If you’ve ever searched online for ways to fade a scar, you’ve probably come across countless recommendations for vitamin E oil. It’s a classic scar solution, and it’s everywhere. Vitamin E oil for scars is mentioned on skincare blogs, in beauty forums, and on social media. But here’s the thing: despite all the buzz and hype surrounding it for years, vitamin E oil for scars might not actually be the miracle fix everyone thinks it is.
While vitamin E oil benefits the skin in some ways, it’s not a proven scar-healer. On the other hand? Vitamin C for acne scars and hyperpigmentation? That’s a whole different story because it's been proven time and time again to help reduce the appearance of scars. We think that vitamin C for scars works.
In this article, we’ll look at vitamin E oil for scars and vitamin C for scars, present the evidence, and let you decide which one is best for your unique skincare needs.
First, What Even Is a Scar?
Before we take a deep look into the skincare science, let’s break down what a scar actually is. A scar forms when your body repairs skin after an injury, whether it’s from acne, a cut, surgery, or a scrape. Collagen fibers rush in to close the wound, but the structure of scar tissue is different from your regular skin. It’s less flexible, sometimes thicker, and often discolored. Sadly, scars that form are noticeable and mar the appearance of your skin.
The entire process of skin healing makes scars tricky to treat. They’re not just surface-level problems you can scrub away, but down through multiple layers of skin, which makes them a challenge. Basically, they’re a result of how your body heals itself, which is why treatments that actually help are few and far between.
So, Is Vitamin E Oil Good for Scars?
Here’s where things get interesting. For decades, vitamin E has been praised as a go-to for skin healing and scar prevention. You’ll find it in everything from stretch mark creams to anti-aging oils. However, when it comes to its actual impact on scars, the science isn’t very supportive that it makes much of a difference.
What the Research Says About Vitamin E Oil for Scars
A number of clinical studies have looked into the question: Does vitamin E help with scars? Most of them say... not really.
Additional research found that applying vitamin E actually made scars worse for many people. In that study, nearly a third of participants developed contact dermatitis—aka skin irritation. Not exactly what you want when you’re trying to fade a mark.
Despite its popularity and classic claims, vitamin E oil for scars just doesn’t have the clinical evidence to back up the hype.
But What About Anecdotes?
Now, that’s not to say people haven’t seen results from using vitamin E. There are plenty of anecdotal stories online from folks who swear by it. Despite such claims, please remember that everyone’s skin is different, so it’s possible that some individuals may experience benefits. But from a dermatology standpoint, it's not considered a reliable treatment.
Possible Side Effects of Vitamin E Oil
It’s also important to mention that vitamin E oil, especially in its concentrated form, can actually clog pores or cause breakouts in acne-prone skin. If you’re dealing with acne scars, the last thing you want is another breakout forming under your so-called “healing” oil.
That’s why it’s best to be cautious and patch-test any product before using it all over your face.
The Better Option: Vitamin C for Acne Scars
Now that we’ve covered vitamin E, let’s shift gears to something that actually does show promise: vitamin C.
This antioxidant powerhouse has been clinically shown to reduce hyperpigmentation, boost collagen production, and brighten the skin.
If you’re dealing with post-acne marks, dullness, or uneven skin tone, vitamin C for acne scars could make all the difference in the world.
How Vitamin C Helps Fade Scars
Unlike vitamin E, vitamin C is a proven ingredient when it comes to skin rejuvenation.
Here’s how it helps to fade away scars.
- Fades discoloration: Vitamin C blocks the enzyme that produces melanin (pigment), helping fade dark spots left behind by acne or injuries.
- Boosts collagen: Vitamin C encourages collagen synthesis, which can help smooth out shallow acne scars and improve skin texture.
- Protects against damage: It’s also an antioxidant, meaning it fights free radicals and protects your skin from environmental stressors that slow healing.
