Vitamin E

HOW DOES VITAMIN E BENEFIT YOUR SKIN AND HAIR?

Vitamin E helps defend against environmental stressors that can contribute to visible dryness, dullness and premature signs of aging. Its conditioning properties also help nourish the skin and hair, leaving them feeling softer, smoother and more comfortable.

Known for: Protecting

Also supports: Nourishing

About

Vitamin E is a family of fat-soluble antioxidant compounds naturally produced by plants. In cosmetic formulas, it most often appears as Tocopherol or the more stable derivative Tocopheryl Acetate, selected for antioxidant support and its smooth, conditioning feel.

Science

Because Vitamin E is oil-soluble, it positions itself among the natural lipids that help protect the skin's outer layers. Its antioxidant structure neutralizes lipid-damaging free radicals and interrupts the chain reactions they can create, helping preserve the skin's protective lipids against oxidative stress. In emollient formulas, it also conditions the surface of the skin and hair, helping reduce roughness and improve softness and smoothness.

History

Vitamin E was discovered in 1922 by researchers Herbert Evans and Katharine Bishop while studying an unidentified dietary factor essential to reproduction. It was later isolated from wheat germ oil, and by the late 1930s its structure had been identified and the vitamin successfully synthesized.

Origin

Vitamin E is naturally synthesized by plants and is especially abundant in vegetable oils, seeds and nuts. Cosmetic Vitamin E may be obtained from plant-derived sources or produced synthetically, while Tocopheryl Acetate is created by stabilizing Tocopherol to help protect it from premature oxidation within a formula.

Did You Know?

Vitamin E is not a single compound. It is a family of eight naturally occurring forms—four tocopherols and four tocotrienols—although Tocopherol and Tocopheryl Acetate are the forms customers most commonly encounter in skincare and haircare.