Among the ideas circulating about Vitamin E, this compound is considered effective in combating dark circles. But what is the reality?
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Can Vitamin E alleviate dark circles?
Summary
- The three types of dark circles under the eyes
- Does Vitamin E truly combat dark circles under the eyes?
- Source
Published April 28, 2022,
updated on October 4, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
3 min read
The three types of dark circles under the eyes.
Vascular dark circles are characterised by the presence of a concentric circle under the eyes with a bluish or purplish hue, linked to a failure of the blood and lymphatic micro-circulation around the eye contour. The causes of this type of dark circles can be internal and external: lack of sleep, genetic reason, skin ageing.
The brown circles (or pigmented circles) appear as halos present under the eyes of a brown colour, resulting from a hyperpigmentation issue in the area(accumulation of melanin pigments in the superficial layers of the epidermis). They primarily affect individuals with medium to dark skin tones.
The hollow dark circles are V-shaped hollows under the eyes, which can appear black depending on the light. They are caused by a loss of fat between the skin of the lower eyelid and the orbital bone towards the cheekbones, resulting in a loss of volume. The factors are ageing, heredity or even significant weight loss.
Does Vitamin E truly combat dark circles under the eyes?
Although vitamin E has many benefits for the skin, there is virtually no scientific study that proves its effectiveness in reducing dark circles.
Only a 2004 study concluded that a gel containing 2% phytonadione, 0.1% retinol, and 0.1% vitamins C and E was effective in reducing dark circles and wrinkles on the lower eyelids in adults. However, the amount of vitamin E in this gel was too low and, more importantly, this compound was combined with other active ingredients, making it difficult to discern the effectiveness of vitamin E in reducing dark circles in subjects compared to the other ingredients in the gel.
Source
MITSUISHI T. & al. The effects of topical application of phytonadione, retinol and vitamins C and E on infraorbital dark circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids. JCD (2004).
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