Vitamin E Oil Facts

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient the body needs for general good health. It's a unique nutrient because another form of it, vitamin E oil, might be one of the cheapest nutrients that offers benefits when applied topically. The vitamin is touted to promote healthy skin.

The Facts

• Vitamin E is an antioxidant, popular for blocking free radicals. For this reason, it is often sold as a nutrient that protects by boosting the immune system. Vitamin E oil is popular in the beauty industry because of these same protective qualities, according to the American Cancer Society and the National Institutes of Health. Vitamin E oil can be found in lotions, scrubs, and other skin products. The main ingredient in the oil is alpha-tocopherol. Many variations are derived from distilling soy, corn or canola.

Identifying Sources of Vitamin E Oil

• Vitamin E oil can be found bottled or in capsules. The oil can be natural, d-alpha-tocopherol or synthetic, dl-alpha-tocopherol, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The oil from capsules can also be applied to the skin.

Benefits

• It has been suggested that when applied topically, Vitamin E oil improves wrinkles, scars, stretch marks and the condition of hair. The topical use of the oil has demonstrated a "decrease in the incidence of ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin cancer in mice" according to an article published in Drug Metabolism Reviews. "Vitamin E provides protection against UV-induced skin photodamage through a combination of anitoxidant and UV absorptive properties" (Krol). According to the American Cancer Society, vitamin E oil applied topically reduces scarring and improves the healing of some skin conditions, such as acne, rashes, and stretch marks.

Considerations

• Vitamin E oil is associated with many health claims, some of which have not been scientifically proven, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These claims include preventing and helping with chronic conditions and diseases including cancer. Other claims indicate that Vitamin E could prevent heart disease, but the UMMC reports that "clinical study results have been mixed" . The American Cancer Society notes that while many state that Vitamin E could strengthen immunity, "others believe high doses of vitamin E might interfere with the effectiveness of radiation therapy and chemotherapy." Many studies do not provide enough conclusive evidence to support many claims associate with the vitamin.

Warnings

• It is important to read the labels of bottles containing Vitamin E oil because it could be diluted with glycerides and other ingredients, such as soybean or other plant oils. Read labels carefully before application. Some negative side effects include skin irritation, swelling, and itching.