Probe into vaping-linked illnesses turns up form of vitamin E from skin creams

Enlarge / Some of the black-market vaping products that have been found to contain vitamin E acetate, according to the New York State Department of Health. (credit: Flicrk | New York State Department of Health)

Federal and state officials investigating the mysterious eruption of lung illnesses linked to e-cigarette use have turned up a vitamin in vape products that is normally found in supplements and skin creams.

The chemical is vitamin E acetate or alpha-tocopherol acetate, which is a less acidic, more shelf-stable form of vitamin E. It has an acetate group where an alcohol is usually found on the vitamin’s chemical structure. It’s used in a wide range of personal care products based on (largely unproven) health claims about vitamin E’s antioxidant effects. The more stable form of the vitamin appears in anti-aging wrinkle creams, shave gels, lip balms, shampoos, and soaps, as well as vitamin pills.

Vitamin E acetate is generally considered safe for ingestion and topical use. It’s unclear how the oily supplement might affect the lungs when inhaled from vape products. But, based on the latest evidence in the vaping investigations, officials are beginning to suspect the effects are not good.