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 sub-divided 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 skin care 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 skin care 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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