Vitamin E oil is growing in popularity for its many benefits for skin. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help protect skin from free radical damage that causes signs of aging. Some of the claims about vitamin E for skin include reducing wrinkles, healing scars, clearing acne, and hydrating dry skin. With these purported benefits, it’s understandable why someone may want to put vitamin E oil directly on their face. However, there are some important things to consider before applying vitamin E oil to your face.
What is vitamin E?
Vitamin E refers to a group of fat-soluble compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols. Alpha-tocopherol is the most active and common form of vitamin E found in skin care. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Vitamin E also has anti-inflammatory effects. Our bodies cannot produce vitamin E, so we must get it from food and skin care products. Good dietary sources of vitamin E include nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals. Using vitamin E oil and creams can help nourish skin and provide antioxidant protection.
Benefits of vitamin E for skin
Here are some of the top ways vitamin E may benefit skin:
Protects against sun damage
Vitamin E is a photoprotectant and can help shield skin from UV light damage that causes signs of aging. Vitamin E can help limit oxidative stress in skin cells triggered by UV rays. It also may help prevent collagen breakdown due to sun exposure.
Moisturizes dry skin
Vitamin E oil is emollient and helps hydrate and soften dry skin. The thick oil locks in moisture and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier.
Reduces appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
The antioxidant properties of vitamin E help fight wrinkle-causing free radicals. Vitamin E may also boost collagen production in the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Fades scars
Some research shows vitamin E can help reduce raised or keloid scars. It may help soften and flatten scars when applied topically over time. Vitamin E’s hydrating abilities keep scar tissue from becoming too dry.
Helps heal cracked heels and cuticles
Slathering vitamin E oil on rough heels or ragged cuticles softens the skin and improves appearance. It hydrates cracked skin while its emollient texture prevents further moisture loss.
May improve eczema and psoriasis
One study found vitamin E cream hydrated skin and improved eczema after 12 weeks of use. The anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin E may also calm down flare-ups from psoriasis. Always patch test first.
Potential risks of putting vitamin E oil on your face
Despite its benefits, there are some potential side effects to consider before putting vitamin E oil directly on your face:
May clog pores
The thick, greasy texture of vitamin E oil may clog pores for those prone to acne. Vitamin E supplements also have a reputation for causing breakouts. Consider mixing vitamin E oil with lighter oils or using wash-off vitamin E masks instead of leaving it on overnight.
Allergic reactions
Some people discover they have an allergy to topical vitamin E after applying it to their face. Allergic responses may include redness, itching, and contact dermatitis. Do a patch test before wider use.
May interact with medications
Vitamin E may interact with blood thinners like Coumadin and some chemotherapy drugs. Check with your doctor before using vitamin E supplements or topical preparations if you take any medications.
Not recommended for scar removal after surgery
Although vitamin E is promoted for scars, most surgeons do not recommend using it on healing wounds after surgery. It may interfere with the wound healing process. Always check with your doctor before using vitamin E oil on post-surgical scars.
How to use vitamin E on your face
If you want to use vitamin E on your face, here are some tips:
Perform a patch test
Dab a little vitamin E oil on your inner arm and wait 24-48 hours to check for any reaction before wider use.
Use lower concentrations
Stick to lower concentrations around 5-15% vitamin E at first. High doses may more likely cause irritation or clogged pores.
Mix it with other oils
Combine vitamin E oil with lighter oils like jojoba, grapeseed, or squalane oil for easier absorption. This helps prevent congestion.
Cleanse skin first
Make sure to wash your face before applying vitamin E oil. This removes dirt, oil, and makeup so the vitamin E can better absorb.
Use once or twice daily
Only use vitamin E oil once or twice a day. More frequent use may lead to breakouts or irritation.
Use sparingly
Only use a few drops of vitamin E oil at a time. Applying too much can feel heavy and greasy on the skin.
Store properly
Vitamin E oil easily oxidizes and becomes less effective. Store your bottle in a cool, dark place and discard if it smells rancid.
