Vitamin E

What it is

Vitamin E, listed as tocopherol (or tocopheryl acetate), is a fat-soluble antioxidant used in skincare both to condition skin and to protect the product's oils from going rancid.

Function

Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent, helping protect skin lipids from oxidative stress and keeping the formulation stable.

Properties

Vitamin E is well tolerated by most people, though a minority experience contact irritation from it. It is a common, generally gentle inclusion.

In tattoo aftercare

Vitamin E appears widely in aftercare oils, balms and creams as an antioxidant and conditioning ingredient, and to help keep the product's oils stable.

Considerations

An occasional irritant for a small minority; those with very reactive skin may wish to patch test.

This is general, factual information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice or a product recommendation. If your skin reacts to anything during healing, stop using it and speak to your artist or a GP.