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title: "Vitamin E (Tocopherol) — Glossary | School of Dermatology"
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Glossary 

# Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

VY-tuh-min ee (toh-KOF-ur-all) 

## Definition

Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a fat-soluble antioxidant that occurs naturally in the skin's sebum and plays a critical role in protecting cell membranes from free radical damage. In skincare, vitamin E is used for its antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-healing properties. It helps neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution, supports the skin barrier by reinforcing the lipid matrix, and accelerates wound healing. Vitamin E is most effective when combined with vitamin C — the two antioxidants work synergistically, with vitamin E regenerating oxidized vitamin C and vice versa. Adding ferulic acid to this combination further boosts their stability and efficacy (the famous CE Ferulic formulation). Vitamin E comes in several forms: alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active, while tocopheryl acetate is a more stable but less potent form. While generally well-tolerated, pure vitamin E oil can be comedogenic for some people, particularly at high concentrations.

## Related Terms

[Antioxidant](/glossary/antioxidant)[Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)](/glossary/vitamin-c-ascorbic-acid)[Free Radicals](/glossary/free-radicals)[Oxidative Stress](/glossary/oxidative-stress)

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[Definition](#definition)[Related Terms](#related-terms)

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[Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)](/glossary/vitamin-c-ascorbic-acid)

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