The star ingredient-blog series introduces our most essential ingredients; the stars without which the products would not be the same. Star ingredients are core and heart, whether about structure, skin feel, scent, or skin care qualities.
Disclaimer: these blog posts are not medical advisory. All ingredient descriptions are based on commonly available information. The benefits described are based on academic research studies. If you suffer from any skin condition or allergies, always consult first your GP/medical practitioner before trying new treatments on your skin.
Vitamin E – a popular skin protector with added benefits
Vitamin E, or Tocopherol as you would see it written in a cosmetic product ingredient list, is often used in skincare products due to its antioxidant properties. As an antioxidant, it helps to neutralize free radicals, which are molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and other skin concerns. By neutralizing free radicals, vitamin E can help to protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental stressors.
In addition to its antioxidant properties, vitamin E is also known for its moisturizing and soothing effects on the skin. It can help to hydrate dry skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of damaged skin.
Overall, the benefits of vitamin E make it a popular ingredient in many skincare products. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of vitamin E in skincare products may depend on factors such as the concentration of the ingredient, the formulation of the product, and individual skin type and needs. I use vitamin E in my hemp and raspberry face oils – but not only for the skin benefits.
Nowadays when there’s more effort to find healthier substitutes and options for manmade synthetic preservatives, vitamin E has gained popularity as an alternative to preservatives in natural cosmetics due to the same characteristics explained above. It should be noted that vitamin E cannot be classified as a real preservative due to lack of anti-microbial properties, but it helps to protect the cosmetic product from the effects of oxidising, thus extending the product’s shelf life. In waterless, oil-based products it works fine as bacterial growth would require water – and that’s why I chose to use vitamin E.
For those who prefer completely natural options it is good to know that there’s two types of vitamin E: natural and synthetic. The main difference between synthetic vitamin E and natural vitamin E is their chemical structure. Natural vitamin E, also known as d-alpha-tocopherol, is derived from plant sources such as vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. Synthetic vitamin E, on the other hand, is made in a laboratory and has a slightly different chemical structure known as dl-alpha-tocopherol.
While both forms of vitamin E have similar antioxidant properties and can provide benefits for the skin, natural vitamin E is generally considered to be more bioavailable, which means that it is more easily absorbed and utilized by the body. This is because the molecular structure of natural vitamin E is similar to the form found in food, whereas synthetic vitamin E has a different structure that may not be as easily recognized and utilized by the body.
It’s important to note, however, that both forms of vitamin E are considered safe for use in skincare products, and the benefits may vary depending on the individual product and formulation. When looking for skincare products containing vitamin E, it may be helpful to choose products that specify “natural” vitamin E or look for products that use natural sources of the vitamin, such as tocopherol derived from plant oils.
Here in Casa De Luluel vitamin E is not an exception when it comes to my ethos. I use only natural vitamin E, which is derived from soybean and diluted in sunflower (helianthus annuus) seed oil. Although I aim to use only organic and upcycled ingredients vitamin E is something I haven’t found to be available as a certified organic ingredient in the UK. Feel free to shout out if you know one!
With love and lots of goodness of Mother Nature,
Lulu
Casa De Luluel 