Vitamin E was first described in 1922 by Herbert M Evans and Katherine Bishop with experiments on rats. When fed a purified diet devoid of vitamin E, the rats became infertile. When Wheat Germ Oil containing Vitamin, E was added to their diet, their fertility was restored. In 1936, it was biochemically characterized and named tocopherol (Greek: “tocos” meaning offspring and “phero” meaning to bring forth).
Vitamin E is synthesized by plants and can be obtained through dietary sources. Richest sources are nuts, spinach, whole grains, olive oil, and sunflower oil.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) is a light-yellow oil, a fat-soluble vitamin, that supports the immune system, cell function and skin health. Vitamin E is an antioxidant which makes it beneficial at reducing free radicals induced skin damage due to UV radiation.
There are eight types of vitamin E (α-, β-, γ-, and σ-tocopherols and their related corresponding tocotrienols).γ-tocopherol is the most common form found in the North American diet, whereas α-tocopherol is the most biologically active antioxidant vitamin E derivative in human tissues and sera.
Vitamin E is a Free Radical Scavenger and an Emollient Too.
The primary function of vitamin E is as an antioxidant. Vitamin E plays a consistent role in protecting the skin cells and tissue (collagen) against oxidation caused by free radicals for the prevention of skin aging.
Topical application of the photoprotective vitamin E has been shown to reduce acute and chronic photodamage, skin roughness, the length of facial lines, and the depth of wrinkles. Vitamin E has been employed in combination with vitamin C revealing significant protection against sunburn and erythema, indicating potential protection against skin cancer and photoaging.
Topically applied vitamin E increases hydration of the stratum corneum and increases its water-binding capacity.
Therefore, vitamin E is also used to repair skin lesions, ulcers, burns, abrasions and dry skin.
Tocopherol is safe to use in cosmetics with the concentrates specified in this safety assessment.
https://online.personalcarecouncil.org/ctfa-static/online/lists/cir-pdfs/PRS667.pdf