Vitamin E and wheat germ oil in skin and hair care
Why wheat germ oil is valued as a natural source of vitamin E, what dermatology reviews say topical vitamin E can and cannot do, and allergy notes.
1 min read · Updated 2026-11-14
A vitamin from the wheat kernel
Wheat germ is the tiny embryo of the wheat kernel. Pressed, it gives a thick golden oil that is unusually rich in tocopherols, the family of compounds called vitamin E.
What vitamin E does on skin
A 2005 critical review in Dermatologic Surgery summarised experimental evidence that topical and oral vitamin E have photoprotective and barrier-stabilising properties. Vitamin E sits in the skin's surface lipids, where it helps neutralise oxidative stress from sun and pollution. A 2007 review adds that much of its use remains cosmetic and that controlled clinical studies are still needed for medical claims.
What it does in a bottle
Vitamin E is also a natural preservative of oils: it slows rancidity, so formulas with plant oils stay fresh longer.
What it does not do
The popular belief that vitamin E oil fades scars has not held up in controlled studies. We describe it as a conditioning antioxidant.
Allergy note
Vitamin E occasionally causes contact dermatitis. Patch test any new product.
In Kart Naturals
Wheat germ oil is in Natural Styling Gel, a Nourish Conditioner variant and Hand & Body Lotion.
This guide is general information, not medical advice.
Questions
Does vitamin E oil fade scars?
Controlled studies have not shown that topical vitamin E improves the look of scars, and some people developed skin reactions.
Is wheat germ oil safe for gluten sensitivity?
Refined wheat germ oil contains very little protein, but anyone with wheat allergy should check with their doctor and patch test.
Why is vitamin E in so many products?
Besides its skin benefits, it is a natural antioxidant that protects plant oils in a formula from oxidation.
Sources
- Thiele JJ, Hsieh SN, Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage S. Vitamin E: critical review of its current use in cosmetic and clinical dermatology. Dermatol Surg 2005;31(7 Pt 2):805-813
- Thiele JJ, Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage S. Vitamin E in human skin: organ-specific physiology and considerations for its use in dermatology. Mol Aspects Med 2007;28(5-6):646-667
This guide is general information about traditional and natural care. It is not medical advice. For a skin, scalp or health condition, speak to a dermatologist or qualified practitioner.
