Vitamin E is primarily used for its antioxidant action. It thus protects formulas from oxidation and limits the damage of free radicals on the skin - responsible for accelerating ageing. However, are there any adverse effects to its use on the skin?
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What is the toxicity of Vitamin E on the skin?
Summary
- A few reminders about Vitamin E
- What about the toxicity of Vitamin E when applied topically?
- Precautions to take with Vitamin E
- Sources
Published May 2, 2022,
updated on June 30, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
3 min read
A few reminders about Vitamin E.
Essential to the body, vitamin E is primarily stored in the skin, both in the dermis (sebaceous glands) and in the epidermis (sebum). In cosmetic products, depending on its concentration, vitamin E is used as a preservative and/or antioxidant active ingredient. Indeed, it prevents premature skin ageing by limiting the harmful attacks of free radicals induced by sunlight and pollution. Moreover, it forms a protective film on the skin's surface, reducing dehydration.
Vitamin E actually refers to a group of eight fat-soluble molecules (which dissolve in fats): 4 tocopherols and 4 tocotrienols. For reasons of stability, alpha-tocopherol is the most common form of Vitamin E used in beauty care.
Note: In cosmetic formulations, vitamin E can be of synthetic origin (derived from petrochemicals) or natural. At Typology, the vitamin E is 100% plant-based; it is extracted from sunflower seed vegetable oil.
What about the toxicity of Vitamin E when applied topically?
As a preservative, Vitamin E is effective from 0.02%, and it is recommended up to 0.2%. As an active ingredient, it is often introduced at a concentration ranging from 0.1 to 0.5%.
In 2014, the CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) body concluded that tocopherol (concentration of 5% or less) is safe for use in skincare, as well as 13 of its other derivatives.
The thirteen derivatives in question can be identified on the I.N.C.I. lists of products under the following names: ascorbyl tocopheryl acetate, ascorbyl tocopheryl maleate, dioleyl tocopheryl, methylsilanol, potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate, sodium tocopheryl phosphate, tocophersolan, tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryl linoleate, tocopheryl linoleate/oleate, tocopheryl nicotinate tocopheryl phosphate tocopheryl succinate, tocotrienols.
Why do some brands use derivatives of Vitamin E? This is often related to a matter of cost and stability within the formula, in relation to the other ingredients present.
Precautions to take with Vitamin E.
On the market, it is possible to find pure Vitamin E. However, caution is advised as it needs to be diluted to prevent any skin discomfort. Indeed, excessive dosages of tocopherol (>0.5%) can trigger skin irritation or sensitisation reactions. This can also accelerate oxidation processes. Generally, it is recommended to mix a few drops of Vitamin E into carrier oils to prevent them from becoming rancid, while simultaneously protecting the skin and hair from free radicals.
This fat-soluble vitamin should be stored in an airtight container, at room temperature, protected from oxygen, heat and light.
Sources
Cosmetic ingredient review: Safety assessment of tocopherols and tocotrienols as used in cosmetics (2014).
HASSAN I. & al. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal (2016).
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