Avoid eye area
Take care not to get vitamin E oil too close to your eyes. It may travel and get into your eyes, causing blurred vision.
The best vitamin E oils and serums for your face
Here are some recommended vitamin E facial oils and serums:
The Ordinary Vitamin E Oil
– Cold-pressed with no fillers
– Affordable price point
– Low 8% concentration good for acne-prone
Sunday Riley Juno Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil
– Blend of vitamin E, antioxidants, and botanical oils
– Hydrating and brightening
– Higher price point
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin E Oil
– Lightweight and fast-absorbing
– Sugarcane-derived squalane
– Provides hydration without clogging
Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Vitamin C & E Serum
– 20% vitamin C plus vitamin E
– Brightens and evens skin tone
– Also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm
– Rich, nourishing balm texture
– Helps soothe dry, irritated skin
– Shea butter and vitamin E provide deep hydration
Now Solutions Vitamin E Oil
– 100% natural vitamin E oil
– Very affordable
– Can use on face, hair, nails, and body
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
– Lightweight facial oil for overnight use
– Squalane, vitamin E, and evening primrose oil
– Helps refine skin texture
DIY vitamin E oil recipes for your face
You can also make your own custom facial oils at home using vitamin E oil:
Simple vitamin E facial oil
| Vitamin E oil | 1 oz |
| Jojoba oil | 1 oz |
Combine equal parts vitamin E oil and jojoba oil in a dark glass bottle. Shake before each use. Apply 4-5 drops to cleansed skin nightly.
Anti-aging vitamin E serum
| Vitamin E oil | 1⁄2 oz |
| Rosehip oil | 1⁄2 oz |
| Frankincense essential oil | 5 drops |
Mix together the vitamin E oil, rosehip oil, and frankincense oil. Store in an amber bottle. Use morning and night after cleansing by warming a few drops in your palms and patting onto your face.
Soothing vitamin E balm
| Vitamin E oil | 1⁄2 oz |
| Coconut oil | 1⁄2 oz |
| Shea butter | 1⁄4 oz |
| Honey | 1 tsp |
Gently melt the coconut oil and shea butter together over low heat. Remove from heat and mix in the vitamin E oil and honey. Allow to cool before using. Apply to dry areas as needed for super moisturization.
Frequently asked questions
Is vitamin E oil comedogenic?
Vitamin E oil has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5, meaning there is a moderate chance it could clog pores. Using it sparingly or mixing with other oils can help prevent clogged pores. Those with very acne-prone skin may want to avoid putting vitamin E oil directly on the face.
Can I leave vitamin E oil on my face overnight?
Yes, it’s fine to leave vitamin E oil on your face overnight as long as you don’t experience any irritation or breakouts. Use a few drops mixed with lighter oils or serums. Make sure to wash your face in the morning to prevent congestion.
Does vitamin E oil expire?
Unopened vitamin E oil lasts about 2 years from the manufacturing date. Once opened, it’s best to use within 6-12 months. Vitamin E oil exposed to air and light oxidizes faster, so store your bottle in a cool, dark place. Discard if it smells rancid or change color.
Can vitamin E oil remove dark spots?
Vitamin E may help lighten dark spots thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. With continued use over several weeks or months, vitamin E can help tone down pigmentation and gradually fade dark spots. Use diligently and avoid sun exposure.
Is vitamin E oil non-comedogenic?
No, vitamin E oil is not non-comedogenic. It has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5, so it has some potential to clog pores and cause breakouts. Using vitamin E oil sparingly or mixed with other oils can help prevent congestion.
Conclusion
Vitamin E oil can be great for hydrating and protecting your skin when used properly. Make sure to do a patch test first and start with lower concentrations to avoid irritation and clogged pores. Mix vitamin E oil with lighter oils or serums and use only a few drops at a time. Avoid getting vitamin E oil too close to your eyes. Check with your doctor if you take any medications, as vitamin E may interact with some prescription drugs. Used wisely, vitamin E oil can be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine with many anti-aging and hydrating benefits.