The 15 Best Vitamin E Skin-Care Products to Soothe Your Barrier
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Upon a preliminary scan of any skin-care ingredient list, vitamin E (also known as alpha-tocopherol) may very well go undetected. But once you're armed with a little extra information, you'll realize just how widespread and beloved this soothing ingredient is. "Vitamin E is the name given to [a] family of oil-soluble antioxidants," cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson previously explained. Out of the eight types of vitamin E, she noted that "tocopheryl acetate and tocopherol are most commonly found in skin-care products."
While vitamin E may be most well-known for its moisturizing properties, it's foremost an antioxidant that guards and strengthens a weakened skin barrier, which seals essential water and electrolytes in and protects the skin against dehydration and external stressors. Vitamin E also plays an important role in relieving conditions like flakiness, peeling, roughness, and itchiness, and also lends a helping hand in improving the appearance of acne scars.
You'll often find vitamin E paired with another skin-loving nutrient, vitamin C. The reason for that is because vitamin E "works synergistically with vitamin C to provide UVB protection," David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, explains. While vitamin E alone can provide some level of protection against damage caused by free radicals, it's much more effective when combined with vitamin C, and a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology further proves this point.
Because vitamin E is fat-soluble, Dr. Kim says that it's "readily absorbable in our skin, which is great for people with dry skin." However, he says that those with oily or acne-prone skin should be cautious around vitamin E, as it can potentially exacerbate breakouts. (No thanks.)
Naturally occurring vitamin E can be found in other moisturizing powerhouses like argan, sunflower, almond, safflower, rice bran, and grapeseed oils, which means you probably have plentiful vitamin E already baked into your skin-care routine. But if that's not the case, worry not, because we rounded up the best vitamin E products below, as recommended by Allure editors and board-certified dermatologists.
Ready to feel more confident when reading your beauty products' ingredient labels? Enter, the Allure Ingredient Index. In this comprehensive guide, you'll find everything you need to know about the most in-demand (and under-the-radar) ingredients in your favorite skin-care products.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
We're starting this list off strong with a three-time Best of Beauty winner, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, which features a prominent trio of antioxidants to brighten your complexion, heal discoloration, improve the appearance of fine lines, and firm skin. (As with any vitamin C serum, wearing sunscreen during the daytime is of the utmost importance.)
Dr. Kim is one of many dermatologists who recommend this highly effective elixir, which is spiked with a 1% concentration of vitamin E. "Compounding vitamin C with another antioxidant [like vitamin E] helps preserve the stability and boost the effectiveness of the serum," Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously explained. Both vitamin E and ferulic acid essentially make it easier for your skin to absorb the serum.
KraveBeauty Beet the Sun Lightweight Sunscreen SPF 40
After two years of intensive research and independent testing, KraveBeauty's Beet the Sun SPF is finally back after being discontinued in 2021. With a freshly-minted rating of SPF 40 (and new packaging), this skin-soothing formula remains a real treat for your complexion.
Ingredient highlights include antioxidant beet root extract (also high in vitamin C for a radiance boost), hydrating hyaluronic acid, and of course, vitamin E to maintain a healthy barrier. "The silky, lightweight cream disappears without a trace and leaves my skin feeling dewy and fresh-faced," Allure commerce editor Sarah Han confirms.
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
We're looking out for you when we say, "please step away from the single-use cleansing wipes." Our advice? Use a small dollop of Versed's Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm to melt away your toughest makeup without leaving your complexion looking raw and irritated.
For a fully relaxing experience, take about a minute to thoroughly massage the vitamin E-infused balm into your (dry) skin — it's so satisfying to watch all of your eye makeup break down. Once it comes into contact with water, the balm transforms into a milky texture that rinses off totally clean and residue-free. And, for an extra dash of nourishment, you'll find avocado, clove leaf, eucalyptus, and jojoba oils in the formula for baby-soft skin.
The Inkey List Vitamin B, C, and E Moisturizer
Ideal for normal skin that needs a daily dose of hydration, The Inkey List's Vitamin B, C, and E Moisturizer lays it all out in its name. We all know and appreciate the stabilizing duo that is vitamins C and E, but as a bonus, this lightweight face moisturizer features fan-favorite niacinamide (a.k.a. vitamin B3) to keep excess oil and redness in check. And with a price tag of just $8, you simply can't go wrong.
Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream
Envelop every inch of dry skin with Fenty Skin's luxurious Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream, which is spiked with tocopheryl acetate and tocopherol for maximum barrier-repairing benefits. But that's not all, because RiRi formulated this 2021 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner with seven — yes, seven — oils, including sunflower, rice bran, Kalahari melon, and baobab for the ultimate dose of luminosity.
Despite how decadent this moisturizing cream appears to be, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how lightweight and nongreasy it feels in practice.
