The Pros And Cons Of Natural And Synthetic Vitamin E For Supplementation And Skin Care

Written by Ida Fanelli, Aesthetician, Reflexologist & IPL & Dolphin MPS Technician

Ida is a certified aesthetician (graduate of Marvel School of Beauty), offering home-based services since 1994. Ida provides various holistic services. She graduated from Zanqara’s Skin Care’s Dermatician course in 1994, which required her to understand homeopathic remedies.

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Understanding the differences between natural and synthetic forms of vitamin E is crucial for making informed choices about our health and skincare. In this article, I delve into these differences, their benefits/drawbacks, and their uses in supplements and skincare. I explain the differences between tocopherols and tocotrienols, some more active than others, and caution against certain combinations. I also provide tips on how to verify the safety of ingredients. I also offer tips on verifying ingredients’ safety online and suggest natural ways to incorporate vitamin E into our diets and skincare routines. 

Natural vitamin E consists of eight forms: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol and alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol. The most biologically active form of the tocopherols is alpha-tocopherol. The liver manufacturers use and transport this version of vitamin E. The tocopherols are a saturated form of vitamin E. Natural vitamin E is in supplements labelled alpha-tocopherol, d-alpha tocopherol acetate, or d-alpha tocopherol succinate. 

Natural vitamin E, derived from wheat germ oil, sunflower, safflower, soybean oil, sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts, peanut butter, beet greens, collard greens, spinach, pumpkin, and red bell pepper, offers a multitude of health benefits. Including these foods in our diet can naturally boost our vitamin E intake, providing a practical and accessible way to improve our skincare routine.

All forms of vitamin E are present when the whole plant is utilized. However, natural vitamin E shines as it is absorbed three times more effectively than synthetic vitamin E. The body can retain it for an extended period, making it a superior choice for your health and skincare needs.

Vitamin E benefits for skin care:

• Vitamin E’s antioxidant properties prolong the shelf-life of skincare products. 

• It slows down the tendency for oils and essential oils to go rancid. However, it doesn’t prevent microbial growth.

• Vitamin E hydrates and protects your skin and serves as an antioxidant.

• Vitamin E heals cracks in the lip’s skin’s barrier.

• It is more efficient than most vitamins in hydrating the skin cells. 

• Alpha-tocopherol stabilizes Vitamin C and makes it more effective against photoaging protection.

• Vitamin E prevents photosensitivity caused by vitamin A. 

• Tocopherol often works synergistically with selenium 

• Tocopherol offers anti-inflammatory properties for acne-prone skin, helps prevent blackheads, reduces skin inflammation, and protects sensitive skin from environmental damage. Because of these protective qualities, it is a highly sought-after ingredient in the beauty industry. Cosmetic companies prefer synthetic vitamin E, dl-tocopheryl acetate, because it is eight times cheaper than naturally sourced d-tocopheryl acetate, which requires extraction and pesticide removal to be suitable for human use.

Natural vitamin E concerns when it’s converted into d-tocopheryl acetate

Making an altered natural vitamin E more economical because it lasts longer on the shelves. Processing, shipping, storage, and selling are more convenient for manufacturers. However, heavily processed or poorly sourced derivatives can lose some of their original botanical purity. If a product is poorly formulated or contains low-grade synthetic impurities, exposure can cause dermatitis, increase sensitivity to UV rays, and cause irritation. As a general safety precaution, separate skin-lightening treatments containing hydroquinone should be completely avoided by breastfeeding mothers.

The environmental working group sees it as a concern for contamination as well. 

Natural vitamin E converted into d-alpha tocopherol succinate

Tocopherol succinate is also known as vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol succinate or a-tocopherol succinate. Succinic acid and natural vitamin E are combined. It is better than tocopheryl acetate and alpha-tocopherol. It protects the skin’s lipid barrier and is anti-aging like the former vitamin E forms. It is highly regarded by health professionals for its ability to address vitamin E deficiencies. The Environmental Working Group sees it as a safe ingredient. It has been ruled safe in very low concentrations by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review.

Tocotrienols, the better half

Tocotrienols, the other half of the vitamin E family, are 50 to 70% stronger than tocopherols. They are more active because they are the unsaturated form of Vitamin E. They are in palm oil, rice bran oil, annatto seeds, grapefruit seed oil, oats, hazelnuts, maize, olive oil, buckthorn berry, rye, flax seed oil, poppy seed oil, and sunflower oil. Understanding the potency of tocotrienols can help you make informed choices about your supplementation and skin care.

Alpha-tocopherol interferes with α-tocotrienol

Various studies have shown that high levels of the biologically active α-tocopherol, produced by the liver, counteract and prevent α-tocotrienol absorption but not gamma-tocotrienol. Tocotrienol manufacturers recommend gamma – and delta-tocotrienols because they are unaffected by alpha-tocopherol. 

Tocotrienols benefit the skin:

• Topical application is better. However, supplementation of tocotrienol may help the following:

• Protect skin from aging and prevent collagen reduction. 

• Tocotrienols significantly reduce redness, swelling and itchiness in the skin. 

• Tocotrienols break down fibrin clots and replace them with collagen for effective wound healing. 

• Tocotrienols maintain cellular health by reversing oxidative stress in human diploid fibroblasts. 

