Vitamin E seems to do it all. An essential ingredient in maintaining overall health, it’s also a skin care super vitamin. When properly worked into your beauty routine, vitamin E can make a difference in solving common skin woes, including acne, dullness, and stretch marks. Hell-o, glow!
Topical vitamin E oils are more popular than ever in the beauty industry, ranging in form from sprays to serums. If you’re new to the world of vitamin E oil, this guide is here to help, with info on the vitamin itself, what science says, and how to choose the right vitamin E oil product for you.
To help you find the right E oil for your needs and budget, in this shopping guide we’ll cover:
- the skin benefits of vitamin E oil
- different forms of topical vitamin E
- how to use vitamin E oil
- 12 of the best oils for different skin needs
- the best oils at price points from $4 to $80
In a nutshell: What can vitamin E do?
Found in many of the foods we eat and in vitamin E supplements, vitamin E helps foster healthy skin, and acts as a barrier against harmful UV rays.
But reaping the maximum skin benefits from vitamin E goes beyond just loading up on sauteed greens and salmon or downing sunflower seeds by the fistful.
And stocking up on foods rich in vitamin E also doesn’t mean you should skip the sunscreen. Although a diet rich in the vitamin helps, it can be beneficial to incorporate vitamin E oil into your daily skin care routine.
With the recommended daily allowance (15 milligrams for adults) and the addition of topical vitamin E oils, you may see a reduction in skin irritation and an overall improvement in the appearance of your skin.
And when combined with other vitamins and skin care ingredients, it’s especially likely that you’ll notice an improvement in your skin’s appearance.
Every day, your skin is exposed to environmental pollutants, and studies have shown that as an antioxidant, vitamin E can reduce some of that damage, and provide protection.
Along with acting as a barrier for the skin, protecting your skin from damage caused by environmental pollutants, vitamin E can also help in the reduction of scarring and acne.
Skintastic: The beauty benefits of vitamin E
Vitamin E often gets shout-outs for its ability to help skin heal and reduce (acne) scarring. Science isn’t always 100 percent behind the claims, though. Evidence to back up these benefits varies, and some is largely anecdotal. Here’s what we do know:
Vitamin E reaches your skin through sebum, an oily substance commonly secreted from your pores. So yes, while oily skin is commonly a beauty woe, this is one case when oil can be a welcome sign.
- Dryness. Dry or chapped areas — elbows, knees, cuticles — can benefit from topical vitamin E oil.
- Wrinkle prevention. Vitamin E is rich in antioxidants and affects blood circulation. A 2013 scientific review acknowledged vitamin E (and other natural ingredients high in antioxidants) as a treatment for staving off wrinkles.
- Hyperpigmentation. Studies show hyperpigmentation may improve (albeit mildly) by using topical vitamin E oil, especially when paired with vitamin C.
- Acne scarring. Some swear by vitamin E as a treatment for acne scarring. While vitamin E does promote circulation, it doesn’t appear to noticeably speed healing.
- Lips. Topical vitamin E oil can relieve chapped, dry lips as it promotes cell turnover and regeneration.
- Inflammation. Vitamin E can be applied topically to your face to reduce inflammation.
E in action: Choosing a vitamin E oil
There are multiple types of vitamin E available, including topical and oral solutions, as well as sprays, and oils intended for specific areas of the body. Choosing the right vitamin E for you comes down to your specific need, and what you hope the vitamin E can do for you.
Natural vs. synthetic vitamin E
You may want to choose a product with natural, plant-derived vitamin E, keeping mind these pointers from the NIH: “Vitamin E from natural sources is commonly listed as “d-alpha-tocopherol” on food packaging and supplement labels. Synthetic (laboratory-made) vitamin E is commonly listed as “dl-alpha-tocopherol.”
The natural form is twice as potent.
When deciding on a vitamin E product, it’s crucial to read the labels and do your research about any product. Some sprays are noted to be used for hair only, while some oils are intended to be mixed in your favorite moisturizer.
When using a topical vitamin E, there is a risk of side effects, including rashes. Although rashes are not commonly reported, it is important to seek with a trusted healthcare professional if you notice an adverse reaction.
Forms of vitamin E oil
Vitamin E oil is available in multiple forms, and choosing which to use comes down to your purpose in using the product.
Straight vs. carrier oil
If you’ve ever cut open a vitamin E pill and rubbed it on your skin, you know it’s thick and messy. It delivers 100 percent of the vitamin to your skin, but can also potentially cause skin irritation — which is why carrier oils are helpful.
Carrier oils dilute the amount of vitamin E you receive. Experts commonly recommend using vitamin E diluted in a carrier oil, which means looking for oils that combine vitamin E with other ingredients like jojoba, argan, rosehip, or apricot kernel oil.
You can also dilute straight vitamin E oil at home, mixing the product with other beneficial vitamins or beauty products like your favorite moisturizer or lotion.
