Vitamin E Capsule for Face: A Research-Backed Guide for Better Skin Health 

Introduction

Vitamin E is a power-packed nutrient that brings you many potential health benefits. In this article, we will discuss the potential benefits and side effects of vitamin E, and how to use it on the skin safely. We will also answer some commonly asked questions on this topic. 

Did you know? 

• In SELECT clinical trial, men taking only vitamin E showed a 17% increased risk of prostate cancer compared to those on placebo¹.
• The same trial also showed that men taking selenium alone or vitamin E and selenium also had a higher risk of prostate cancer¹.
• Vitamin E requirements increase with a higher intake of PUFA².
• Vitamin E is absorbed in the gut along with pancreatic and biliary secretions². 

Understanding Vitamin E

Vitamin E is soluble in fat and rich in antioxidants³. Your body needs these to function well for a strong immune system, healthy blood flow, and cell health⁴. You’ll find it naturally in nuts, whole grains, some leafy greens, and even some oils³. Vitamin E supplements are available in the form of capsules or drops. 

• Types of Vitamin E: There are eight forms of vitamin E, out of which alpha-tocopherol is the most active form biologically, while gamma-tocopherol is most commonly found in diet^2,3.
• Role of Vitamin E in the body: Vitamin E is useful for our body in various ways. It keeps your eyes, blood, brains, and skin healthy. It is an antioxidant that shields cells from harm caused by free radicals, which form when your body breaks down food or comes in contact with harmful substances like tobacco, smoke, and radiation. Free radicals may lead to heart ailments, cancer, cataract, arthritis, and other health problems^3,5.

Vitamin E for skin health

How Vitamin E benefits the skin?

Vitamin E may aid in improving skin health. Its antioxidant powers may help shield your skin from harm caused by pollution and the sun⁶. It may also protect the cells from damage, calm irritated skin, and fight ageing⁷.  

Using Vitamin E Capsules for Face

Application methods

Below we have described ways to apply vitamin E on your face.  

• Direct application: One easy way is to break open a capsule and spread the oil on your skin or problem areas⁶. 
• Mixing with creams or oils: Mix vitamin E oil with face creams or carrier oils like jojoba or almond.  
• Creating a DIY facial mask: Create a face mask with vitamin E oil and nourishing items like honey or avocado.  

Different Vitamin E capsule products  

Here are some options.  

• Oral supplements: If you are not getting enough of vitamin E through your diet, you may take capsules or drops of vitamin E⁵.
• Spot products: You can also make use of creams and serums that have vitamin E as a main ingredient for external application⁷. 
• Vitamin E-enhanced skincare products: Oils containing vitamin E may also be tried as a moisturiser⁷.

Potential Benefits of Vitamin E Capsules for the Face

Here is a list of potential benefits of vitamin E for skin health.  

1. Reducing hyperpigmentation 

Vitamin E may help reduce the pigmentation caused by UV radiation while vitamin C plays a vital role in depigmentation of the skin. Using a combination of both vitamins may have a greater effect on reducing depigmentation than using just one vitamin⁸.

2. Decreasing wrinkles 

• Antioxidant properties: The antioxidant properties of vitamin E may help protect the skin from damage caused by factors like pollution and sun damage. Many studies on the effects of vitamin E have shown a reduction in facial wrinkles, particularly around the eye area. Thus, vitamin E may be of help in maintaining the skin balance and delaying the appearance of wrinkles⁶.  
• Improving skin elasticity: One study showed that applying vitamin E along with vitamin C and European raspberry leaf extract to your skin may make it firm and elastic, thus helping maintain a youthful glow on the face^6,8.

3. Lowering chances of acne scarring

• Wound-repairing properties: Some people claim that it may be beneficial for acne scars. This may be because of its ability to repair the tissues by producing collagen fibre, which in turn speeds up the healing process⁶. However, there may not be sufficient evidence to back these claims. 
• Reducing inflammation: Vitamin E is thought to help soothe irritation caused by sun-related skin damage, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the exact mechanism behind this is unknown⁷.

4. Soothing dry and itchy skin  

• Moisturising skin: Vitamin E may soften the skin. It is known that vitamin E is found naturally in oily skin. It has hydrating powers as well, which may contribute to its moisturising effect⁷. 
• Reducing skin itching: Vitamin E may help ease itchiness, redness, and inflammation due to its anti-oxidant properties⁷. Bear in mind, that it can’t cure skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis or infections that cause the itching.  

5. Eczema and Psoriasis  

• Does Vitamin E help in these conditions: Vitamin E may not be a magic remedy, but it may bring some relief in these conditions. Its powerful antioxidant properties may help lower the inflammation related to these conditions. Additionally, its hydrating powers may help with damage to the skin^7,9. However, keep in mind that it can’t treat these conditions, it may only provide some symptomatic relief. 
• Possible side effects and precautions: Always have a discussion with a health professional before incorporating vitamin E into your skin routine as it may cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation when applied on the face¹⁰. When it is consumed, it may lead to tiredness, stomach pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, blurred vision, rashes, bleeding and bruising³. It is also considered to be one of the risk factors in prostate cancer¹, and may be fatal when consumed in high doses by cardiac patients¹¹. If you have skin conditions or other health issues, your healthcare provider may guide you best.  

While a lot of research has shown that vitamin E has positive effects on the skin, more long-term studies are required to corroborate these benefits.  

Studies have found that Vitamin E might have an interaction with warfarin, a blood thinner used by heart patients. I suggest you consult your physician before using Vitamin E capsules and discuss your present medications to avoid any complications¹⁵.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Precautions and Safety Concerns

Using vitamin E capsules for the face needs a little caution due to the potential side effects and possible interactions with certain medicines. 

