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My Reward PointsOur skin needs vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant. It protects cells from free radical damage, decreases inflammation, promotes hydration, builds the skin barrier, and repairs UV damage, leaving skin softer, smoother, and stronger.
Meals, supplements, and topical oils and serums include it, which neutralises hazardous substances, supports natural oils, and regenerates skin cells.
But there are two types of vitamin E, and both differ from each other. The purpose of this blog is to assist readers in understanding natural vitamin E vs synthetic vitamin E, as well as their impact on the skin.
What Is Natural Vitamin E?
Natural vitamin E, also known as d-alpha-tocopherol, is obtained from plants and other natural sources.
RRR-alpha-tocopherol is natural vitamin E, better absorbed and retained than synthetic forms due to its structure.
Sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, and almonds are some typical natural sources of vitamin E.
What Is Synthetic Vitamin E?
Synthetic vitamin E, commonly known as dl-alpha-tocopherol, is produced in laboratories using petrochemicals.
While natural vitamin E is d-alpha tocopherol, acetate, or succinate, "dl" denotes synthetic vitamin E.
Synthetic vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, moisturiser, and preservative, supporting skin protection, repair, and overall health.
Key Differences Between Natural and Synthetic Vitamin E
There is a difference between natural and synthetic vitamin E in terms of chemical structure, bioavailability, effectiveness, stability and shelf life. Here are these differences in brief.
1. Chemical Structure
Natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) is a single, more potent isomer that is better absorbed and retained than synthetic (dl-alpha-tocopherol), which has eight isomers, only one of which is similar.
2. Bioavailability
Natural vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) is better absorbed and retained because the body prefers it, while synthetic forms are poorly utilised and rapidly broken down.
3. Effectiveness
The antioxidant quality of natural vitamin E is higher than that of synthetic vitamin E; therefore, natural vitamin E is more effective and helpful to the skin.
4. Stability and Shelf Life
The shelf life of synthetic vitamin E may be longer than that of natural vitamin E, while natural vitamin E may become less effective with time.
Natural vs Synthetic Vitamin E - Benefits For Skin
Natural vitamin E absorbs better, offers higher bioavailability and is gentler for sensitive skin, while synthetic vitamin E is less effective.
They both promote skin healing, lessen inflammation, moisturise, and guard against free radicals.
Benefits of Natural Vitamin E for Skin
When talking about natural vs synthetic vitamin e for skin, Natural vitamin E protects it from damage, deeply moisturises, reduces inflammation, fades dark spots, boosts healing, collagen, and promotes youthful, radiant skin. Here are its benefits in brief:
1. Moisturising
Natural vitamin E deeply hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier, improves texture, reduces dryness and ageing signs, provides antioxidant protection, supports skin regeneration, and enhances overall radiance and softness.
2. Anti-ageing
Regular vitamin E use increases skin hydration and flexibility, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Because Vitamin E promotes collagen synthesis and has antioxidant properties, it keeps skin tight.
3. Healing
Natural vitamin E repairs skin damage, reduces inflammation, hydrates, protects against oxidative stress, supports wound healing, fades scars, strengthens the skin barrier, and may clog pores on oily skin.
4. Anti-inflammatory
Due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, natural Vitamin E soothes irritated and inflamed skin, calming redness, reducing swelling, and supporting skin repair, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin.
Benefits of Synthetic Vitamin E for Skin
Synthetic Vitamin E, also known as Tocopheryl Acetate on ingredient lists, has several essential benefits for the skin, including serving as an antioxidant, increasing moisture and providing supporting protection against environmental harm.
1. Cost-effective
Vitamin E is cheaper and more readily available in synthetic form. It is affordable and widely used in mass-market supplements, fortified foods, and animal feed due to its mass production by chemical synthesis.
2. Stability
Synthetic vitamin E (particularly in its esterified form, such as tocopheryl acetate) is more stable than natural, non-esterified vitamin E when exposed to heat, light and air, resulting in a longer shelf life.
3. Application
In animal feed (especially fish), cosmetics (skin protection, anti-ageing), pharmaceuticals (drug delivery, deficiency supplements), food fortification, and other mass-produced skincare products use synthetic vitamin E.
4. Potential Downsides
Synthetic vitamin E might not provide the same deep nourishment as natural Vitamin E. Natural vitamin E gives superior sustenance since the body and skin absorb, utilise and retain it more easily.
Is Natural Vitamin E Better Than Synthetic?
Yes, natural vitamin E is generally preferable for best health due to the body's higher absorption and usage, according to research and health organisations.
1. Bioavailability
The body absorbs and uses natural Vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) better than produced Vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol, which has less active forms), stays in the body longer, and is more efficiently supplied to tissues.
2. Effectiveness
The antioxidant effects of natural vitamin E are more powerful than those of synthetic vitamin E, making natural vitamin E more beneficial to the health of the skin.
3. Safety
Vitamin E that is derived from natural sources is less likely to produce discomfort or sensitivity than vitamin E that is manufactured. This makes it safer than synthetic vitamin E.
How to Choose Between Natural and Synthetic Vitamin E for Your Skin
Is natural vitamin e better than synthetic for skin? Your preference determines whether you use natural or synthetic vitamin E. When deciding between the two, you should consider the following factors:
1. Skin type
Natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) is generally better for all skin types (dry, oily, sensitive) because your skin absorbs and uses it more efficiently than synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol).
2. Product Formulations
Natural vitamin E offers better absorption and tissue retention, making it ideal for health and skincare, while synthetic vitamin E is a cost-effective option for basic nutrition and food antioxidant use.
3. Considerations
Natural vitamin E is more bioavailable and effective, but synthetic is cheaper. Synthetic vitamin E is better for supplements, but natural ones are better for optimal health. Both are highly available.
Tips for Choosing Between Natural & Synthetic Vitamin E
Natural or synthetic vitamin E depends on your health goals, money, and body usage. Here are tips for natural vitamin e vs synthetic one.
- Natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) is more bioavailable and effective, whereas synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) is cheaper for general supplementation.
- For budget-friendly supplementation of health, choose synthetic, and for optimal health, natural is a preferred choice.
- Due to better absorption, natural vitamin E is suitable for body usage.
Conclusion
You would probably know by now the difference between natural vitamin E and synthetic vitamin E.
Natural vitamin E is better absorbed, more effective, and skin-friendly, while synthetic vitamin E has lower bioavailability but a longer shelf life.
While both types have advantages, natural vitamin E may be more effective and beneficial to skin health.
However, make your decision depending on your skin's demands, budget, and product preferences.
Finally, for individuals looking for additional skin advantages, choose products containing natural vitamin E.
