Ingredients | March 31 2025

The Benefits of Vitamin E for Skin

Vitamin E's versatility makes it a popular skincare ingredient for all skin types, providing hydration, protection, and anti-aging benefits. Discover the differences between natural and synthetic forms of this powerful antioxidant and how its topical application supports your skin.

In this article, we'll cover the key benefits of vitamin E for skin to help you make more informed decisions when choosing the right skincare.

What is vitamin E?

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that occurs both naturally and synthetically. It occurs naturally in foods like leafy greens and nuts and is also a common ingredient in skincare products.

As a fat-soluble antioxidant, it penetrates the skin more deeply than water-based ingredients. At the same time, its antioxidant properties help to protect the skin from free radicals from UV light, pollution, and other environmental irritants.

Natural and synthetic forms

In its natural form, vitamin E is made up of eight compounds. These can be split into two types of molecules with similar chemical structures: tocotrienols and tocopherols. Both come in alpha, beta, gamma, and delta forms.

Synthetic vitamin E differs from its natural counterpart in both quality and effectiveness in skincare. While natural vitamin E has stronger antioxidant and absorption properties, its chemical instability makes it difficult to use in formulations. This is why synthetic forms are preferred—they offer stability while still offering valuable benefits.

Also known as ATA, alpha-tocopheryl acetate is a synthetic form of vitamin E commonly found in skincare products and dietary supplements. As a more stable derivative of naturally occurring alpha-tocopherol (AT), it resists environmental factors like heat and light, making it ideal for skincare formulations with extended shelf life. Alpha-tocopheryl acetate is found in numerous types of skincare products, including facial serums, creams, oils, and face masks. People use vitamin E in this form for a variety of skin benefits.

Protecting skin from environmental damage

Free radicals in the environment and the body can damage the skin, leading to oxidative stress and visible signs of aging like wrinkles. UV rays, pollution, and even stress can cause the body to produce more free radicals. Fortunately, vitamin E supports the skin's antioxidant defenses by neutralizing these harmful molecules. It does this by donating an electron to stabilize them and prevent further damage.

Vitamin E can also absorb some UVB light, helping to protect the skin and prevent wrinkles over time. It shouldn't be used instead of sunscreen as its real value lies in preventing free radical damage caused by UV exposure. A vitamin E cream or serum can have numerous benefits when it comes to protecting skin from environmental aggravators. For example, ZO® Daily Power Defense is an effective antioxidant serum designed to improve the appearance of lines + wrinkles, while promoting overall skin health.

There are additional benefits to combining vitamin E with other antioxidants like vitamin C. Both have synergistic antioxidant properties, which means that, when two or more molecules interact, their combined effect is greater than their individual effects. Combining vitamins E and C correctly can offer greater protection against free radicals. Other clinical studies have shown that combining vitamin C with vitamin E can diminish redness and help protect the skin from long-term damage caused by UV light.

Moisturizing and strengthening the skin barrier

There are many benefits of vitamin E for skin hydration and moisture retention. As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin, while its humectant properties help the skin absorb and retain hydration.

Integrating vitamin E into your routine can help strengthen the skin's lipid barrier, which is essential for reducing water loss. A strong barrier makes it easier for the skin to retain moisture, making vitamin E especially beneficial for dry or sensitive skin.

The ZO® Body Emulsion contains vitamin E as part of a 12-hour time-release antioxidant complex that helps to protect the skin. It also exfoliates dead skin cells to soften + smooth skin texture.

Anti-inflammatory benefits for sensitive and irritated skin

If you suffer from sensitive skin, vitamin E can be a valuable addition to your skincare regimen. This is because it helps neutralize free radicals, reducing skin redness and sensitivity. Over time, this can soothe irritation.

When applied topically, vitamin E can have calming effects on redness and irritation, and even help to reduce swelling. Those with conditions like eczema, rosacea, or sunburn may benefit from skincare products containing vitamin E, as it can help ease inflammation.

A strong skin barrier, supported by effective moisturization, helps reduce dryness and sensitivity, highlighting how vitamin E's skincare benefits often overlap. As a result, dry, flaky skin can feel softer.

Embrace the benefits of vitamin E with ZO®

If you're keen to incorporate more vitamin E for its skin benefits, let the experts at ZO help point you in the right direction. Start by using our Regimen Finder to discover the products designed for your skin's specific needs, from redness to dryness.

Keen to learn more? You can speak to a ZO® Authorized Physician near you for more tailored, expert advice. Otherwise, you can get in touch with our team of skin health experts for more information.