1. Possible side effects 

Skin reactions  

A rare case, but vitamin E might cause the following when consumed.  

• Fatigue 
• Loose stools 
• Nausea^3,12 

Allergic reactions  

A few people might be allergic to vitamin E, and applying it topically may cause: 

Inflammation of the skin 

• Itchiness 
• Rash⁸ 

2. Interactions with other products or medications  

Potential interactions  

• Cancer treatment drugs. 
• Blood-thinning drugs. 
• Cholesterol-reducing drugs like statins and niacin^13,14.

Tips for safe usage  

To use vitamin E safely the following may be tried.  

• Test a patch on your skin first.  
• Talk to a health professional before starting any new skincare routine, especially if you have other health concerns or skin conditions  
• Be careful when using vitamin E with other drugs or skincare items. 

3. Who should avoid using vitamin E capsules for the face? 

You should avoid vitamin E capsules on the face if you have. 

• Skin conditions: If you have skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, please consult with a healthcare professional before using vitamin E.  
• Medical contraindications: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on blood thinners or cholesterol-lowering drugs, discuss with your healthcare provider before using vitamin E capsules.  

In my experience, few people may encounter allergic reactions such as itching, skin rash, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat on using vitamin E capsules¹⁵.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Select High-quality Vitamin E Capsules for Face?

Tips for choosing the right product  

Before selecting a vitamin E capsule you should:  

• Check the ingredients list: There is no vitamin E if there is no tocopherol. Choose a product that contains tocopherols – the most active form of vitamin E. Also, triple-check the other ingredients to avoid allergies or more skin problems.  
• Look for reputable brands: Make sure the brand has a good reputation for quality and safety. Look at their reviews and always run it by your doctor before making the purchase.  
• Consider your specific needs: Your skin is one of a kind. Pick a vitamin E product that suits your needs.  

Conclusion

Thanks to its antioxidant powers and potential benefits, vitamin E can help improve your skin health. But remember, do not rush into any new skincare product. Start with a patch test, and if you have any concerns or skin conditions, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. With proper care, vitamin E may be a simple yet potent addition to your skincare regime.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. National Cancer Institute. Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT): Questions and Answers [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute; [updated 2025 Aug 27; cited 2025 Aug 27]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/research/select-trial-results-qa?utm 

2. National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Ministry of Health (New Zealand). Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand: including Recommended Dietary Intakes – Vitamin E. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia; 2006. [cited 2025 Aug 27]. Available from: https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/vitamin-e

3. Keen MA, Hassan I. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Jul-Aug;7(4):311-5. doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.185494. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4976416/  

4. Rizvi S, Raza ST, Ahmed F, Ahmad A, Abbas S, Mahdi F. The role of vitamin e in human health and some diseases. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J. 2014 May;14(2):e157-65. Epub 2014 Apr 7. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3997530/  

5. Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Vitamin E: Fact Sheet for Consumers [Internet]. Updated July 12, 2024 [cited 2025 Sept 3]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-Consumer/  

6. Rattanawiwatpong P, Wanitphakdeedecha R, Bumrungpert A, Maiprasert M. Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 Mar;19(3):671-676. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13305. Epub 2020 Jan 24. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7027822/  

7. Cleveland Clinic. What Vitamin E Does for Your Skin’s Health [Internet]. Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Clinic; 2025 [cited 2025 Aug 27]. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vitamin-e-for-skin-health 

8. Al Abadie M, Mahfoudh M, Al-Rawi AH. Topical Vitamin E in Modern Skin Therapy: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Clin Expl Dermatol. 2024;9(2):01-08. Available from: https://www.opastpublishers.com/open-access-articles-pdfs/topical-vitamin-e-in-modern-skin-therapy-a-comprehensive-review.pdf 

9. Berardesca E, Cameli N. Vitamin E supplementation in inflammatory skin diseases. Dermatol Ther. 2021 Nov;34(6):e15160. doi: 10.1111/dth.15160. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34655146/  

10. Pehr K, Forsey RR. Why don’t we use vitamin E in dermatology? CMAJ. 1993 Nov 1;149(9):1247-53. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8221479/  

11. Kaye AD, Thomassen AS, Mashaw SA, MacDonald EM, Waguespack A, Hickey L, Singh A, Gungor D, Kallurkar A, Kaye AM, Shekoohi S, Varrassi G. Vitamin E (α-Tocopherol): Emerging Clinical Role and Adverse Risks of Supplementation in Adults. Cureus. 2025 Feb 7;17(2):e78679. doi: 10.7759/cureus.78679. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11891505/  

12. Podszun M, Frank J. Vitamin E-drug interactions: molecular basis and clinical relevance. Nutr Res Rev. 2014 Dec;27(2):215-31. doi: 10.1017/S0954422414000146. Epub 2014 Sep 16. Available From: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/nutrition-research-reviews/article/vitamin-edrug-interactions-molecular-basis-and-clinical-relevance/F5DDFEAA7E81CCF1604728962397AD0B  

13. Vitamin E: Uses and Benefits [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials; published approximately 1.1 years ago [cited 2025 Sep 3]. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vitamin-e  
14. Owen KN, Dewald O. Vitamin E Toxicity. 2023 Feb 13. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564373/  
15. Cleveland Clinic. Vitamin E capsules or tablets [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; [cited 2025 Oct 7]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18794-vitamin-e-capsules-or-tablets

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof. 

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes. 

1