You're not wrong: it's been around forever, and it's one of the most potent antioxidants used in skincare. Read on to find out why it’s become the go-to vitamin for cosmetic formulators, says editor Trudi Brewer.
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It's no coincidence that certain ingredients are favourites of skincare formulators. Think hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C, to name a few. While brands seek out new and innovative ingredients to solve skincare concerns, they rely on well-researched ingredients to be as effective as possible. One ingredient that ticks that box is vitamin E. It's a hero moisturiser and an antioxidant, with protective benefits that are second to none. But here's the best news: it helps stabilise many ingredients in skincare formulas. Read on to learn more about this versatile skin-healing vitamin.
The Moisturiser
kit: Good Night Balm, $53.
It’s a night when your skin repairs from a day of environmental stress. This team favourite night cream promises to revive a dry complexion with vitamin E to deeply nourish, soothing tea tree oil to boost skin regeneration, and kangaroo paw flower nectar to smooth fine lines. Finally, Japanese grape extract strengthens the skin’s barrier, so your skin can stay resilient during the day.
What is vitamin E?
With eight different kinds of vitamin E, our skin best metabolises the fat-soluble form known as alpha-tocopherol (AT). This super hydrator works as both a humectant (to draw water to the skin) and an emollient (to trap water deep in the skin). A potent antioxidant that effectively fights free radical damage, it’s famous for protecting the skin cells from oxidative stress that affects the DNA of every cell, which, over time, presents an uneven texture and brown spots. Medical research suggests vitamin E has anti-cancer and photo-protective properties and is a powerful wound healer too.
The Serum
Alpha H Vitamin E Serum, from $62.
Formulated with the vitamin E derivative Vital ET, it boasts anti-inflammatory benefits that help revive stressed, dehydrated skin. It also contains macadamia and evening primrose oils, rich in essential fatty acids.
That’s possibly why this serum is known as ‘first aid for the skin’. It is ideal for soothing irritated, dry, and angry complexions while restoring the fragile skin barrier.
What Are the Side Effects of Vitamin E?
Safe for all skin types, vitamin E's healing power is universal, so any skin colour or concern can tolerate it. However, most dermatologists recommend the most gentle form of vitamin E, tocopheryl acetate, an 'ester' of tocopherol. So, look for products that state this ingredient on the labels.
The Oil
Go-To Face Hero, from $20.
Brimming with plant and nut oils naturally rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, this oil promotes skin elasticity and enhances the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Due to its fast-absorbing, lightweight nature, it is made for all skin types, from dry to oily—it’s the perfect all-season, all-rounder natural facial oil.
What ingredients work well with vitamin E?
Safe to use daily, either morning or night, combined with vitamin C, this vital vitamin plays nice with many ingredients, including that moisture-magnet hyaluronic acid and plant oils that help it absorb sufficiently into the skin. It's also a brilliant vitamin to use before you apply sunscreen or makeup to add another layer of protection during the day.
The balm
Lanolips Lano 101 Dry Skin Super Cream, $22.
This is the ultimate multitasker for healing dry spots. The key ingredient is lanolin, which contains sweet almond oil, shea butter, and vitamin E, which hydrates the skin in seconds. This cream was designed for lips, cuticles, heels, or anywhere on the face and body that needs extra nourishment.
And what it can do for your skin.