Everything You Should Know About Using Vitamin E Oil for Skin Care

You’re probably familiar with vitamin C's impressive brightening effects, and vitamin A (or retinol) is known for its anti-aging properties. But did you know vitamin E offers its own set of amazing benefits for the skin? This often overlooked ingredient is already part of many of your skincare products and works hard to give your skin a healthy glow.

We reached out to two dermatologists to gain their expert opinions on the skin benefits of vitamin E oil, how to properly use it, and which top-rated skincare products contain this powerhouse ingredient.

What Is Vitamin E Oil?

Vitamin E oil is a fat-soluble oil that occurs naturally in nuts, seeds, and plant-based oils like sunflower oil, or it can be synthetically derived from tocopheryl acetate, which is more widely used. "Unlike some oils made specifically for skincare, vitamin E oil isn't designed with skin in mind," says Dr. Michael I. Jacobs, a board-certified dermatologist and Associate Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. "A skincare product is carefully formulated with a specific blend of ingredients and oils to treat the skin with minimal risk of irritation."

Several oils commonly found in skincare products, such as olive oil or almond oil, also contain high levels of vitamin E, making them a suitable alternative.

Vitamin E Oil Benefits for Skin

Interestingly, vitamin E is naturally present in your body. It’s a key component of both skin and sebum, contributing significantly to skin health. Unfortunately, levels of vitamin E decrease as we age. According to Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, vitamin E acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting our skin from free radicals caused by environmental stressors like UV exposure and pollution. This helps prevent early signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin sagging. "It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the appearance and severity of inflammatory skin issues like eczema and acne," she adds. "Finally, it supports the skin barrier, promoting healthier, more balanced, and nourished skin."

The benefits of applying vitamin E topically are the same as those you'd experience from taking it orally. Vitamin E reaches our skin through the sebum produced by our bodies. Dr. Yadav points out that many individuals may find it easier to take vitamin E as a supplement. This not only delivers the skin benefits but also provides the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory advantages throughout the rest of your body, all while allowing you to stick to your current skincare routine.

How to Use Vitamin E Oil for Skin

There are several ways to incorporate vitamin E oil into your skincare routine. One option is to apply it directly to your skin as often as you’d like. However, it's important to patch-test the product before applying it to your whole face. "While it's rare for vitamin E from a capsule to cause a reaction, other products might trigger sensitivity, so it's better to play it safe," advises Dr. Yadav.

For those with oily or acne-prone skin, Dr. Jacobs suggests not applying pure vitamin E oil directly to your face or any other breakout-prone areas. "If you have dry skin that isn't prone to breakouts, vitamin E oil can be used as a final step in your skincare routine," he recommends. "For oily skin, it’s better to use a product that already contains vitamin E, as its formulation is optimized to enhance the benefits of all the ingredients. You can also add a drop to your moisturizer for added hydration."

It’s also wise to avoid applying vitamin E oil near your eyes, as it could lead to irritation. However, according to Dr. Yadav, side effects from topical vitamin E are rare. In exceptional cases, it might cause conditions like atopic dermatitis or erythema. "If taken in excessively high doses, oral vitamin E can lead to nausea, diarrhea, and headaches, and in extreme cases, even bleeding," she warns. "For the same reasons, those on blood thinners or with blood coagulation issues should consult a doctor before taking vitamin E."

Best Skin Care Products with Vitamin E Oil

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

Dr. Yadav recommends this classic because it’s been a favorite for years. "Along with vitamin E oil, it features other nourishing oils like pomegranate seed, rosehip, jojoba, and sunflower to provide deep hydration and improve skin condition," she explains.

Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster

This product offers a dual benefit with both vitamins C and E. "These antioxidants work together to protect the skin from environmental damage while also brightening your complexion," says Dr. Jacobs. The formula also includes ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid, which help combat the signs of aging and enhance skin hydration.

U Beauty Super Intensive Face Oil 

This high-end formula combines vitamin E with hydrating hyaluronic acid, firming peptides, and nourishing oils like jojoba and avocado to treat the skin. "I especially love the natural orangey-red color, which comes from astaxanthin, an antioxidant-packed carotenoid that helps reduce transepidermal water loss," says Dr. Yadav.

Youth to The People Superfood Air-Whip Lightweight Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid

Dr. Jacobs recommends this moisturizer from Youth to The People due to its powerful combination of hyaluronic acid, green tea, and vitamin E. "It’s a lightweight formula that enhances the skin’s moisture barrier," he explains.