamin E on its own—it results from plants’ photosynthetic process, which means humans need to get it from outside sources. Although there are eight forms of vitamin E, only alpha-tocopherol is well-maintained in human plasma.² 

Vitamin E may be listed in commercial products as tocopheryl or tocopherol. 

Potential vitamin E benefits for skin care 

Many vitamins and minerals are touted as skincare cure-alls, but does vitamin E live up to these expectations? This fat-soluble vitamin is an antioxidant, which protects your body’s cells from damage. The highest levels of vitamin E are found in the skin’s sebum (oil).³

Studies on vitamin E’s skin benefits are ongoing, but here’s what the research suggests so far: 

It’s an antioxidant

As mentioned just above, vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that may help protect the body from free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and damage the skin. These antioxidant properties may be the reason topical vitamin E has emerged as a popular treatment for several skin disorders.⁴

Regarding anti-aging and vitamin E, wrinkles and other signs of aging skin may be reduced with the topical application of vitamin E in combination with topical vitamin C and raspberry leaf cell culture extract, demonstrated in one study.  

It may protect against UV damage

Vitamin E may protect against sun damage by absorbing UV rays and decreasing the skin’s inflammatory response, including swelling and redness. That said, to ensure you’re protected from both UVA and UVB light, it’s important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher daily.

Topical application of vitamin E likely provides more photoprotection benefits than oral supplementation; studies on oral vitamin E have reported mixed results.⁵

It may reduce the appearance of scars 

Topical vitamin E is frequently used in treating wounds, surgical scars, and burns and may help reduce their lasting appearance. However, studies examining the efficacy of this treatment have yet to provide promising results.⁶

It may have anti-inflammatory properties 

Several studies on vitamin E have shown possible anti-inflammatory effects, specifically for preventing inflammatory damage from UV exposure. Topical vitamin E may reduce the swelling, thickness, and rash that come with sunburn—all results of skin inflammation. Research also shows that vitamin E may help successfully treat some chronic inflammatory skin conditions.⁷

Potential side effects of vitamin E

There are many potential benefits of taking vitamin E capsules for your skin (or using it topically!). Vitamin E is typically considered suitable for all skin types, and adverse reactions are unlikely when it’s consumed or applied to the skin.

Still, some people may experience an adverse effect on topical vitamin E. Research has not shown adverse effects when consuming vitamin E through food. However, in some animal studies, high doses of vitamin E supplements caused bleeding. Some data have linked inhibited platelet aggregation to vitamin E.⁸ For face treatment, if you have any concerns about a potential reaction, our experts recommend first testing on a small patch of skin before applying it to the entire face.

How to get vitamin E 

Vitamin E is found in many different foods, supplements, and products. The following foods are just a few sources of oral vitamin E: 

• Sunflower seeds and nuts

• Spinach

• Broccoli

• Kiwi

• Mango

Although most people likely get enough vitamin E in their diet, OTC supplements are available. If you’re interested in starting a supplement, talk to your healthcare or dermatology provider first. 

Our dermatology providers may recommend incorporating topical application of vitamin E in your skincare routine. You’ll find it in many skin care products, including vitamin E oils, serums, and moisturizers, often available at the drugstore. If you’re adding vitamin E to your morning lineup, it should not replace sunscreen as your last step. 

Other vitamins to try 

Vitamin C is another skin-friendly antioxidant that may help protect skin from sun damage. Topical vitamin C can help fade hyperpigmentation (dark spots), increase protection against the environment, and boost collagen production.⁹ It also boasts potential anti-aging effects. In a study of mild to moderately photo-damaged skin, topical application of vitamin C significantly improved fine lines, skin tone, and roughness.¹⁰ Combine vitamin C, ferulic acid, and vitamin E to get even more bang for your sun protection buck!¹¹  

How Curology can help

Curology was founded by dermatologists with a mission to offer accessible dermatology services for skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and signs of aging. Our licensed dermatology providers can help take the guesswork out of your skincare routine. They’ll work with you to examine your skin, assess your skincare goals, and provide custom treatment options. Curology’s Custom Formula and Future-Proof Formula both contain vitamin E acetate (tocopheryl acetate) to help you achieve your skincare goals.

Signing up is easy. Just answer some questions and snap a few selfies to help us get to know your skin better. If Curology is right for you, one of our in-house licensed dermatology providers will prescribe a personalized formula that targets your specific skin goals.* They’re available to answer questions or modify your formula to suit your skin’s changing needs.

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to

1. Thiele, J., Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage, S.Vitamin E in human skin: Organ-specific physiology and considerations for its use in dermatology. Molecular Aspects of Medicine. (2007).

2. Medina, J., Gupta, V. Vitamin E. StatPearls. (2022).

3. Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage S, Thiele J. Die Talgdrüse als Transporter für Vitamin E [Sebaceous glands as transporters of vitamin E]. Hautarzt. (April 2006).

4. Rattanawiwatpong P, et al. Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. (March 2020).

5. Michels, A., Vitamin E and skin health. Oregon State University. (2012).

6. Keen, M.A., Hassan, I. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. (2016).

7. Michels, A., Vitamin E and skin health. Oregon State University. Ibid.

8. Vitamin E. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021).

9. Al-Niaimi, F., Chiang, NYZ., Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. (2017).

10. Traikovich, SS., Use of topical ascorbic acid and its effects on photodamaged skin topography. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. (1999).

11. Murray, JC., et al. A topical antioxidant solution containing vitamins C and E stabilized by ferulic acid provides protection for human skin against damage caused by ultraviolet irradiation.J Am Acad Dermatol. (2008).

Meredith Hartle is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Curology. She earned her medical degree at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO.

* Subject to consultation. Subscription is required. Results may vary. 

Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Meredith Hartle, DO