Serum
A popular skin care product, serums are water-based products that often combine multiple powerful ingredients to address a specific skin care issue. Serums are intended to be included as part of a complete skin care routine, complimenting your choice of moisturizer and cleanser.
Oil vs. hair oil
As the distinction would suggest, some vitamin E oils are only intended for use on hair. A previous study from 2010 determined that in some cases, vitamin E is thought to prevent hair loss, while other vitamin E hair oils have improved hair health, protecting the hair from damage.
Spray
Mists and sprays are common beauty products, and in the case of vitamin E, brands do offer sprays that deliver a small hydrating dose of the product. Sprays are best used for a quick skin pick-me-up.
Label language
On labels, vitamin E is often listed in “IU” or “international units.” Higher IU are best for very dry skin or to target trouble spots. Lower IU oils are good for general skin support.
Products
We chose these products based on their effective ingredients and rave reviews from customers. We’ve included options that contain synthetic and natural vitamin E, along with oils that are free of parabens, phthalates, fragrances, and more.
While they range in price, most of the oils on this list are under $10.
Price range guide
- $ = under $10
- $$ = between $10 to $35
- $$$ = $60 and up
Mother Nature’s Essentials Vitamin E 42,000 IU
This natural vitamin E oil is concentrated and 100 percent from edible plant-based materials, so you could literally take it orally. For topical use, mix it with your favorite lotion or cream and go to town.
Price: $$
Key ingredients: Full-spectrum vitamin E with: d-alpha-, d-beta-, d-delta-, and d-gamma-tocopherol
Vitamin E: Natural, 21,000 IU
Purchase: Buy Mother Nature’s Essentials Vitamin E 42,000 IU online
Bos Essentials
100 percent natural, this rich and concentrated oil can be used on its own, or mixed in with a carrier oil or moisturizer.
Non-GMO, soy, and gluten-free, it’s an undiluted, no-nonsense oil that serves up reviews from “Most effective oil I have ever found!!!” to “Thick as sludge and sticks to EVERYTHING.” In other words: It does the job but can be messy.
Price: $$
Key ingredients: Vitamin E oil (as D-alpha tocopherol)
Vitamin E: Natural, 36,500 IU
Purchase: Buy Bos Essentials online
One Love Botanical E
Vitamin E plus powerful botanicals create a serum that moisturizes to the max. Made with 93 percent organic ingredients, this is great for those interested in wrinkle prevention. It’s also synthetic fragrance-free, cruelty-free, dermatologist tested, ECOCERT® certified natural and organic.
Price: $$$
Key ingredients: Barbary fig, hydrating marine extracts, green tea, watermelon, aloe
Vitamin E: Natural
Purchase: Buy One Love Botanical E online
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
More than 15,000 Amazon reviewers have sung the praises of this skin oil, which improves the appearance of stretch marks and scarring. Featuring vitamin E and vitamin A along with rosemary lavender essential oils, the serum increases moisture content for supple, smoother looking skin.
Price: $
Key ingredients: Rosemary oil, calendula oil, lavender oil, chamomile oil, retinyl palmitate (vitamin A), tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E)
Vitamin E: Synthetic
Purchase: Buy Bio-Oil Skincare Oil online
Up&Up Vitamin E Dietary Supplement Oil
This product earns top marks from online reviewers for its versatility. Approved for dry skin, scalp, hair, and nail use, the oil can truly do it all when it comes to curing major beauty woes like cracked cuticles and dead skin.
Keep an eye on dosage though, as some noted that the consistency was watery. This oil is also dye-free, aluminum-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free.
Price: $
Key ingredients: Soybean oil, vitamin E (di-alpha tocopheryl acetate), coconut oil
Vitamin E: Synthetic, 12000 IU
Purchase: Buy Vitamin E Dietary Supplement Oil online
Jason Vitamin E Skin Oil
Apply this oil directly to the skin or add it to your favorite body lotion when your skin is in need of serious softness.
Online reviewers praised the product for not being too oily, and others claimed it helped with the treatment of keratosis pilaris, which causes bumps on the skin. This oil is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and petrolatum, and is not tested on animals.
Price: $
Key ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate, sunflower seed oil (1), borage seed oil, safflower seed oil, macadamia seed oil, evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil
Vitamin E: Synthetic, 14,000 IU
Purchase: Buy Jason Natural Cosmetics Vitamin E Skin Oil online
Maelove The Glow Maker Antioxidant Serum
Combined with vitamin C, this vitamin E serum earns frequent five-star reviews. Those with sensitive skin praised the serum for its non-irritating formula, while others noted lighter skin and less scarring within months of use.
Although many liked the product’s affordability, some did believe it dried out their skin, while others experienced breakouts. Oil-free and gluten-free.
