In the ever-expanding world of skin-care ingredients, keeping track of what does what—and figuring out what works for your skin—can feel overwhelming. While some ingredients are universally loved, they don’t always play nicely with everyone’s complexion. Take vitamin C, for example: it’s celebrated for its powerful skin-healing and brightening benefits, but its potential to cause irritation makes it a bit of a wild card for some.
Vitamin C is one of the most well-known and powerful antioxidants, but it’s also known to cause irritation and reactions that are often severe and uncomfortable, prompting many to toss the ingredient to the wind and give up on their antioxidant journey. If this sounds like you, don’t fret. Ahead, dermatologists and skin-care experts explain how vitamin E might be the antioxidant ingredient your skin needs instead.
Featured Experts
- Joel Schlessinger, MD is a dermatologist in Omaha, NE
- Daniel Schlessinger, MD is a dermatologist in Omaha, NE
- Amy Peterson is a medical aesthetician and founder of Skincare by Amy Peterson Clinic
Vitamin E vs. Vitamin C: What’s the Difference?
According to Dr. Joel Schlessinger, vitamin C—also known as L-ascorbic acid or ascorbic acid— is “a very powerful antioxidant known for reversing the effects of sun damage or protecting the skin from sun damage,” while vitamin E—also known as tocopherol or alpha-tocopherol—is as an antioxidant that, uncommonly, is also a humectant and an emollient, meaning it helps the skin trap and lock in water for improved hydration.
To put it simply, Peterson says that while vitamins E and C are powerful antioxidants, “vitamin E is a rich, hydrating antioxidant that strengthens the skin barrier and locks in moisture, making it an amazing go-to for soothing and repairing dry or damaged skin.” Vitamin C, on the other hand, is your glow-getter. It is best for brightening dark spots, evening out skin tone and stimulating collagen.”
Can You Substitute Vitamin E for Vitamin C?
Because of vitamin E’s humectant and anti-inflammatory properties, it would make sense to assume that the ingredient would serve as an alternative to vitamin C for those with sensitive skin. But, as Dr. Daniel Schlessinger clarifies, “Vitamins C and E actually work best as a pair,” noting that an NIH study showed a combination of 15 percent vitamin C and 1 percent vitamin E to offer greater antioxidant protection together than either individually. “Additionally, applying a product with vitamins C and E before your daily broad-spectrum sunscreen has been shown to help boost the efficacy of your sun protection,” Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says.
The Best Vitamin C and Vitamin E Products to Try
Whether you want to try out vitamin E on its own for its hydrating, antioxidant benefits or team it with vitamin C for maximum skin-care success, ahead are some of our expert’s favorite vitamin C and vitamin E products.