Our Top Pick: Seeking C Vitamin C Serum
If you’re looking to add a serious glow-up to your skincare routine, we highly recommend the Seeking C Vitamin C Serum by Eight Saints. It’s packed with a stable form of vitamin C, plus skin-nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and MSM for hydration and tone.
It's lightweight, layers well under sunscreen and makeup, and absorbs fast, no sticky residue. It’s one of the most user-loved products in the Eight Saints lineup for good reason.
What About Using Vitamin E and Vitamin C Together?
If you’re still thinking about vitamin E, you might be wondering if combining it with vitamin C is a smart move. After all, wouldn’t it help more to use both? Create a teamwork effect?
There’s actually some evidence that the two can work well together, just not necessarily for scar treatment. Vitamin E can stabilize vitamin C, making it more effective when exposed to light or air. That’s why you’ll often see both ingredients in antioxidant-rich serums designed for general skin protection.
Use Vitamin C for Results, Vitamin E for Moisture
Think of it this way: vitamin C oil or serum is your treatment step, while vitamin E oil may work better as a moisturizer or barrier protector for dry skin. Just don’t count on E to do the heavy lifting when it comes to scar fading. That all being said, yes, you can combine them.
Meet the Perfect Duo for Radiant Skin
If your skin needs both nourishment and brightening, this combo can deliver:
- High Society Botanical Face Oil: Loaded with antioxidants (including vitamin E), fatty acids, and plant oils, this luxe blend locks in hydration and leaves your skin feeling plump and soft without clogging pores.
- Seeking C Vitamin C Serum: This is your go-to serum for brightening, evening tone, and helping post-acne spots fade faster.
Together, these two products work like a dream to support healthy, glowing skin, even if you’re not chasing miracle cures for scars.
Key Differences Between Vitamin E and Vitamin C in Skincare
Let’s break it down even more. Here’s how these two nutrients stack up. Both vitamins are beneficial in different ways. But when it comes to actual scar improvement, especially from acne, you’ll see that vitamin C wins hands down.
| Vitamin E | Vitamin C |
| Fat-soluble antioxidant |
Water-soluble antioxidant |
|
Nourishes and hydrates the skin |
Brightens and fades dark spots |
|
Helps protect the skin’s barrier |
Boosts collagen production |
|
Not proven to face scars |
Clinically shown to reduce hyperpigmentation |
|
May clog pores in some users |
Typically safe for all skin types |
Does Vitamin E Help with Scars?
There’s no magic cure for scars. Your body’s healing process takes time. Nothing is going to make a scar go away overnight. In fact, most scars will not completely disappear, but you can improve their appearance.
That said, if you’re specifically wondering is vitamin E oil good for scars, the honest answer is no, not really. It may feel nice on the skin, and it certainly has some hydrating benefits, but studies don’t support its use as an effective scar treatment.
If you're serious about improving the appearance of scars, especially acne-related ones, vitamin C for acne scars is our suggestion for the best choice. It’s backed by research, dermatologists recommend it, and it actually works on the things people care about most: tone, texture, and brightness.
Now let’s take it a step further and weigh everything out.
- Vitamin E oil benefits are impressive and shouldn’t be overlooked. They include moisturizing, softening, and acting as an antioxidant. However, please remember that despite the perks, that doesn’t mean it fades scars.
- Vitamin E oil for scars is more myth than fact. The research hasn’t proven its effectiveness, and some studies clearly show it does very little, if anything, to improve the appearance of scars.
- Vitamin C oil or serum is much more effective at reducing the look of acne scars and dark marks (hyperpigmentation).
- Pairing both vitamins may benefit your skin overall, especially with the right product formulas.
- Want a reliable skincare solution for your scars? Try Seeking C Vitamin C Serum in the morning and High Society Botanical Face Oil at night.
Your skin tells a story. And while scars are a part of that story, you’re not stuck with them forever. The right skincare can absolutely support healing and boost your confidence.
Just remember: not all oils are miracle workers. When it comes to real results, vitamin C is your skin’s best friend, and vitamin E is just the supportive sidekick.