Vitamin E Oil Is NOT a Preservative—Here’s What It Actually Does

It’s not a preservative—but here’s why I still use it in every oil-based formula.

Vitamin E oil gets a lot of hype in the DIY and holistic skincare world. Some call it a natural preservative, others believe it’ll stop mold, bacteria, and keep your homemade products shelf-stable forever. But here’s the truth

🛑 Vitamin E oil does not prevent mold, fungus, or bacterial growth.

And if you’re adding it to water-based products expecting it to preserve them—your formula may be compromised.

So… why do I still use it in almost every oil-based remedy I make?

Let’s break it down 👇

🧬 What Vitamin E ActuallyDoes

Vitamin E oil—especially in its natural form (d-alpha-tocopherol)—is a fat-soluble antioxidant. That means it protects your oils and skin from oxidative stress caused by light, heat, and air exposure.

When you infuse herbs into oils (like I do with calendula, comfrey, rosemary, and more), those oils can go rancid over time—especially if you’re using delicate oils like sweet almond or safflower. That’s where Vitamin E shines.

✨ The Real Benefits of Vitamin E Oil

🔐 Prevents oils from going rancid (oxidizing) too quickly

This keeps your herbal remedies fresh longer and protects the active compounds in your oils.

🛡️ Supports skin healing + scar repair

Vitamin E helps restore skin barrier function, aids in collagen repair, and softens old scar tissue.

💛 Pairs beautifully with herbal infusions

It acts as a carrier and a booster, helping drive herbal actives deeper into the skin.

⚠️ What It Doesn’tDo

❌ It doesn’t kill bacteria

❌ It doesn’t prevent mold

❌ It doesn’t preserve water-based recipes (like toners or aloe gels)
For true preservation in water-based products, you need a broad-spectrum preservative or proper refrigeration and short-term use.

🌿 How I Use It

In my Super Nature Neosporin and other oil-based formulas, I add Vitamin E oil not to “preserve,” but to protect. Just a few drops can:

• Extend shelf life

• Keep oils potent

• Support healing benefits

My advice? Keep it in your oil-only remedies, but don’t rely on it to preserve anything with water, hydrosol, or fresh aloe.

Want to Learn More?

I teach this in my Herbal Secrets series and mentorships because these myths matter—especially when you’re making medicine for your family. Education = empowerment.

🛍️ Shop fresh herbs + watch more videos at www.wildsynergyapothecary.com

✨ Biochemist-formulated. Nature-backed.