Vitamin E
Also known as: Tocopherol, Alpha-Tocopherol
Description
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin and a key component of the skin's natural antioxidant defense system. In skincare, it is most commonly used as tocopheryl acetate (a stable ester prodrug) or alpha-tocopherol (the active form). It is the most abundant lipophilic antioxidant in human skin.
Mechanism of Action
Alpha-tocopherol donates hydrogen atoms from its chromanol ring to neutralize lipid peroxyl radicals, terminating chain reactions of lipid peroxidation in cell membranes. This protects the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the phospholipid bilayer from UV-induced oxidative damage. Tocopheryl acetate is hydrolyzed by cutaneous esterases to release active tocopherol after topical application. Vitamin E works synergistically with Vitamin C — ascorbic acid regenerates oxidized tocopherol, restoring its antioxidant capacity. It also stabilizes the lipid barrier and has mild anti-inflammatory properties via inhibition of protein kinase C.
Indications
- Photoprotection (adjunct to sunscreen)
- Skin moisturization
- Scar prevention
- Anti-aging
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Wound healing support
Available Concentrations
Side Effects
- Contact dermatitis (uncommon)
- Milia formation (at very high concentrations)
- Comedogenicity in acne-prone skin (pure oil forms)
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to tocopherol or its esters
Pregnancy Category
Not classified (topical use generally considered safe)