What Should You Not Use with Vitamin E?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, high doses of vitamin E can interact with specific medications, herbs, and supplements. It is crucial to understand what you should not use with vitamin E, whether taken orally or applied topically, to prevent unintended and potentially dangerous side effects.

Quick Summary

This guide details important oral and topical interactions to be aware of when using vitamin E, including medications and skin-types that should avoid it to prevent complications.

Key Points

Blood Thinners and Antiplatelets: High-dose vitamin E supplements should not be taken with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicines like Warfarin and Aspirin, as this significantly increases the risk of bleeding.
Chemotherapy and Radiation: Vitamin E may interfere with the effectiveness of cancer treatments by protecting cancerous cells from oxidative damage, so it should be avoided during these therapies.
Statins and Niacin: Combining certain statins and niacin with vitamin E and other antioxidants might reduce the beneficial, cholesterol-lowering effects of the medications.
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: People with oily or acne-prone skin should avoid heavy vitamin E oils topically, as they can clog pores and exacerbate breakouts.
Retinoids and AHAs/BHAs: When using vitamin E topically, be cautious mixing it with potent retinoids or exfoliating acids to prevent increased skin irritation.
Iron Supplements: Oral vitamin E can impair the body's absorption of iron; always inform your doctor if you take both supplements.
Pre-Surgery: Discontinue high-dose vitamin E supplements at least two weeks before surgery due to the increased risk of bleeding.

Oral Interactions: Medications and Supplements to Avoid

While Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, high doses of supplements can interfere with certain medications and other supplements, leading to adverse health effects. Consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements or medications with vitamin E to ensure your safety.

Blood Thinners and Antiplatelets

One of the most critical interactions involves medications that slow blood clotting, also known as blood thinners or anticoagulants. Vitamin E itself has mild blood-thinning properties, so taking it in combination with these medications can significantly increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. This includes medications such as Warfarin (Coumadin), Aspirin (in high doses), and Clopidogrel (Plavix). Herbal supplements with blood-thinning effects like garlic, ginger, ginkgo, and turmeric should also be used cautiously with vitamin E.

Cholesterol-Lowering Medications (Statins and Niacin)

Combining vitamin E with certain statins and niacin may reduce their effectiveness, especially when taken with other antioxidants. Studies have shown that combining vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, and beta-carotene can decrease the efficacy of a statin and niacin combination. Discuss your supplements with your doctor to avoid compromising cholesterol treatment.

Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

Vitamin E supplements may interfere with chemotherapy and radiation by protecting cancer cells from oxidative damage. The National Institutes of Health advises against using vitamin E during these treatments.

Medications Processed by Liver Enzymes

Vitamin E can affect liver enzymes that metabolize certain medications, potentially altering their potency. Consult your healthcare provider about potential interactions if you take medications processed by the liver.

Topical Interactions and Skin Types to Consider

Topical vitamin E interactions are generally related to skin type and sensitivity.

Skin Conditions and Types

Oily or acne-prone skin: Pure, heavy vitamin E oil can clog pores and worsen breakouts on oily skin due to its comedogenic nature. Consider non-comedogenic moisturizers with lower vitamin E concentrations.
Allergic reactions: Though rare, topical vitamin E can cause allergic reactions like itching or redness. Discontinue use if this occurs and perform a patch test before applying new products to your face.

Skincare Ingredients to Layer with Caution

Use certain skincare ingredients carefully with high concentrations of vitamin E to avoid irritation.

Retinoids: Combining potent retinoids with vitamin E oil may increase irritation. Apply vitamin E oil as a final step or use retinol at a different time.
Exfoliating Acids (AHAs/BHAs): Combining heavy vitamin E oil with strong AHAs or BHAs can increase irritation. Use these ingredients separately in your routine.

Comparison Table: Oral vs. Topical Interactions


Interaction Type	Oral Vitamin E Supplements (High Doses)	Topical Vitamin E Products
Blood Thinners	High risk of increased bleeding and bruising.	No risk of systemic interactions; not absorbed significantly enough into the bloodstream.
Cholesterol Meds (Statins/Niacin)	Possible risk of reducing the drugs' effectiveness.	No risk of systemic interactions with skin application.
Chemotherapy	High risk of interfering with treatment efficacy.	No risk of interfering with cancer treatments through skin application.
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin	No direct effect on skin from oral intake.	High risk of clogging pores and causing breakouts, especially with pure oil forms.
Sensitive Skin	No direct effect on skin from oral intake.	Possible risk of contact dermatitis or irritation. Always patch test.

Conclusion

Understanding what you should not use with vitamin E is critical for both oral supplementation and topical skincare. Key oral contraindications include blood-thinning medications, specific chemotherapy drugs, and cholesterol-lowering statins, as high doses of vitamin E can lead to increased bleeding risk or reduced treatment efficacy. Topically, individuals with oily or acne-prone skin should be cautious with heavy vitamin E oils due to the risk of clogged pores and breakouts, while those with sensitive skin should perform a patch test to avoid irritation. Always consult with a healthcare professional to review potential interactions based on your specific health conditions and treatments before beginning any new supplement regimen, and consider your skin type when choosing topical products containing vitamin E.

Mayo Clinic Vitamin E Interactions

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is highly recommended to avoid taking vitamin E supplements, especially in high doses, with blood-thinning medications like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel. This combination increases the risk of serious bleeding.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you should be cautious with topical vitamin E, particularly pure oil, as its heavy consistency can clog pores and worsen breakouts. Opt for non-comedogenic products or consult a dermatologist.

Some studies suggest that taking high-dose antioxidant supplements containing vitamin E can reduce the effectiveness of statins and niacin, which are used to lower cholesterol. Consult your doctor about your supplement use.

For those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, it is advised to avoid vitamin E supplements. The antioxidant effect could interfere with the treatment's goal of causing oxidative damage to cancer cells.

It is generally advised to be cautious when layering potent retinoids with vitamin E oil, as it can cause increased skin irritation. A common practice is to use them during different routines, for example, retinol at night and vitamin E during the day.

Taking high doses of vitamin E can interfere with the function of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. This can lead to increased bleeding risk, especially for individuals already deficient in vitamin K.

Yes, due to its blood-thinning effects, it is typically recommended to stop taking vitamin E supplements at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery to minimize the risk of bleeding.