There are some ingredients we draw on time and again—either for the particular benefits they offer, or for the ways in which they complement the constituent elements of a formulation. Our Under the microscope series takes an in-depth look at some of these ingredients so you can become better acquainted with the contents of our brown bottles. This article examines Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, and why it makes a regular appearance in skin care products.
Under the microscope: Vitamin E
Vitamin E: biology and benefits
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble emollient and anti-oxidant. Unlike, for instance, Vitamin C, which is water-soluble and must be consumed regularly, Vitamin E is stored by the human body to be used as needed. Broadly speaking, its powerful anti-oxidant properties help to support the immune system and to assuage the effects of oxidative species.
Anti-oxidants à la carte
Vitamin E is easily obtained via nutritional intake, as it’s present in many foods. Some especially rich sources include wheat germ, butter and margarine, leafy green vegetables, and a variety of nuts and seeds (almonds, hazelnuts, pine nuts and sunflower seeds among them). Some seafood, such as salmon, lobster and abalone, also contains significant quantities.
For many, eating healthy, balanced meals will provide adequate oral intake of Vitamin E.
Anti-oxidant fortification
Just as an apple or a fennel bulb begin to brown once cut open, or a bicycle frame rusts over time if left outside, oxidation occurs in the body as a function of normal metabolic processes. Our bodies, including the skin, have a remarkably sophisticated support system to maintain an equilibrium between oxidant and anti-oxidant species.
Certain environmental conditions and lifestyle factors, however—airborne gases and particulates, UV radiation and cigarette smoke among them— can throw this equation off-balance, creating an excess of free radicals which damage healthy cells. Anti-oxidants work to offset the harmful effects of free radicals, rendering them an essential part of both food diet and skin care diet.
Vitamin E in skin care
Vitamin E is not just a powerful anti-oxidant, but also an excellent emollient, helping to soften and condition skin when applied topically. This makes it particularly effective in hydrators, where it can confer both fortifying and nourishing benefits.
Vitamin E-enriched hydration
Our formulations contain a blend of mixed Tocopherols of natural origin in either a soya oil or sunflower oil carrier. Other Vitamin E-rich ingredients often found in our products are plant oils, such as Avocado, Sweet Almond, Evening Primrose and Rosehip Seed. The Skin Care+ range comprises five vitamin-rich formulations distinguished by the potent nourishment they deliver. Of these, three contain Vitamin E.
Damascan Rose Facial Treatment
Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive or distressed, Damascan Rose Facial Treatment is an intensely nourishing oil ideal for dry to very dry skin. It contains a blend of fatty acid-rich oils to support the skin’s lipid barrier, minimising aggravation, and conferring emolliencesto soften and relieve parched skin. It may be used as a standalone hydrator, or blended with your preferred moisturising product.
Sublime Replenishing Night Masque
Our first formulation developed specifically for overnight use contains a wide palette of vitamins—C, B, E and F—in a comforting gel-cream base. Sublime Replenishing Night Masque contains hydration-boosting Sodium Carrageenan and Saccharide Isomerate; its unique blend of humectants, emollients and film-forming ingredients confer moisture and nourishment to skin. Anti-oxidant Vitamin C and Vitamin E fortify and even skin.
Perfect Facial Hydrating Cream
For those with normal to dry skin seeking an anti-oxidant rich hydrator suitable for daily use, Perfect Facial Hydrating Cream is an excellent option. Its richly emollient, medium-weight texture is well suited to cool climates and mature skin in need of especial replenishment. Vitamins C and E work in synergy to confer fortification and potent hydration.
Other worthy contenders
Vitamin E is used in many of our other hydrating formulations. For normal to combination skin—or oily skin during the cooler months—Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream delivers swiftly absorbed replenishment and skin-conditioning properties along with a blend of purifying citrus-derived oils. The delicate skin around the eyes calls for particular attention: Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Eye Cream contains potent doses of vitamins C and E.
Further reading
Our ingredients guide allows you to explore all Aesop formulations containing Vitamin E. If you’re in search of personalised advice online, we invite you to reserve a one-on-one appointment with one of our trained consultants at a time convenient to you. Kindly reserve your place with our Live Consultation service to receive tailored suggestions from the comfort of your couch.