• Tocotrienols reduce telomere shortening: The shorter the telomere, the older the cell.

• The Annatto and Palm plants have high levels of gamma—and delta—tocotrienols, with the highest sun protection factor. They prevent UV irradiation damage to DNA and effectively block melanin arising from UVB—the potential for skin lightening.

• Plus, some benefits previously mentioned with the vitamin E’s tocopherols.

Synthetic vitamin E and its dangers and side effects

It’s essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with synthetic vitamin E. Derived from petroleum products, synthetic vitamin E is approximately 12% as potent as natural vitamin E and is not absorbed as well, even though it is a fat-soluble vitamin, the body eliminates synthetic vitamin E three times faster, giving it less time to be absorbed. Research also suggests that synthetic vitamin E is three times less effective in equaling natural vitamin E’s biological activity. This information underscores the importance of reading labels and understanding our products, as it can help us avoid potential health risks. Research shows synthetic tocotrienols are as potent as plant-derived tocotrienols in reducing cholesterol. However, they do not produce commercial products with them. 

Contradictions

Avoid applying pure vitamin E directly to your skin, especially if inflamed. Test a small area. It may worsen the situation and cause allergies or dermatitis-type reactions. Do not use pure vitamin E oil on blemished skin with visible pores and imbalanced hydration levels. It may clog your pores. 

Labelling of Vitamin E may be misleading

There may be little difference between the words natural and unnatural on the label since the definition of “natural” is unregulated. Starting in April 2025, Health Canada will make it mandatory for all supplements made or imported to Canada to have a Natural Product Number (NPN), verifying that they contain the labelled ingredients. Availability may become limited since not all companies can meet Health Canada’s strict demands.

Use of dl-alpha-tocopherol during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should reduce synthetic tocopherol-enriched products. While synthetic tocopherol is known for its protective and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before usage, as there is limited research on its safety for the fetus and the nursing child.

Products that include easy-to-read ingredients, such as spinach, almonds, and pine nuts, which are high in Vitamin E, are recommended.

Most synthetic tocopherol-based products are considered safe and considered on a case-by-case basis, mainly if there are concerns about vitamin D and niacin levels. Look for products with easy-to-read ingredients. 

Conclusion

Alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form of the tocopherol group in vitamin E, and it is produced and used by the liver. However, alpha-tocopherol can counteract some forms of tocotrienols. In contrast, research indicates that certain tocotrienols can offer significantly higher antioxidant potency than standard tocopherols, making them a powerful choice. Delta and gamma tocotrienols are not affected by alpha-tocopherol.

Cosmetic companies use d-tocopheryl acetate in their skincare products because it is effective and has a long shelf life. However, natural vitamin E can become contaminated with Hydroquinone – a carcinogenic concern when it is chemically altered by adding acetic acid to produce d-tocopheryl acetate. The synthetic form of dl-tocopheryl acetate doesn’t have this worry and isn’t as potent as the natural form. Natural and synthetic forms of tocopheryl acetate have questionable issues. On the other hand, tocopherol succinate is derived from natural vitamin E by adding succinic acid.

Tocopherol succinate is an excellent alternative to tocopheryl acetate and alpha-tocopherol. It is a safe and effective ingredient in skincare, and it serves as a highly bioavailable option for dietary supplementation without requiring specialized clinical oversight. Synthetic vitamin E, derived from petroleum-based products, is not absorbed into the skin or body as well as natural vitamin E. Three times more synthetic vitamin E is required to meet the same standards as natural vitamin E, partly because the body doesn’t retain it for long. Synthetic vitamin E’s name has the letters “dl” placed before the tocopherols and tocotrienols. While synthetic tocotrienols are studied, they are not common ingredients in products. There are different options when using vitamin E for skin care or supplementation. However, it’s important to note that natural sources of vitamin E in food and skincare products are preferred. Products with the whole plant name are more natural and less processed, and they can provide better results because they contain.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review and the Environmental Working Group have data-based information on the safety of ingredients in commercial products.

Their links are below for you to review:

• Cosmetic Ingredient Review

• EWG skin deep

Additionally, you may be interested in trying out the Zanqara Skin Care line, which uses whole plant-based natural Vitamin E in its products.

Read more from Ida Fanelli

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Ida Fanelli, Aesthetician, Reflexologist & IPL & Dolphin MPS Technician

Ida is a dedicated wellness professional and certified aesthetician (Marvel School of Beauty), providing personalized, home-based services since 1994. A certified reflexologist since 1993 (D'Arcy Lane Institute), she has integrated energy therapies and Ion Cleanse foot wellness sessions since 1998. In 2012, she became a certified Sharplight IPL Technician for skin rejuvenation and pigmentation correction, and in 2019 earned a specialized certification from the Center for Pain and Stress Research, using the Dolphin Neurostim system for Microcurrent Point Stimulation to support scar tissue release, skin rejuvenation, and pigmentation lightening. Ida is deeply committed to continuing education in complementary health to provide accessible, high-quality care. She also brings 12 years of experience as a hospital laboratory technologist in Microbiology and Biochemistry to her meticulous practice.

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Disclaimer: In accordance with Health Canada regulations, cosmetic products and dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist before changing your healthcare or skincare regimen.

References:

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