Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble compounds, eight forms of which are naturally occurring.
Alpha-tocopherol is the most common form in your body, where it functions as an antioxidant and supports immune function, cellular signaling, and other bodily processes .
It’s concentrated in fatty foods and can be taken as a dietary supplement.
Vitamin E is also a popular ingredient in skin and hair products. While it’s said to treat scars, boost hair health, and minimize the appearance of stretch marks, there’s limited evidence to support these uses .
Nonetheless, many people swear by topical vitamin E, and anecdotal evidence suggests that it may help treat some skin and hair issues. Plus, products commonly use ingredients that may work synergistically with this vitamin to boost skin and hair health.
A quick look at our picks for the best vitamin E supplement
- Best vitamin E oil for scar treatment: Jason Extra Strength Vitamin E Skin Oil, DERMA-E Vitamin E Skin Oil, Facetheory Retin C Vitamin Scar Treatment Oil
- Best vitamin E oils for the face: One Love Organics Botanical E Youth Preservation Serum, Carlson E-Gem Oil Drops
- Best body oil with vitamin E: Erbaviva Baby Oil, Versed Keep It Supple Body Oil
- Best vitamin E oil for stretch marks: Erbaviva Stretch Mark Oil, Honest Glow On Body Oil
- Best vitamin E hair oil: Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum
- Best for vitamin E oil for consumption: NOW Foods E-oil
Considerations for choosing a vitamin E oil
While many people use vitamin E oil in their skin care and hair routines, there’s currently a lack of scientific evidence to support its effectiveness for boosting skin and hair health, reducing scar appearance, and treating stretch marks.
However, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may be effective for these and other uses.
Although vitamin E oil is considered to be relatively safe, using topical vitamin E oil may result in adverse side effects, including rashes and itching, in some people.
Keep in mind that oral vitamin E supplements are often unnecessary and can interact with common medications like blood thinners. For this reason, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional before taking supplements .
When shopping for vitamin E oil, try to purchase products from reputable brands that contain safe ingredients.
Some ingestible products carry a seal from third-party certification bodies, which test and confirm the ingredients in the product and claimed amounts. Some examples to look for include Underwriters Laboratories (UL), NSF International, and ConsumerLab. Topicals don’t yet carry these certifications, so checking the ingredient list is your best bet.
When you’re reading ingredient lists, choose vitamin E oils that contain alpha-tocopherols and a carrier oil, like extra virgin olive oil. The shorter the ingredient list the better, as some vitamin E oils may contain unnecessary extra ingredients and additives that take away from the purity of the product.
SUMMARY
Choose high quality topical vitamin E oil products with minimal ingredients, and ones that carry a third-party testing seal for ingredient and amount verification whenever possible. Remember that oral vitamin E supplements are usually unnecessary.
How we choose
All the products included have been vetted to ensure that they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards. The items featured on this page were chosen based on the following criteria:
- strict standards for quality and purity from the manufacturer
- no unnecessary ingredients, such as artificial fragrances, colors, or additives like sulfates
- cruelty-free, naturally derived, and organic when possible
- trusted by healthcare professionals
Healthline’s picks of the best vitamin E oil products
Best for scar treatment
Many people swear by vitamin E oil for reducing the appearance of scars. Although vitamin E oil is a popular scar treatment, study results are mixed.
For example, a review of six studies found that only half of the studies reported a beneficial effect of vitamin E on the appearance of scars, concluding that insufficient evidence is available to support the widespread use of topical vitamin E alone for scar treatment.
What’s more, vitamin E may be more beneficial for treating scars when used in combination with ingredients like silicone or hydrocortisone .
Even so, many people claim that vitamin E helps reduce the appearance of scars. Here are some vitamin E products that may help with scar treatment.
Jason Extra Strength Vitamin E Skin Oil
Who it’s best for: those with combination skin and seeking support for fading scars and hydration
Form: topical oil (skin)
Jason Extra Strength Vitamin E Skin Oil is marketed for treating scars, as well as improving overall skin health and hydration. It contains pure tocopheryl acetate, the most stable form of vitamin E
To use this product, simply apply it to the face, hands, and body as needed. It says it’s intended for combination (dry and oily) skin.
