An oil-soluble antioxidant that keeps sunscreen oils fresh and leaves skin feeling soft and conditioned.
What it is
Vitamin E is a family of oil-soluble antioxidants found in plant oils. It helps skin look and feel soft and conditioned. It does not raise SPF and never replaces UV filters.
Good for
Dry skinRough textureSun-exposed skin
How it works
Tocopherol gives up a hydrogen atom to neutralise free radicals, stopping chain reactions in oils and in lipids at the skin surface. Some studies report less visible redness after UV exposure, more so alongside vitamin C. The acetate form has to be converted in the skin, so its effect is smaller.
Ratings
Evidence
3/5
Some human data on reduced UV redness, but the effect is modest.
Gentleness
4/5
Well tolerated, with occasional contact allergy.
Formulation difficulty
1/5
Simple oil-phase addition that needs protection from heat and air.
Cost
1/5
Inexpensive raw material.
Popularity
4/5
Common in Australian SPF moisturisers and after-sun products.
Pairs and cautions
Pairs well with
In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.
No limits in cosmetics. In ARTG-listed sunscreens use a permitted form such as dl-alpha-tocopherol or mixed tocopherols concentrate; plain 'tocopherol' is only allowed in fragrances or flavours.
Climate
Heat speeds the loss of tocopherol as it protects oils from going rancid, so formulas for hot markets or long tropical shipping may need the upper end of the range.
In the lab
Specifications
Typical use level
0.1–1%0525%
Solubility
Oil-soluble
Sensitive to
LightHeatOxygen
0.05–0.5% protects formula oils from oxidation, while 0.5–1% supports a skin-benefit story.
Add late to the oil phase, as free tocopherol oxidises with heat, air and light. Tocopheryl acetate is more stable but less active on skin, and only free tocopherol protects formula oils from going rancid.
Regulatory, Australia
Cosmetic ingredient (AICIS). In listed sunscreens, use permitted forms such as dl-alpha-tocopherol or dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (Permissible Ingredients Determination).
Claims to take care with
Listed sunscreens may say 'contains vitamin E', but claims about reducing free radicals in or below the skin are not permitted and would need registration.
