Many commercial skincare brands use synthetic Vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) or cheaper esterified forms like tocopheryl acetate. These versions are often less effective, harder for the skin to absorb, and primarily added as stabilizers—not skin treatments. While they may extend shelf life, they deliver limited skin benefits. In contrast, natural d-alpha-tocopherol is both functionally potent and biologically active, supporting visible improvements in skin texture, tone, and barrier resilience.

This is the version we use at VÆR—not just to preserve, but to heal.

Not all forms of Vitamin E are created equal. Here’s how to decode ingredient lists to ensure you're getting the most effective, skin-compatible version:

Look for:

• d-alpha-tocopherol – the natural, biologically active form of Vitamin E. This is what your skin recognizes and uses efficiently.
• Clear sourcing and transparency (e.g., “non-GMO sunflower-derived Vitamin E”)
• Placement high on the ingredient list in antioxidant-focused products

Avoid:

• dl-alpha-tocopherol – a synthetic form that includes inactive isomers. Less bioavailable and less effective.
• Tocopheryl acetate – a common esterified form that must be enzymatically converted in the skin, reducing potency and delaying benefits.
• Vague terms like “Vitamin E” without specifying the form or origin

At VÆR, we only use pure d-alpha-tocopherol—never synthetics or filler blends—so you get all the benefits, none of the confusion.

Vitamin E was discovered in 1922 as a vital nutrient for fertility and later recognized as a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Naturally abundant in seeds, nuts, and leafy greens, it was traditionally valued both in diet and in topical applications for preserving oils and supporting skin repair. By the mid-20th century, Vitamin E became a staple in skincare for its ability to stabilize natural formulations and promote healing of scars and dryness. Its enduring role in ancestral and modern skincare reflects this dual purpose—guarding freshness while deeply nourishing the skin.

We source Vitamin E derived from non-GMO sunflowers, not soy, and never from synthetic chemical processes. We choose suppliers who practice sustainable cultivation and low-heat extraction to preserve nutrient integrity while minimizing environmental impact. This choice reflects our commitment to clean, ethical ingredients that nourish both your skin and the planet.

We use d-alpha-tocopherol, extracted through low-heat physical methods from sunflower seeds. This gentle approach preserves the antioxidant power and ensures no solvents, synthetics, or chemical modifiers are involved. Many cheaper products use Vitamin E that’s chemically extracted or esterified (tocopheryl acetate), which reduces both efficacy and bioavailability. Our method ensures maximum potency in its most skin-compatible form.