It has thousands of positive consumer reviews online, many of which mention that regularly using this product helped old scars fade in addition to adding moisture to skin and hair.
This vitamin E oil is cruelty-free and doesn’t contain harmful additives like sulfates, parabens, or phthalates.
- Pros
- minimal ingredient list
- pure tocopherol acetate is the most stable form of vitamin E
- free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and petrolatum
- Cons
- some reviews note that this product container leaks
- no third-party certification seals
DERMA-E Vitamin E Skin Oil
Who it’s best for: those with sensitive skin looking for a simple way to add moisture while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Form: topical oil (skin)
DERMA-E Vitamin E Skin Oil contains tocopheryl acetate in a carrier of safflower oil, which has hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its concentration of fatty acids like linoleic acid .
To use, apply directly to the skin. This product is intended to help moisturize, soothe, and soften rough skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It’s also 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and free of fragrances, parabens, sulfates, gluten, and genetically modified ingredients (GMOs).
It’s also free from benzene, a chemical that may be found in certain personal care products and has been classified as cancer-causing.
The product has many positive reviews, several of which say using the product helped reduce acne scars. However, there are some reviews that say it’s missing its safety seal and caused skin irritation.
- Pros
- simple ingredient list
- free from potentially harmful ingredients, like benzene, parabens, and sulfates
- low price point
- Cons
- may come with the risk of missing a safety seal when purchased from online retailers
- no third-party certification seals
Facetheory Retin C Vitamin Scar Treatment Oil
Who it’s best for: those looking to reduce breakouts and reduce acne scarring
Form: topical oil (skin)
This product combines vitamin E with ingredients like vitamin C in the form of ascorbyl isostearate. It also contains retinol (retinyl palmitate) and jojoba oil.
Some studies suggest that vitamin C may diminish the appearance of surgical scars when applied topically.
This product also contains the active ingredient salicylic acid, which is used to treat acne and reduce acne-related scarring.
Facetheory Retin C Vitamin Scar Treatment Oil is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of sulfates, polyethylene glycols, and other potentially harmful additives.
The product has mixed reviews online and many consumers note that it has an “interesting” scent.
- Pros
- low price point
- contains ingredients to both hydrate skin and fight acne
- Cons
- may have an unpleasant odor
- no third-party certification seals
Best for the face
Many products combine vitamin E with other powerful ingredients to create a face oil that’s meant to moisturize and protect your skin from damage.
Formulations containing vitamins E and C may help protect against sun damage and reduce the appearance of wrinkles .
One Love Organics Botanical E Youth Preservation Serum
Who it’s best for: those with combination skin and seeking lightweight oil to hydrate and reduce breakouts
Form: topical oil (skin)
One Love Organics Botanical E Youth Preservation Serum is a lightweight serum appropriate for all skin types. It combines vitamin-E-rich ingredients like watermelon seed oil with vitamins E and C to create an antioxidant-rich treatment (11Trusted Source).
It’s been formulated with innovative plant cell technology intended to help promote a more balanced complexion.
This product is free of synthetic fragrances, dermatologist-tested, and cruelty-free. Plus, it’s certified natural and organic by Ecocert, a European organics certification group.
The product has been tested on paid human volunteers for skin tolerance. The brand website states that their products have received the gold standard irritancy score of zero, which means that even individuals with the most sensitive skin types tolerate it well.
- Pros
- carries an organic certification
- contains ingredients that may also help support sun protection
- lightweight product
- Cons
- high price point
- long ingredient list that some may not be looking for
Carlson E-Gem Oil Drops
Who it’s best for: those seeking a low cost, simple product intended to moisturize and nourish the skin
Form: topical oil (skin)
Carlson E-Gem Oil Drops are a perfect choice for skin care. This product combines d-alpha tocopheryl acetate with other tocopherols and sunflower oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes skin health.
Plus, it’s free of artificial dyes and fragrances, as well as parabens and phthalates — harmful plastic compounds — and isn’t tested on animals.
The drops can be massaged into your skin on their own or added to your favorite skin care products. You can even add them to your bathwater for an allover body experience.
The product has overwhelmingly positive online customer reviews, many of which highlight its effectiveness, ease of use, and lack of odor.
