Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

INCI: Tocopherol

Also known as: α-Tocopherol, Vitamin E

AntioxidantsantioxidantsyntheticStrong evidencePregnancy safe

Skinlumis Rating

Comedogenic

2/5

Irritancy

0/5

Best applied

Both

Effective range

0.1%–1%

How It Works

A lipid-soluble antioxidant that lives in cell membranes, the perfect chaperone for water-soluble antioxidants like Vitamin C.

Neutralises peroxyl radicals in lipid membranes; once oxidised, it is regenerated by ascorbic acid, the basis of the C+E synergy.

pH Range

4.0–8.0

Benefits

Lipid-phase antioxidant
Stabilises Vitamin C
Soothes
Moisturising
Photoprotective

Proven For

What the evidence supports.

PhotoagingOxidative damageDryness

Best For

All skin types

Avoid If

Highly acne-prone (at high %)

Layering Order

4/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.1%–1%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, spinach.

Skin Signals When You Need It

Easy bruising
Slow wound healing
Dry skin

For Estheticians & Professionals

Mixed tocopherols (γ + α) more biologically active than synthetic α alone.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Vitamin E (Tocopherol).

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Randomized Controlled Trial

Daily sunscreen use reduced photoaging markers by 24% over 4.5 years compared to discretionary use.

Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2013

View Study →

Systematic Review

Chronic psychological stress elevates cortisol, accelerating skin aging through collagen degradation and barrier disruption.

Chen Y, Lyga J
Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, 2014

View Study →

Randomized Controlled Trial

Nano-hyaluronic acid significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity after 8 weeks.

Jegasothy SM, Zabolotniaia V, Bielfeldt S
Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2014

View Study →

Randomized Controlled Trial

Ceramide-dominant emollients improved skin barrier function by 63% within 6 weeks.

Draelos ZD, Ertel K, Berge C
Cutis, 2006

View Study →

Pairs Well With

Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)Ferulic Acid Squalane

Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility