Vitamin E serums have become something of a quiet obsession of mine last year. They’re not flashy, they don’t deliver the instant gratification of an exfoliating acid, but they do a very particular and undervalued job. First, it was Institut Esthederm’s take. Now it’s Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum that’s taken up residence on my bathroom shelf.
What is it?
This one positions itself as a kind of restorative first aid treatment for all skin types, and that’s exactly how it behaves.
What Do I Think?
It contains a 1% ceramide complex to shore up the skin barrier, keeping hydration locked in and protecting against the usual environmental irritants. Alongside that is Vital ET, a form of vitamin E that brings all the antioxidant protection you’d expect while calming redness and soothing inflammation. It’s buffered by emollient oils like macadamia, almond and evening primrose, which give the formula a comforting cream-serum texture.
The experience of using it is lovely. It’s milky but not greasy, sinks in without a trace, and plays nicely with anything you put on top. No pilling, no odd reactions with actives. It’s just one of those serums that gets on with it, ensuring your skin feels calmer, less prickly and more resilient.
For me, it really shines in two situations. Firstly, when my skin is stressed or reactive, whether from overdoing acids, too much retinol, or simply too much central heating. Within a couple of nights, it restores my face to something that feels like my own again (calm, supple, less red). Secondly, it’s brilliant in tandem with stronger actives, tempering any irritation so I can get the results without the angry aftermath. And if you’re going on holiday, it’s worth slipping into your bag as a post sun saviour too.
There are fancier serums in my collection, but this is the one I’m relieved to have to hand when my skin decides to throw a tantrum.
Would I recommend?
Yes. Honestly, don’t reserve it for damage control. Used regularly, it just makes skin better behaved, more resilient, and far less temperamental in the long run.
Brands Product Description
A restorative first aid serum for all skin types formulated to support your skin’s natural barrier function while calming and rehydrating dry, damaged and sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients
- 1% Ceramide Complex – Increases hydration and aids skin barrier repair. Reinforces the natural lipid barrier of dry, sensitive or ageing skin against moisture loss and external challenges.
- Vital ET™ – With potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Vital ET™ is a unique bio-functional complex derived from Vitamin E. It is delivered into the skin rapidly, assisting with the reduction of redness and stress within the skin.
- Macadamia Seed Oil – Rich in essential fatty acids, this nourishing oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits and helps to restore skin barrier function and protect the skin against sensitivities, allowing it to heal.
- Evening Primrose Oil – A rich source of omega-6 essential fatty acids, evening primrose oil works to help restore skin’s barrier function and prevent moisture loss. It can also assist to protect from future damage caused by climate and environmental conditions.
- Sweet Almond Oil – This emollient oil helps replenish and protect the skin barrier, helping to keep skin moisturised, smooth and supple.
How I Use It
I use it morning and night after my most active serum (either a Vitamin C or Retinoid or Exfoliating Acid), and before moisturiser.
Would I Repurchase/Buy?
Yes I have – several times.
How Much?
£49.99 for 30ml. I quite often see it in TKMaxx for a cheaper price, so keep an eye out.
