Beauty question: Allergic to Vitamin E

I've received a wonderful email from a Beauty Tyrant reader, Nicole who is allergic to Vitamin E. Phew, she has asked a very good but tough-to-answer question. Here is her question:

Hi there,I just recently discovered that I am allergic to vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate). The thing I am now having a problem with is finding make-up I can use. I have found that even my eyeshadow has vitamin E in it.Can you help? Do you know of any make-up that would be free of this? Thanks so much.
Nicole

[ This is a really tough question and really caught me off guard. Took me a long while to get the right answer for Nicole. Anyhow, here is the answer from me ]

Dear Nicole,

Thank you very much for your email.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that you're allergic to Vitamin E. It's true, most cosmetics and creams out there have Vitamin E or any derivative forms of Vitamin E. It's because it's used as an antioxidant and stabilizer in the cosmetic. Well, first of all, are you only allergic to Vitamin E or it could be anything that includes glucan ingredients. Because glucan ingredients that are soy based also has Vitamin E or tocopheryl acetate derivative in it too.

Anyway, first off, considering you're only allergic to Vitamin E, you should start reading the ingredients of all makeup that you would purchase later on. Look out also for derivatives of Vitamin E in the ingredients listed such as:

3,4-DIHYDRO-2,5,7,8-TETRAMETHYL-2- (4,8,12-TRIMETHYLTRIDECYL-2H-BENZOPYRAN-6-OL, ACETATE; D-A-TOCOPHERYL ACETATE;
D-ALPHA-TOCOPHERYL ACETATE; DL-A -TOCOPHERYL ACETATE; DL-ALPHA-TOCOPHERYL ACETATE; VITAMIN E ACETATE; ACETATE 3,4-DIHYDRO-2,5,7,8-TETRAMETHYL-2- (4,8,12-TRIMETHYLTRIDECYL-2H-BENZOPYRAN-6-OL; TOCOPHEROL ACETATE; TOCOPHEROL,
TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, DL-ALPHA; ALPHA-TOCOPHERYL ACETATE; DL-ALPHA TOCOPHERYL ACETATE

I know, it's hard work but it's a step in preventing any more allergies.

It's hard to find a specific brand that has no Tocopheryl Acetate in its list of ingredients. However, it would be easier if you would tell me which makeup products ( ie: lipstick, powder, ) that you need and we can zero down on the search for these products with no Tocopheryl Acetate in it.

To help with a list of cosmetics that have no Vit. E, I've compiled a small list for you. I've given you some easy to find drugstore brands just to test it out. In this case, it wont hurt alot (as they are relatively cheap)

1) E.L.F Natural Radiance Blusher
2) Loreal HIP high intensity pigments vibrant shimmer bronzing powder 3) Maybelline Shine Free Oil control pressed powder
4) Maybelline Cover Stick Waterproof concealer
5) Maybelline Dream Mouse Blush

You've alos mentioned before that your eye shadow has Vit E in it. So, I've found an alternative for it in Neutrogena's Skin Soothing Eye Tints

Rule of the thumb, when dealing with allergies on Tocopheryl Acetate or Vit E derivative, here's what you can do:

1) Understand that it is normally used in moisturizers, facial treatments, anti aging products, lip sticks and lip glosses, sunscreen SPF15 and above, other products with SPF, conditioners and cleansers

2) Read all ingredients list before buying

3) Educate yourself by reading up more on Tocopheryl Acetate so you can better prevent buying any product that has it

These are some information I can provide you off hand by the information you have provided in your email. However, I would look out for more information for you and help you to look for more cosmetic choices without Vitamin E. It would be better if you could let me know what kind of products you're looking for and which brands that you would like to look into.

Also, what kind of allergies do you get out of the vitamin E. Normally, I think
it should be contact dermatitis like itching, red, scaly skin and etc?

Nicole, I really hope this is of help to you. Meanwhile, my promise is, I will get back to you on this and provide you with more information and a better selection of cosmetics, with your help too.

Take care
and good luck :)