As a result, even though vitamin E can exist in up to eight different chemical forms, the word "vitamin E" on the packaging of supplements or skin care products almost invariably refers to tocopherol. Only this type of vitamin E is known by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to "meet human requirements." According to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, this implies that it is theoretically okay for people to consume.

As a result, if the word "tocopherol" appears on the ingredient list of your preferred serum, moisturizer, or supplement, you can be sure that it refers to vitamin E.

Board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo of Miami says that topical vitamin E has two advantages. According to her, vitamin E is an antioxidant that fights free radical damage. However, unlike most antioxidants, she adds, "vitamin E is also a very hydrating molecule since it works as a both humectant (to absorb water into the skin) and an emollient (to trap water in the skin)." This implies that "topically, it can be very helpful [for] a range of skin disorders, as well as skin repair," explains Beverly Hills-based board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D. It helps with a variety of cellular restorative processes, from sun damage to burn or scar healing support.

According to King, vitamin E functions as an antioxidant. A quick recap of why antioxidants are so crucial to human health, both inside and externally: They guard against oxidative cell damage by assisting in the removal of free radicals. "Free radicals are on a destructive quest to become stable, so they are ready and willing to snatch an electron from anything that comes in its path, including DNA, skin proteins, connective tissues, and cell membranes," adds Wilson. The more your skin will be protected, the more you can satisfy free radicals' need for stability, which is where vitamin E comes into play.

Furthermore, vitamin E has "moisturizing and healing" advantages and supports "strengthening skin barrier function," according to King. In essence, it's a "workhorse of a vitamin," as Dr. Shamban describes it. Vitamin E is also a natural anti-inflammatory, which makes it calming and able to help relax the skin, according to the expert. Additionally, it moisturizes skin and acts as a passably efficient natural sunblock.

Your skin type can influence whether you should go for vitamin E oil, cream, or serum even if you are unsure of your optimum skin-care regimen. Most skin types can benefit from the chemical, which has also been shown to help some people with eczema.

However, it won't be effective for everyone. Vitamin E is typically not advised for extremely sensitive, excessively oily, or acne-prone skin, according to Dr. Shamban. Although it's extremely rare, she claims that topical vitamin E itself can function as an allergy to certain people, producing itchiness, irritation, or even a rash when it contacts the skin. Less than 1% of people are topically sensitive to the substance, said Kansas-based board-certified dermatologist Audrey Kunin, M.D. Scientists are still unsure of what causes some people to develop allergies to it (King compares it to a peanut allergy). It's crucial to remember that a negative reaction could also be caused by other components.

According to Dr. Shamban, vitamin E can have significant skin advantages for the great majority of people. Vitamin E can be delivered through or as an oil because it is oil soluble, so adding oils and moisturizers to your skin care regimen are some of the best ways to use the ingredient.