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

How should vitamin E be applied to the skin?

The vitamin E is an active ingredient frequently used in cosmetics, notably for its protective function. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it neutralises free radicals generated by UV radiation or pollution, thereby limiting the oxidative damage responsible for premature skin ageing. The vitamin E also contributes to the maintenance of the skin barrier by protecting the lipids of the stratum corneum and sebum from oxidation. Moreover, its soothing action may help reduce redness and discomfort associated with external aggressors, while its beneficial effects on microcirculation could be of interest in the case of heavy legs or vascular dark circles.

Such a wealth of benefits explains why vitamin E is so frequently incorporated into cosmetic skincare formulations.

In practice, vitamin E can be applied both in the morning and in the evening, as it is not photosensitising. It can even be used several times a day without risk. This is actually an advantage, as vitamin E is found in numerous products, ranging from moisturisers and serums to lip balms and eye contour treatments. Concentrations vary depending on the formulation but typically range from 0.1% to 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 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 known factor in weakening the hair fibre, accelerating the hair loss, but also promoting hair greying. Vitamin E can also help to soothe everyday scalp irritations, caused for example by frequent use of heated styling tools or stripping products. Furthermore, its potential effects on blood circulation promote better oxygenation and nourishment of the hair bulbs, thereby creating more favourable conditions for growth.

The various properties of vitamin E also make it a noteworthy active ingredient in scalp care.

In terms of usage, vitamin E can be incorporated into a haircare regimen in various ways. It is found in numerous shampoos, conditioners or nourishing masks, but it can also be added to vegetable oils such as coconut oil or castor oil, both of which are highly popular for haircare. Vitamin E can be applied to both the scalp and the lengths , and, as with its application on the rest of the skin, it is well tolerated.

Does oral supplementation of vitamin E confer any cosmetic benefits?

Vitamin E is often taken as a dietary supplement because it plays an important role in protecting cells against oxidative stress. Such supplementation is sometimes recommended in cases of deficiency, but also to support cardiovascular health, strengthen immune defences and limit certain processes associated with chronic inflammation. In the field of cosmetics, oral administration of vitamin E has attracted increasing interest. Indeed, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial for the skin, particularly in individuals with 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 focused on the cosmetic effects of vitamin E supplementation, yielding encouraging but still variable results depending on the protocols. Indeed, some of these investigations were carried out on a limited number of volunteers, whilst in others vitamin E was administered alongside other active agents, making it more difficult to attribute the observed effects solely to vitamin E.

Before considering supplementation with vitamin E or another vitamin, we recommend seeking medical advice to assess the relevance of this intake and verify its compatibility with your individual circumstances.

Study	Effect under investigation	Protocol	Results
CORTES-FRANCO & al. (2002)	Photoprotection against ultraviolet 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 best photoprotective effect was observed with the vitamin E + C combination.
KORKINA & al. (2009)	Psoriasis	58 patients with psoriasis, supplemented for 30–35 days with coenzyme Q10 (50 mg/day), vitamin E (50 mg/day) and selenium (48 µg/day) dissolved in soy lecithin versus placebo. Assessment: clinical parameters and oxidative stress markers (superoxide, SOD, catalase, nitrites/nitrates).	Significant and more rapid clinical improvement, normalisation of oxidative stress markers compared with placebo (regulation of antioxidant enzymes, reduction in plasma nitrites and nitrates).
HAY & al. (2010)	Hair growth	38 volunteers suffering from hair loss underwent oral supplementation for eight months: two capsules per day (placebo or vitamin E: 50 mg tocotrienols + 15.43 mg 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, randomised, 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), combination D3 + E (n=11). Assessment: SCORAD (dermatitis severity score).	SCORAD reduction: –34.8% (group D), –35.7% (group E), –64.3% (group DE). Both objective and subjective improvements were confirmed.
KIMBERLY & al. (2017)	Acne	168 participants, supplementation for three months: two capsules daily of lactoferrin, vitamin E and zinc (n=82) versus placebo (n=82).	Active treatment group: median lesion reduction as early as two weeks (–14.5%), reaching a maximum at ten weeks (–28.5%). Comedones decreased by 32.5% and inflammatory lesions by 44%. No improvement was observed in the placebo group.
CZAJKOWSKI & al. (2023)	Vitiligo	46 patients with non-segmental vitiligo for more than one year. Three groups were formed: UVB alone (three times per week for four months), vitamin A (5,000 IU) plus vitamin E (400 mg), or a combination of UVB and vitamins.	Increased antioxidant enzyme levels and reduced oxidative stress across all groups. Enhanced repigmentation (VASI score) and improved quality of life (DLQI score) were observed in the UVB + vitamins combination group (VASI −6.95 ± 4.69; DLQI −1.90 ± 2.77).