Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration.

The influence of vitamin E (tocopherol, CAS 10191-41-0) on stratum corneum hydration was tested in O/W and W/O emulsions. Additionally, the O/W emulsion was used in an in vivo/in vitro method to gravimetrically obtain evidence concerning the water-binding capacity of the stratum corneum. In the W/O emulsion, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% vitamin E were compared. With both types of emulsions, vitamin E increased the stratum corneum hydration statistically significantly (p = 0.0002). In addition, we could provide evidence of an enhanced water-binding capacity after treatment with vitamin E (p = 0.05). For the hydrating effect of vitamin E. its concentration is of importance. The optimum concentration turned out to be 5%.