Can You Cut Open Vitamin E Softgels for Skin and Hair Care?

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 75% of adults take dietary supplements, and for those with trouble swallowing pills, opening or cutting capsules is a common consideration. Many people also choose to cut open vitamin E softgels to extract the oil for topical use in homemade beauty treatments.

Quick Summary

It is generally safe to cut open vitamin E softgels to use the oil externally for beauty applications. The oil can moisturize skin, reduce scars, and nourish hair when applied properly. Always use clean tools and perform a patch test to avoid irritation. Understand the risks for internal use versus topical application.

Key Points

Topical Use Is Safe: It is a common and safe practice to cut open vitamin E softgels to extract the oil for topical application on skin and hair.
Always Use Clean Tools: Puncture the softgel with sanitized scissors, a pin, or a needle to avoid bacterial contamination.
Patch Test First: Before applying widely, test a small amount of the oil on your skin to check for irritation or allergic reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Mind Your Skin Type: Vitamin E oil is very concentrated; people with oily or acne-prone skin may need to dilute it with a lighter carrier oil to prevent breakouts.
Consider Internal vs. External Use: The softgel is designed for oral consumption, while the extracted oil is for targeted external application; both have different benefits and risks.
Apply for Skin and Hair Benefits: Use the oil to moisturize skin, aid in scar and blemish reduction, combat signs of aging, or nourish hair and scalp.

Is It Safe to Cut Open Vitamin E Softgels?

Yes, it is widely considered safe and is a common practice to cut open vitamin E softgels to extract the oil for external application on the skin and hair. The primary caution is ensuring hygiene and proper application, as the oil inside is intended to be used directly on the skin or mixed into other products. For topical use, this method allows for a concentrated dose of the vitamin's antioxidant and moisturizing properties.

How to Safely Extract Vitamin E Oil

Extracting the oil from a softgel is a simple process, but requires a few key safety measures to prevent contamination and irritation:

Start with Cleanliness: Before you begin, thoroughly wash your hands and sanitize your tools. A clean pair of scissors, a needle, or a pin is necessary to puncture the softgel without introducing bacteria.
Puncture and Squeeze: Make a small, careful puncture at one end of the softgel. A small hole gives you more control over the flow of the thick oil, preventing spillage and waste.
Collect the Oil: Squeeze the oil into a clean, small container or directly onto your fingertips for immediate application.
Patch Test: Always perform a patch test on a small, discreet area of your skin before applying the oil more broadly, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Watch for any signs of redness, itching, or irritation over 24 to 48 hours.

Benefits of Topical Vitamin E

Applying the oil from cut-open softgels is popular for its many purported beauty benefits:

Moisturizes Skin: The oil is a potent moisturizer that helps prevent and soothe dry, flaky skin.
Reduces Scars and Blemishes: Many users report that regular topical application can help fade scars and dark spots over time by promoting skin repair and regeneration.
Anti-Aging Properties: As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E helps combat free radical damage from environmental stressors, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Nourishes Hair: When applied to the scalp and hair, it can improve blood circulation, moisturize the scalp, and add shine to hair.

Potential Risks of Using Vitamin E Softgels Topically

While generally safe, there are some precautions to keep in mind when applying vitamin E oil from softgels externally.

Risk of Irritation

Potency: The oil inside a softgel is highly concentrated. For some skin types, especially oily or sensitive skin, applying it undiluted can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Diluting the oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil can mitigate this risk.
Allergic Reactions: As with any new product, there is a risk of an allergic reaction. The softgel contents, including any carrier oils, should be patch-tested before full application.

Interactions and Contamination

Ingredient Additives: The contents of some softgels may include ingredients not suitable for topical application. Always check the label if you are concerned about additives.
Bacterial Contamination: Using unsterile tools to cut the softgel or improperly storing the extracted oil can introduce bacteria, which can be harmful to your skin. Always use clean, sterilized equipment.

Comparison: Oral vs. Topical Vitamin E from Softgels


Feature	Oral Consumption (Swallowing Softgel)	Topical Application (Cutting Open Softgel)
Purpose	To supplement dietary intake and raise internal vitamin E levels.	To target specific external skin and hair concerns directly.
Absorption	Absorbed through the digestive system and stored in the liver and fatty tissues.	Absorbed directly by the skin for localized effects.
Overall Health Benefits	Supports immune function, eye health, and protects cells from oxidative damage.	Provides localized antioxidant and moisturizing benefits to skin and hair.
Risk of Toxicity	High doses can increase bleeding risk and may interact with blood thinners.	Minimal risk of systemic toxicity, but potential for local skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Skin Type Suitability	N/A	Heavier oil best for dry skin; oily or sensitive skin may require dilution.
Best Practice	Follow dosage instructions and consult a healthcare provider.	Perform a patch test and dilute if you have sensitive or oily skin.

How to Incorporate Topical Vitamin E into Your Routine

For the best results, it's recommended to apply vitamin E oil from a softgel at night. This allows the potent oil to be fully absorbed without interference from makeup or daily environmental exposure.

Simple Applications

For the Face: After cleansing, puncture a softgel and mix a small amount of the oil with your regular moisturizer or serum. Gently massage it into your skin, focusing on any dry patches, scars, or areas with fine lines.
For Hair and Scalp: Combine the oil from one or two softgels with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. Massage the mixture into your scalp and work it through your hair. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing with shampoo.
For Nails and Cuticles: Apply a drop of the oil directly to your nails and cuticles to moisturize and strengthen them.

Conclusion

In summary, cutting open vitamin E softgels is a safe and effective method for those who wish to use the oil for topical skin and hair treatments. By following proper hygiene procedures, performing a patch test, and understanding your skin type, you can safely harness the antioxidant and moisturizing benefits of vitamin E oil. While supplements should always be used as directed by a healthcare provider, the contents of these softgels offer a versatile and accessible tool for enhancing your external beauty routine. Always be mindful of the concentration and potential for irritation, and when in doubt, discuss any concerns with a dermatologist or other medical professional.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to open a vitamin E softgel is to use a clean, sharp, and sterilized pair of scissors or a needle to puncture the end. A small hole allows you to control the flow of the oil and prevents spillage.

Yes, you can apply the oil directly, but it is often recommended to mix it with a lighter carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil, especially if you have sensitive or oily skin. The oil is very potent and can clog pores in some individuals.

Many people use topical vitamin E for scars and blemishes, reporting that it helps fade marks over time by promoting skin repair. However, results can vary, and more robust studies are needed. Always patch test before use.

This depends on your goal. Consuming the capsule provides systemic antioxidant benefits for your overall health, including eyes and immune system. Applying the oil topically targets specific external concerns, like skin hydration and texture.

Yes, vitamin E oil is often used on hair and the scalp. Many people mix the oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and massage it into their scalp to improve circulation and hair health.

The main risks are skin irritation, especially for sensitive or oily skin, and potential contamination if unsterile tools are used. Always perform a patch test and ensure your tools are clean.

Diluting the oil is a good practice, particularly for individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin. It can prevent clogged pores and irritation. Mixing with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil makes the application smoother and gentler on the skin.