Why do we use Panthenol?
In the world of skincare, some ingredients are flashy specialists, while others are reliable, multi-tasking heroes. Panthenol, the pro-vitamin of B5, is firmly in the hero category. Renowned for its ability to both attract moisture and soothe the skin, it’s a foundational ingredient for achieving a calm, hydrated, and healthy skin barrier. As a core component of our ingredient philosophy, we choose Panthenol for its proven, gentle efficacy.
What is Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)?
Panthenol is the alcohol precursor to Pantothenic Acid, also known as Vitamin B5. When applied to the skin in a cream or lotion, Panthenol is rapidly absorbed and converted into active Vitamin B5. This vitamin is essential for the skin to function in a healthy way.
What makes Panthenol so special is its dual functionality:
- It acts as a humectant, attracting and binding water to the skin.
- It acts as an emollient, working to soften and soothe the skin.
This powerful one-two punch makes it a go-to ingredient for treating dryness, irritation, and supporting the skin’s overall health.
The Good: 3 Key Benefits of Panthenol in Creams
Panthenol is a universally beneficial ingredient that improves skin hydration, calms irritation, and strengthens the barrier.
1. It’s a Dual-Action Hydrator
Unlike many hydrators that are only humectants, Panthenol does two jobs at once. As a humectant, it pulls moisture from the air into the skin’s layers. As an emollient, it helps to seal up cracks in the skin barrier, preventing that moisture from escaping. This combination provides deep, lasting hydration and leaves the skin feeling soft and supple.
2. It Promotes Healing and Soothes Irritation
This is perhaps Panthenol’s most celebrated benefit. It is well-documented for its ability to soothe inflammation and support the skin’s natural repair processes. It helps to:
- Calm redness and reduce signs of irritation.
- Support the healing of minor wounds or a compromised skin barrier.
- Provide significant relief for sensitive or stressed skin, making it a fantastic partner to other soothers like Cica (Centella Asiatica).
3. It Strengthens the Skin Barrier
By providing deep hydration and supporting the skin’s healing processes, Panthenol directly contributes to a stronger, more resilient skin barrier. A healthy barrier is the foundation of healthy skin—it’s better equipped to retain water and defend itself against environmental stressors.
The Bad: Are There Any Considerations?
Panthenol is one of the safest, gentlest, and most non-controversial ingredients in skincare, with virtually no “bad” side effects.
- It’s a Foundational Supporter: Panthenol is brilliant at what it does—hydrating and soothing. However, it is not a targeted “treatment” for concerns like deep wrinkles or significant hyperpigmentation. Think of it as an essential nutrient that enables your skin to be its healthiest, allowing other “active” ingredients to perform better.
- It Works Best as a Team: Like all great hydrators, Panthenol’s effects are amplified when used in a well-rounded formula. It works beautifully alongside other humectants like Glycerin and emollients like oils and butters that help lock in the moisture it provides.
The Verdict
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) is a true skincare staple. Its scientifically-proven ability to hydrate, soothe, heal, and strengthen the skin barrier makes it an invaluable asset in any formula, especially those designed for sensitive, dry, or compromised skin. When you see it in our products, you can be confident it’s working hard to keep your skin calm, comfortable, and deeply moisturized.
Primary Article Sources
- National Institutes of Health (PubMed Central): Dexpanthenol: An Overview of its Contribution to Skin Care and Wound Healing – This 2020 review in the journal Pharmaceuticals provides a deep dive into the mechanisms behind Panthenol’s wound healing, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory effects.
- PubMed: Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations – This clinical study from the Journal of Cosmetic Science demonstrates the effectiveness of Panthenol in improving skin hydration and reinforcing the skin barrier.
Other sources used for this article:
Frequently Asked Questions about Panthenol
Panthenol is the “pro-vitamin” of B5. This means that when it is absorbed by the skin, it is converted into Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid). Panthenol is the form used in cosmetics because it is more stable and easily penetrates the skin.
Yes, Panthenol is excellent for acne-prone skin. It is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help to soothe the redness and irritation associated with breakouts, and it provides lightweight hydration that can help balance oily skin.
Absolutely. Panthenol is extremely gentle and is an ideal ingredient for daily use, both morning and night. It helps to maintain the skin’s hydration and resilience against daily environmental stressors.
Find Panthenol in Our Products
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