Price: $$
Key ingredients: 15 percent L-ascorbic acid, aloe leaf juice, grape seed extract, tocopherol, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid
Vitamin E: Natural
Purchase: Buy The Glow Maker Antioxidant Serum online
The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil
This vitamin E serum goes to work on your skin while you snooze. Intended to be worn overnight, it features a non-greasy, fast absorbing formula that won’t sit heavy on the skin.
The product is a favorite among online customers, earning five stars for its radiant results and hydrating effects. Paraben-free, silicone-free, and 100 percent vegan.
Price: $$
Key ingredients: Wheat germ oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower seed oil, sesame seed oil, jojoba seed oil, soybean oil, tocopheryl acetate
Vitamin E: Synthetic
Purchase: Buy Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil online
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
A frequent favorite of online customers, this serum from cult favorite Sunday Riley combines vitamin E with vitamin C for a lightweight product designed to combat signs of aging skin. While some loved the product, others said it resulted in unexpected breakouts.
Price: $$$
Key ingredients: Squalane, sweet orange oil, tocopherol, glycolic acid
Vitamin E: Natural
Purchase: Buy C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum online
Shea Moisture 100% Pure Vitamin E Oil
A true bang for your beauty buck, this 100 percent pure vitamin E Oil is multipurpose and can be used on your skin and hair. Although the product receives generally favorable reviews, some commented that its scent wasn’t to their liking, and others felt the consistency was too thick.
Price: $
Key ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate
Vitamin E: Synthetic
Purchase: Buy 100% Pure Vitamin E Oil online
Face Theory Rejuvenating Jojoba Face Oil O2
Made for multiple skin types, this face oil combines jojoba oil and vitamin E into a serum that protects against sun damage, and prevent signs of aging.
Many online reviewers reported softer skin after using, but some felt their skin didn’t absorb the product properly, and others weren’t a fan of the scent.
Price: $$
Key ingredients: Jojoba seed oil (organic), tocopherol (1 percent vitamin E, naturally derived)
Vitamin E: Natural
Purchase: Buy Rejuvenating Jojoba Face Oil O2 online
Derma E Vitamin E Skin Oil
A great choice for sensitive skin, this fragrance-free vitamin E oil combines with safflower seed oil (rich in linoleic and omega fatty acids) to reduce the appearance of skin aging and fight dry skin.
The hypoallergenic formula can be applied as needed to the skin. 100 percent vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, phthalate-free, petrolatum-free, lanolin-free.
Price: $
Key ingredients: Safflower oil, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E)
Vitamin E: Synethic, 14,000 IU
Purchase: Buy Derma E Vitamin E Skin Oil online
Sky Organics Vitamin E Skin Oil
Mix this oil with your favorite moisturizer for a dose of hydration. Earning numerous five-star reviews, some loved the product’s scent, and others noted the oil was light when applied.
Price: $$
Key ingredients: Organic soybean oil, D-Alpha tocopherol acetate (vitamin E), organic jojoba seed oil, organic rosehip seed oil
Vitamin E: Synthetic
Purchase: Buy Sky Organics Vitamin E Skin Oil online
R+Co. Smoothing Oil
Use on wet or dry hair to combat frizziness and dryness.
Along with the inclusion of vitamin E, which restores luster and shine to even the most damaged of hair, the smoothing product features argan oil, which protects hair from environmental damage, jojoba oil, which protects your strands against heat damage, and thermal conditioner for moisture.
Paraben-free, sulfate-free, petroleum- and mineral-oil-free, gluten-free, vegan.
Price: $$
Key ingredients: Bixa orellana seed oil, moringa seed oil
Vitamin E: Natural
Purchase: Buy R+Co Smoothing Oil online
Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil
With an affordable price point and a slew of five-star reviews on Amazon, this nail and cuticle oil is a must-have for the DIY manicurist.
The oil can be applied nightly, and is intended to be massaged all over the nail and cuticle, promoting circulation and nail growth. While many reviewers praised the product for restoring the health of their cuticles, some did note that it can take time to see results.
Price: $
Key ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), apricot kernel oil, safflower seed oil, wheat germ oil, coconut oil, aloe leaf extract
Vitamin E: Synthetic
Purchase: Buy Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil online
tl;dr
Vitamin E is a beneficial antioxidant. Found in many foods you eat, it can also be taken as an oral supplement, or used as a topical oil.
Applied to the skin, vitamin E oil can help with conditions ranging from dryness and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation. Many people also feel it helps heal scars, however scientific studies have not supported that.
There are multiple vitamin E oil options available, and finding the right form of the product for you comes down to what skin issues you wish to address.
You can apply 100 percent pure vitamin E oil to skin, however it can be messy and even cause a rash. For this reason, store-bought blends often use carrier oils like jojoba, argan, or rosehip oil to dilute the vitamin E.
Not everyone may benefit from vitamin E, though. If you find yourself experiencing breakouts or note a lack of effectiveness when using, consult a trusted health professional.
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