Vitamin E Content in Vegetable Oils for Aromatherapy

Types of Vitamin E

Vitamin E exists in eight different formats and can be broken down into two major chemical groups; these groups are tocopherols and tocotrienols. Tocopherols and tocotrienols can be again subdivided into alpha, beta, gamma, and delta forms. Tocopherol is the type of organic compound that is found in many skin care products; alpha-tocopherol is the strongest format of vitamin E available.¹

Alternate Names for Vitamin E

You may find Vitamin E described as any of the following names on a product label, although the INCI name should be ideally used (in the United States):

• tocopherol

• tocopherol acetate

• tocopherol phosphate

• tocopherol linoleate

• tocopherol succinate.

Benefits of Vitamin E for Aromatherapy Topical Use

Vitamin E has several benefits when applied externally but the primary reason that vitamin E is added to aromatherapy skincare products (and used in massage oils) is its value as an anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants prevent the formation of free radicals in the body, a group of atoms that can cause cell damage and contribute to the aging process. Vitamin E also helps to repair tissues, reduce scarring, strengthens capillary walls, and promotes healthy skin.¹

Vegetable Oils That Contain Vitamin E

Vitamin E is found in many cold-pressed vegetable oils which are used in aromatherapy skincare products and massage practice. Vegetable oils that are rich in vitamin E content include:

• carrot (Daucus carota)

• corn (Zea mays)

• linseed/flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)

• peanut (Arachis hypogaea)

• soy (Glycine soja)

• wheatgerm(Triticum vulgare)

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