Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesIngredientsInstructionsSide Effects
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Ingredients
Instructions
Side Effects
Vitamin Eis a fat-soluble vitamin found in vegetable oils, leafy plants, legumes, nuts, seeds, and more. You can consume adequate amounts of vitamin E through diet, but some use oil or oral supplements.
Vitamin E oil is used topically for hair, nails, and skin, but more scientific evidence is needed to confirm its benefits. Vitamin E is added to beauty products and marketed as a way to postpone the effects of aging. If you are looking for pure vitamin E oil, check the ingredients list for the type of vitamin E in it.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of vitamin E oil, its ingredients, instructions for use, and potential side effects.
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Whole-Body Uses of Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that scavengesfree radicals(damage-causing unstable molecules) and protects the skin from oxidative stress.It moisturizes the skin, protects against ultraviolet (UV) rays, and increases hair growth and shine.
Vitamin E CompoundsVitamin E encompasses eight fat-soluble compounds, each with distinct antioxidant activities. The eight chemical forms include alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol. Alpha-tocopherol (α- tocopherol)is the only form recognized to meet human requirements.
Vitamin E Compounds
Vitamin E encompasses eight fat-soluble compounds, each with distinct antioxidant activities. The eight chemical forms include alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol. Alpha-tocopherol (α- tocopherol)is the only form recognized to meet human requirements.
Hair
Vitamin E oil is promoted to help with hair growth, breakage, shine, and luster. However, there is little research to support these benefits. Researchers suggest vitamin E oil may help increase blood flow in the scalp due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which moisturize hair.
Skin
Other benefit claims include:
Ingredients in Vitamin E Oil
Some people open vitamin E capsules and put them directly on their skin. The problem is that it is hard to know what concentration of vitamin E you are getting, where it is coming from, and how much you absorb. Depending on the product, variations of vitamin E oil can contain other ingredients, including additional oils, vitamins, and fragrances.
Vitamin E oil may also be added to soaps and beauty products like serums and shampoos. Some people like making their own soaps, using essential oils, vitamin E, and other ingredients.
Vitamin E Oil Application Instructions
Ingestion vs. Topical ApplicationIngesting vitamin E supplements is different from applying them topically. Vitamin E supplement compounds vary based on whether the product is natural or synthetic. Mixed products may contain alpha-tocopherol, other tocopherols, and tocotrienols.While naturally occurring vitamin E has only alpha-tocopherol, synthetically formed supplements may contain all eight compounds. Limits are set for vitamin E supplementation based on research that suggests high amounts can increase the risk of bleeding (hemorrhage).
Ingestion vs. Topical Application
Ingesting vitamin E supplements is different from applying them topically. Vitamin E supplement compounds vary based on whether the product is natural or synthetic. Mixed products may contain alpha-tocopherol, other tocopherols, and tocotrienols.While naturally occurring vitamin E has only alpha-tocopherol, synthetically formed supplements may contain all eight compounds. Limits are set for vitamin E supplementation based on research that suggests high amounts can increase the risk of bleeding (hemorrhage).
Ingesting vitamin E supplements is different from applying them topically. Vitamin E supplement compounds vary based on whether the product is natural or synthetic. Mixed products may contain alpha-tocopherol, other tocopherols, and tocotrienols.
While naturally occurring vitamin E has only alpha-tocopherol, synthetically formed supplements may contain all eight compounds. Limits are set for vitamin E supplementation based on research that suggests high amounts can increase the risk of bleeding (hemorrhage).
Skin Side Effects From Vitamin E Oil
The stability of vitamin E is often questionable. Oxidation can occur after exposure to light and heat, which may impact the oil’s effectiveness. This is one of the reasons it is often mixed with other ingredients.
Side effects of topical application include rash, itchiness, skin irritation, allergiccontact dermatitis(itchy skin and rash), anderythema(redness of the skin).Always discuss use with a healthcare professional before use.
A Word From VerywellAntioxidants like vitamin E are skin and hair superheroes, fighting off the oxidative damage that can lead to signs of premature aging. You can find these powerful nutrients in your foods, such as nuts, seeds, olive oil, colorful fruits, and vegetables.—MELISSA NIEVES, LND, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Antioxidants like vitamin E are skin and hair superheroes, fighting off the oxidative damage that can lead to signs of premature aging. You can find these powerful nutrients in your foods, such as nuts, seeds, olive oil, colorful fruits, and vegetables.—MELISSA NIEVES, LND, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Antioxidants like vitamin E are skin and hair superheroes, fighting off the oxidative damage that can lead to signs of premature aging. You can find these powerful nutrients in your foods, such as nuts, seeds, olive oil, colorful fruits, and vegetables.
—MELISSA NIEVES, LND, RD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant commonly used for skin and hair health, yet research on its benefits is limited. Consume a diet rich in antioxidants and hydrating foods to support your skin and hair naturally. Plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains contain phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals that naturally support skin and hair health.
If you are still interested in supplementing with vitamin E or using it topically, speak to a healthcare provider for individualized recommendations. Proper use can help you achieve results and prevent side effects.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Keen MA, Hassan I.Vitamin E in dermatology.Indian Dermatol Online J.2016;7(4):311-5. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.185494
National Institute of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin E.
Linus Pauling Institute.Vitamin E and skin health.
Teo CWL, Tay SHY, Tey HL, Ung YW, Yap WN.Vitamin E in atopic dermatitis: from preclinical to clinical studies.Dermatology.2021;237(4):553-564. doi:10.1159/000510653
Tanaydin V, Conings J, Malyar M, van der Hulst R, van der Lei B.The role of topical Vitamin E in scar management: A systematic review.Aesthet Surg J.2016 Sep;36(8):959-65. doi:10.1093/asj/sjw046
Vignes, S., Baran, R.Yellow nail syndrome: a review.Orphanet J Rare Dis.2017;12(42). doi:10.1186/s13023-017-0594-4
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