When applied topically, vitamin E acetate absorbs into skin and converts to active vitamin E—especially when skin is exposed to UV-B radiation. The study found significantly higher levels of both the acetate form and active vitamin E in UV-exposed skin compared to protected skin, suggesting sun exposure may actually boost how well this ingredient works.

Researchers applied vitamin E acetate to hairless mice daily, then exposed some groups to UV-B radiation. They measured how much of the ingredient absorbed into skin tissue and how much converted to its active form.

Funding not disclosed in abstract