Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl acetate) is traditionally used to support hair health and is commonly found in hair care products and supplements marketed for hair loss or thinning. The rationale behind its use is based on Vitamin E's antioxidant properties, which are thought to help reduce oxidative stress that can contribute to hair follicle damage. Historically, its application for hair has been more prevalent in folk and alternative medicine rather than in clinical practice.

However, scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Vitamin E for treating hair loss or thinning is limited and of low quality. Some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest that Vitamin E supplementation might improve hair growth in people with certain types of hair loss, such as alopecia, likely due to its potential to improve circulation or reduce oxidative stress. For example, a small randomized controlled trial published in 2010 found an increase in hair count in volunteers taking tocotrienol (a form of Vitamin E) supplements, but the study size was small and results have not been widely replicated.

Overall, there is a lack of robust, large-scale clinical evidence establishing Vitamin E as an effective treatment for hair loss or thinning. Its use persists primarily due to tradition and marketing rather than strong scientific validation.

More about Vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl acetate)
More about Hair (loss or thinning)

Other ingredients used for Hair (loss or thinning)

Other health conditions supported by Vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl acetate)

Products containing Vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl acetate)