Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and a beneficial skincare ingredient that helps protect the skin from environmental damage. It’s a naturally occurring vitamin found in many plant-based oils, such as argan oil, cherry kernel oil, sunflower oil, and wheat germ oil. However, when we talk about adding vitamin E to cosmetic recipes, it is usually in a refined and concentrated form.

Understanding Vitamin E: Types & Forms

The term “Vitamin E” actually refers to a group of eight different chemical compounds:

• Tocopherols: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta
• Tocotrienols: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta

Different vitamin E products can contain varied blends or isolated versions of these compounds. These differences influence their suitability for skincare and their price point. For example:

• d-alpha-Tocopherol is the most bioavailable and often used in skin care.
• Gamma and delta-tocopherols have stronger antioxidant properties for certain recipes.

If you’d like to dive deeper, the Wikipedia article on tocopherol is also very helpful. Provide excellent in-depth information.

Tocopherol

Storage: In an airtight, dark container away from heat and direct light.
Shelf life: is approximately 1–2 years when stored properly. Don’t purchase vitamin E in bulk at 0.5%. You won’t use much over the course of 12 months.

Only exists as a refined product.

If you’re using oils prone to rancidity, Vitamin E can extend their shelf life.
If you want antioxidant benefits for the skin, it’s a great addition to serums, balms, and creams.
It is not a preservative and does not prevent microbial growth.

Oily and slightly sticky at high concentrations.

Mild, slightly nutty or oily scent, depending on the source.

Antioxidant properties: Helps slow the oxidation of oils and butters, extending shelf life.
Skin benefits: Supports skin barrier function, promotes hydration, and soothes irritation.
Anti-aging effects: Protects against environmental damage by neutralising free radicals.

A pH of around 5.5 – 7.0, which is neutral to slightly acidic, making it suitable for most skin types.

A slow absorbency rate. It is quite thick and can leave a slightly greasy residue if not absorbed fully, but it works well for deep hydration and is often used as a moisturizing ingredient in skincare.

Typically, use 0.1%–1% of the oil phase to delay oxidisation. Higher percentages may be used for antioxidant purposes in carrier oils but be mindful it could feel heavy on the skin.

A thick, slightly viscous, yellow to amber-coloured liquid

✅ Powerful antioxidant for skin
✅ Helps prevent oils from going rancid
✅ Supports skin hydration and repair
✅ Gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types

❌ Can feel heavy or greasy in high amounts
❌ Does not function as a broad-spectrum preservative
❌ It can be costly, but a little goes a long way!

Rosemary Antioxidant Extract – Similar antioxidant benefits but with a lighter feel.

Add Vitamin E to the cool-down phase (below 40°C) to prevent degradation.
Blend well into oils and butters..

💡 A little goes a long way—using too much can make your products greasy.
💡 Combine with other antioxidants like rosemary extract for enhanced stability.
💡 Choose natural, non-GMO Vitamin E for skincare applications.
💡 Check out this insightful blog post from Realize Beauty to learn more about vitamin E! It also debunks the common myth that excess vitamin E turns into a “pro-oxidant.”

For personal use: 10–30 mL
For DIY skincare projects: 30–100 mL

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