Cosrx Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
In our opinion, there are fewer better ways to upgrade your sun protection than with antioxidants like vitamin E that can guard the skin against free radicals and other environmental pollutants. Cosrx's Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ does just that, on top of using silica to curb sebum production and cocoa extract to prevent dryness. Hello dewy, but not shiny, skin.
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Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster
While Dr. Kim notes that Paula's Choice doesn't disclose the percentage of tocopherol present in the formula, he recommends the C15 Super Booster nonetheless if you're looking for a potent vitamin C serum (15 percent) that's bolstered by both vitamin E and ferulic acid.
As the name states, this antioxidant-rich booster can be used alone as its own step, or added to your favorite moisturizers and serums. The latter cocktail could also relieve any potential irritation sensitive skin may experience, which we appreciate.
The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream
The Body Shop's Vitamin E Eye Cream pumps a dream team of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E into the delicate, prone-to-creasing areas around your eyes so they stay plump and smooth throughout all of the emotions and eye strain you encounter. Gently tap the formula with your ring finger for best results.
P.S. The Body Shop has an entire suite of vitamin E products, including a cream cleanser, hydrating toner, sleeping mask, and more.
Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex 30
Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Director of Mohs Surgery at Brown Dermatology in Rhode Island, is also a fan of serums that combine the efficacy of vitamins C and E. Her pick is Revision Skincare's C+ Correcting Complex 30, which is formulated with a potent 30-percent concentration of THD ascorbate, which she says is "a more stable version of L-ascorbic acid, aka vitamin C," while vitamin E "strengthens and stabilizes the vitamin C."
This advanced, free radical-fighting serum is a fan-favorite amongst other dermatologists we've talked to over the years, including one who says it's a particularly excellent choice for those with combination skin.
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
When you want to stick close to the tried-and-true staples, Bio-Oil's Skincare Oil has you covered. As a long-time favorite of Allure editors, dermatologists, and skin-care devotees, the calming concoction works wonders when it comes to healing and minimizing the appearance of scars, uneven skin tone, and stretch marks.
the nourishing vitamin E oil is also spiked with vitamins A (also known as retinol) which can boost collagen production — according to New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Brian Hibler, MD. Best of all, the non-comedogenic elixir locks in serious moisture without ever clogging pores.
P.S. Bio-Oil also has a "natural" version — aka, a formula free of fragrance, preservatives, parabens, or phthalates — if that's more in line with your preferences.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50
Neutrogena's Hydro Boost line is no stranger to Allure Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice Awards, which is a tell-tale sign that the Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50 is worth every penny. This weightless moisturizer-and-SPF hybrid is supercharged with glycerin and vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate) and leaves your skin looking glowy and healthy. Since vitamin E is a potent antioxidant, it bolsters the SPF's photoprotection abilities. What more could you want?
SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum
Also on Dr. Libby's list of recommendations is SkinBetter Science's two-time Best of Beauty-winning Alto Defense Serum. She describes it as an "elegant vitamin C serum that combines [18] other powerful antioxidants like vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 to reduce oxidative stress on the skin," which comes to life in the form of redness, dark spots, and signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. In other words, this groundbreaking formula is the shield your skin needs against damaging free radicals.
If you need further convincing, contributing editor Brennan Killbane described the texture as "water weight, drying instantly and leaving smooth, hydrated skin in its wake."
Mario Badescu Vitamin E Night Cream
While you can technically use a night cream during the daytime, depending on what your skin can tolerate, dermatologists agree that nighttime is where the "heavier" treatments should typically come in. (This also minimizes the risk of your sunscreen and/or makeup pilling — a pet peeve of ours.)
Hydrate and repair while you snooze with Mario Badescu's Vitamin E Night Cream. The soothing face cream comforts dry, depleted skin after a long day of braving the elements and infuses your complexion with emollient, vitamin E-spiked oils like cottonseed oil — along with two other forms of vitamin E, tocopheryl acetate and tocopherol.
Common Heir 10% Vitamin C Serum
Common Heir's 10% Vitamin C Serum is no ordinary vitamin C serum, and that's not the kind of statement we make offhandedly. Each perfectly proportioned dose of vitamin C — tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate or THD, to be precise — is boosted and stabilized by multiple sources of vitamin E, which include rapeseed oil, licorice root extract, rice bran extract, and tocopherol itself.
The serum is silky to the touch and lends a natural glow upon application, and it's encased within a biodegradable, plant-based capsule that can be melted/broken down in hot water.
Glossier Body Hero Exfoliating Bar
One of the star ingredients present in Glossier's Best of Beauty-winning, skin-softening Body Hero Exfoliating Bar is none other than sunflower seed oil, which is spiked with a high concentration of vitamin E to lock in moisture. Along with aloe leaf juice, sunflower seed oil ensures your skin doesn't feel dry or raw after its gentle scrubbing session — which comes courtesy of finely milled, biodegradable bamboo powder.
The orange blossom-scented bar is also designed with a slight groove on one side to nestle a pump or two of Glossier's Body Hero Daily Oil Wash (or any wash of your choice) for extra hydration.