- Pros
- low price point
- contains alpha-tocopherol and sunflower oil, known to promote skin health
- free from artificial ingredients and harmful plastic compounds
- Cons
- no third-party certification seals
- some consumer reviews say the product leaks
Best body oil with vitamin E
Vitamin E may help protect and soothe your skin when used in body oil. The following products combine vitamin E with other skin-boosting ingredients.
Erbaviva Baby Oil
Who it’s best for: those looking for a moisturizing product made with natural ingredients
Form: topical oil (skin)
Erbaviva Baby Oil is a hydrating skin treatment that combines vitamin E with moisturizing oils like jojoba, sweet almond, and safflower oils. It also contains chamomile and rosemary extracts, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
This oil is scented with natural essential oils like lavender and mandarin. Although it’s made for babies, it makes a great choice for preserving skin health at any age.
This product is certified USDA organic, certified B corporation, vegan, cruelty-free, and free of sulfates and parabens. It has many positive reviews online, however, a couple noted that this product irritated sensitive skin.
- Pros
- low price point
- can be used for any age, from baby to adult
- carries several quality certifications
- Cons
- some customer reviews note that it wasn’t a good fit for sensitive skin
- made for babies, which may not be what all consumers are looking for
Versed Keep It Supple Body Oil
Who it’s best for: those looking for a quick-absorbing moisturizer for dry skin
Form: topical oil (spray)
This body oil contains hydrating ingredients like safflower, sweet almond, and macadamia oils, all of which are naturally rich in vitamin E. It also packs added vitamin E, as well as calendula extract and ylang ylang essential oil for a naturally pleasing floral aroma .
Versed Keep It Supple Oil is free of parabens, silicones, and sulfates. Plus, it’s vegan, certified cruelty-free, and Climate Neutral Certified, which is a standard earned by companies that offset their carbon emissions.
This product is unique in that it comes in a spray form that you can apply and rub into your skin for lightness and quick absorption, without leaving a greasy residue.
The product information also instructs the consumer on how to recycle the container when done to reduce waste.
It has primarily positive reviews online, though some consumers note that it carries an unnecessary potent smell.
- Pros
- low price point
- unique lightweight spray oil form for quick absorption
- carries cruelty-free and Climate Neutral certifications
- Cons
- may have a strong odor
- not everyone prefers a spray versus a rub-on oil
Best for stretch marks
During and after pregnancy, you may be interested in using vitamin E oil to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks — although little evidence supports this application.
Here are a few products made especially for stretch mark prevention and treatment.
Erbaviva Stretch Mark Oil
Who it’s best for: those seeking a naturally soothing and fragrant oil to help reduce appearance of stretch marks
Form: topical oil (skin)
Erbaviva Stretch Mark Oil is a soothing treatment that may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The oil contains a variety of ingredients, including rosehip oil and vitamin E.
An older study in pregnant women demonstrated that topical treatment with a cream containing vitamin E and rosehip oil reduced stretch mark severity and prevented the appearance of new stretch marks over 17 months, compared with a placebo group.
This product is certified organic and cruelty-free. It does not contain petrochemicals, silicones, artificial dyes, or artificial fragrances.
The product has many positive customer reviews online, but there are some that note its strong rosemary smell was a turn-off for them.
- Pros
- low price point
- free from potentially harmful and unnecessary additives
- Cons
- long ingredient list
- may have a strong rosemary odor
Honest Glow On Body Oil
Who it’s best for: those seeking an all-natural, organic product to reduce stretch marks, especially those related to pregnancy
Form: topical oil (skin)
Honest Glow On Body Oil contains moisturizing oils like jojoba, coconut, and olive oils, plus vitamin E to support skin health throughout pregnancy.
More research is needed, but some evidence suggests that massaging pregnant bellies with oils may help prevent or reduce the severity of stretch marks.
The instructions say you can apply it any time, but it’s especially recommended after taking a bath or shower to enhance skin moisturizing effects.
This product is certified organic and cruelty-free. The Honest brand is widely used and known to put safety and simplicity first.
Additionally, the product has overwhelmingly positive reviews online from pregnant, postpartum, and nonpregnant people using it for skin hydration.
