Ingredient Spotlight: Panthenol

Written by: Christine Jean-Baptiste

Reviewed by: Dr. Renita Ahluwalia, lead Dermatologist at the Canadian Dermatology Centre

What Is Panthenol?

/pænˈθɛnəl/ (PAN-thin-ol)

There are plenty of ways to hydrate dry skin—think hyaluronic acid, peptides, or simply drinking plenty of water. But here’s another option: Panthenol!

You might have seen panthenol in your skincare products and wondered what it’s all about. Known as pro-vitamin B5, panthenol is great at attracting moisture, helping keep your skin soft and supple. Panthenol is also a favourite in healing treatments and can be particularly useful for minor skin issues like cuts, burns, or sunburns. When applied, it converts into vitamin B5, which helps lock in moisture and keep your skin elastic.

What sets panthenol apart is that it works in two ways: as a humectant, it draws water into your skin, and as an emollient, it seals that moisture in. So, while it might not get as much hype as hyaluronic acid, panthenol is an effective ingredient for keeping your skin hydrated and smooth. Let’s see if Panthenol will make it to your next skincare routine.

Panthenol Key Information

Ingredient Type: Humectant and Emollient.

Main Benefits: Hydration, soothing, skin barrier repair.

Best For: All skin types, especially dry or flaky skin.

Recommended Use: Daily application in skincare, haircare, and makeup products.

Complementary Ingredients: Works well with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides.

Avoid Mixing With: Generally safe with most ingredients.

Benefits of Panthenol

Panthenol offers multiple barrier-repairing benefits:

Hydration and Moisturization: Attracts water to the skin, improving hydration and preventing moisture loss.

Soothing: Helps calm redness and irritation, making it ideal for sensitive or compromised skin.

Skin Repair: Aids in healing and barrier repair, useful for minor injuries and post-procedure care.

Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and redness, beneficial for sunburn and irritation.

Application Insights

In Your Routine: Use panthenol through creams, serums, or haircare products for daily hydration and soothing benefits. It’s versatile and gentle, suitable for frequent use.

Complementary Products: Combines well with other moisturizers and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

Avoid Overuse: While generally safe, follow product instructions to avoid any potential irritation, especially if combined with other active ingredients.

Selecting a Panthenol Product

Look for products with a concentration of 1-5% panthenol for effective hydration and soothing. Opt for well-formulated products without excessive additives or harsh chemicals to ensure you get the full benefits of this ingredient.

Summary Points

Panthenol

A pro-vitamin B5, essential for deep hydration, skin soothing, and repair.

Benefits: Enhances moisture retention, calms irritation, supports skin barrier function, and aids in healing.

Usage: Ideal for daily use on all skin types, especially for dry, sensitive, or damaged skin.

Product Selection: Choose products with appropriate panthenol concentrations and minimal additives for best results.

The Callout

Skin Sensitivity:

Generally well-tolerated, but patch-test new products to ensure they suit your skin.