What are the different uses of vitamin E?

The main points to remember.

Vitamin E can be applied directly to the skin for its antioxidant properties and its ability to brighten the complexion.
Vitamin E can be applied morning and eveningwithout any risk of photosensitisation.
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 to protect the fibres from oxidative stress.
The consumption of vitamin E can also be taken as food supplements, whether in the form of vitamin E capsules, vitamin E tablets, liquid vitamin E or vitamin E powder. There are also tocotrienol supplements, one of the forms of vitamin E. Note that such supplementation is best carried out under medical supervision. The recommended dose of vitamin E depends on individual requirements, with the body's daily requirement generally between 10 and 15 mg.

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How should vitamin E be applied to the skin?

The vitamin E is an active ingredient frequently used in cosmetics, particularly due to its protective role. 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 maintaining the skin barrier by protecting the lipids of the stratum corneum and sebum from oxidation. Moreover, its soothing action can help reduce redness and discomfort associated with external aggressors, while its beneficial effects on microcirculation may prove useful in cases of heavy legs or vascular dark circles.

These multiple beneficial properties explain why vitamin E is so frequently incorporated into cosmetic skincare products.

In practice, vitamin E can be applied both in the morning and in the evening, since it is not photosensitising. It can even be used several times a day without risk. Indeed, this is an advantage, as vitamin E is found in numerous products, ranging from moisturisers to serums, including lip balms and eye-contour treatments. Concentrations vary depending on the formulation, but generally lie between 0.1% and 5% for topical use. That said, European regulations have not set a maximum concentration. In any case, as with any active ingredient, it is recommended to carry out a tolerance test on a small patch of skin upon first application, to prevent any widespread reaction.

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

Vitamin E is also beneficial for the health of hair and the scalp. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it protects the hair follicles from oxidative stress, a factor known to weaken the hair fibre, accelerate the hair loss, but also promote the hair greying. Vitamin E can also help to soothe the scalp from everyday irritations, for example those caused by frequent use of heat-styling tools or harsh stripping products. Moreover, its potential effects on blood circulation support 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 valuable active ingredient for caring for the scalp.

In terms of application, vitamin E can be integrated into a hair-care routine in various ways. It is found in numerous shampoos, conditioners or nourishing masks, but it can also be incorporated into vegetable oils, such as coconut oil or castor oil, both of which are very popular for hair care. Vitamin E can be applied equally on the scalp and the lengths and, as with the rest of the skin, it is well tolerated.

Does oral vitamin E supplementation provide any cosmetic benefits?

Vitamin E is often taken as vitamin E supplements, whether in capsules, tablets or liquid form, because it plays a key role in protecting cells against oxidative stress. This supplementation is sometimes advised in the event of deficiencies, but also to support cardiovascular health, bolster immune defences or limit certain processes associated with chronic inflammation. In the cosmetic field, oral intake of vitamin E is garnering increasing interest. Indeed, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties could benefit the skin, particularly in those suffering from 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 investigated the cosmetic effects of vitamin E supplementation, with encouraging yet still variable results depending on the protocols. Indeed, some studies were conducted on a limited number of volunteers, whereas in others, vitamin E was administered in combination with other active ingredients, making it more difficult to attribute the observed effects solely to vitamin E.

Before considering the use of vitamin E capsules, tablets or other supplements, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional to assess the suitability of this intake and confirm 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, three groups over one 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 and vitamin C 2 g/day. Assessment: minimal erythema dose (MED). effect was observed with the vitamin E + C combination.	Median increase in MED: Group 1: +5 mJ/cm²; Group 2: 0; Group 3 (combination): +20 mJ/cm². The greatest photoprotective
KORKINA & al. (2009)	Psoriasis	58 patients with psoriasis underwent a 30–35-day supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (50 mg/day), vitamin E (50 mg/day) and selenium (48 µg/day) dissolved in soy lecithin versus placebo. Evaluation: 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 nitrite/nitrate levels).
HAY & al. (2010)	Hair growth	38 volunteers with 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 density 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 (1,600 IU, n=12), vitamin E alone (600 IU α-tocopherol, n=11), and a D3 + E combination (n=11). Evaluation: SCORAD (dermatitis severity score).	Reduction in SCORAD: −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 3 months: 2 capsules per day of lactoferrin + vitamin E + zinc (n=82) vs placebo (n=82).	Active group: median reduction in lesions at 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 a week for four months), vitamin A (5000 IU) + vitamin E (400 mg), or a combination of UVB and vitamins. vitamins combination group (VASI −6.95 ± 4.69; DLQI −1.90 ± 2.77).	Increase in antioxidant enzyme levels and reduction in oxidative stress were observed in all groups. Superior repigmentation (VASI score) and enhanced quality of life (DLQI score) were achieved in the UVB plus