- Pros
- low price point
- majority of ingredients are certified USDA organic
- Cons
- some consumer reviews note that it did not offer long lasting hydration
Best vitamin E hair oil
Hair oils that contain vitamin E may help moisturize and protect damaged hair and soothe dry scalps. Plus, many people use vitamin-E-rich hair oils to make their hair extra shiny.
Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum
Who it’s best for: those with any hair type seeking a topical serum for moisturizing scalp and hair, adding shine, and smoothing frizz
Form: topical oil (hair)
Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum combines vitamin E with moisturizing ingredients, including argan, jojoba, avocado, and olive oils.
To use, simply rub 1–2 drops of serum between your palms and work through your hair from root to end. It’s designed to help add moisture, smooth frizz, and add a subtle shine to any hair type. It may also help repair damage from heat, color, and styling.
This hair serum is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
This product has hundreds of raving positive reviews for its effectiveness, lightness, and ease of use.
- Pros
- easy way to add moisture to both hair and scalp
- formulated with several moisturizing oils
- free from potentially harmful ingredients and synthetic fragrances
- Cons
- no third-party certification seal
Best for consumption
Although limited evidence supports the benefits of topical vitamin E, some findings suggest that oral vitamin E supplements aid specific populations.
For example, human studies note that vitamin E supplements may help treat conditions associated with diabetes and heart disease risk factors, such as helping reduce high LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
However, deficiency in vitamin E is rare, and many foods are rich in this nutrient. Plus, some studies suggest that supplementing long term with this vitamin may lead to adverse health outcomes, such as an increased risk of certain cancers.
On a positive note, if you choose to use a vitamin E supplement versus a topical treatment, you’re more likely to find a product that bears a reputable third-party testing seal for quality, purity, and safety, as these are less common among personal care products.
If you’re thinking about taking vitamin E supplements, speak with a healthcare professional first to ensure appropriate dosage and safety.
NOW Foods E-Oil
Who it’s best for: those who may be seeking a short-term, temporary high dose oral vitamin E supplement instead of a topical one
Form: edible oil (liquid)
NOW Foods E-Oil contains extra virgin olive oil and vitamin E in the form of alpha-tocopherol.
The company is certified by Underwriters Laboratory, an independent safety organization that tests products to ensure they meet strict purity and quality standards.
Keep in mind that the suggested dose of Now Foods E-Oil contains 170 mg of vitamin E, which is 1,133% of the recommended intake for adults .
The tolerable upper limit (UL) for vitamin E is 1,000 mg per day for adults ages 19 years and older. Because vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, it accumulates and is stored in tissues versus being excreted regularly like the water-soluble B and C vitamins are. It’s best not to exceed the UL for a prolonged period as this increases the risk for negative health effects .
- Pros
- carries UL third-party supplement certification
- contains only two ingredients, olive oil and alpha-tocopherol
- Cons
- contains a very high dose of vitamin E that exceeds the UL, which is not intended for long-term use
- oral vitamin E supplements are not necessary for most healthy people
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective form of vitamin E?
The most effective form of vitamin E to use is alpha-tocopherol. This is also the only form recognized to meet human requirements for the nutrient .
How can you tell if vitamin E oil is pure?
The best way to tell whether a vitamin E oil is pure is to first look at the ingredient list, which should be minimal. Ideally, it should only contain alpha-tocopherol and an oil, like extra virgin olive oil. Additionally, look for vitamin E oils that bear a third-party certification seal whenever possible, such as UL, NSF International, or ConsumerLab, as this verifies that the product contains what it says it does and in the claimed amounts.
Can I put vitamin E oil on my face?
Yes, you can apply vitamin E oil to your face. The best time to do this is after you’ve washed your face and before you go to sleep so it has time to fully soak into your skin. If you’re using pure vitamin E oil, mix 1–2 drops for every 10 drops of carrier oil, like jojoba oil, or mix it with a facial lotion.
The bottom line
Numerous vitamin E oils are said to boost your skin and hair health.
Although scientific evidence is lacking for these uses, vitamin E oil is a staple in many people’s beauty routines.
If you’re interested in this product, try one of the items on this list.
