Why Your Skin Needs Pantothenic Acid & How to Use It Right

In the realm of hydrating skincare ingredients, a few star players—like hyaluronic acid—tend to steal the spotlight. But there’s another powerful, often-overlooked ingredient worth knowing: panthenol. Also known as provitamin B5, this multitasker is widely used in skincare, makeup, and haircare products for its exceptional ability to moisturize. It acts both as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin, and as an emollient, helping to smooth and soften its texture.

What Is Panthenol?

Panthenol is a widely used ingredient in skincare, particularly known for its role in wound healing and the treatment of minor skin injuries, burns, and sunburn. It is a provitamin—specifically a precursor that the body can convert into vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid.

When applied to the skin, panthenol is quickly transformed into vitamin B5, which helps retain moisture, supporting skin softness and elasticity. What sets panthenol apart from many other moisturizing agents is its dual function: it acts both as a humectant and an emollient. While humectants draw water into the skin and bind it there, emollients work by sealing in the skin’s surface, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin smooth and hydrated.

Panthenol

• Type of Ingredient: Hydrating Agent

• Key Benefits: Panthenol deeply hydrates the skin by binding and retaining moisture, helping to keep it soft, smooth, and supple. It also offers anti-inflammatory benefits and supports skin repair by promoting the growth of cells involved in wound healing and strengthening the skin barrier.

• Ideal For: Suitable for all skin types, but especially beneficial for those with dry, rough, or flaky skin.

• Recommended Usage: Safe for daily use in skincare routines.

• Pairs Well With: Combines effectively with other humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, as well as barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides.

• Avoid With: Generally well-tolerated and compatible with most skincare ingredients.

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What Is Panthenol?

Panthenol is a versatile, skin-loving ingredient commonly found in skincare, haircare, and even makeup products. Known for its powerful moisturizing properties, it’s a provitamin that converts into vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) when applied to the skin. This transformation allows it to bind and retain moisture effectively, enhancing skin softness, smoothness, and elasticity.

Unlike many other hydrators, panthenol functions as both a humectant—drawing water into the skin—and an emollient, sealing in moisture by filling in micro-cracks on the surface. This dual action makes it an excellent addition to any hydrating formula.

Why Panthenol Is Everywhere

Thanks to its soothing, hydrating properties, panthenol is used in a wide range of products—not just for the skin, but also for hair and makeup. In haircare, it boosts shine and smoothness, which is why it's often included in conditioners and leave-ins. In makeup, it enhances hydration and provides a softer finish.

You may already be using it without realizing it—it often appears under other names such as provitamin B5, butanamide, or d-pantothenyl alcohol.

Skin Benefits of Panthenol

• Boosts Moisture Retention: Panthenol penetrates deep into the skin, helping cells absorb and retain water.

• Strengthens the Skin Barrier: It helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss and supports the production of cells essential for a healthy barrier.

• Supports Wound Healing: By activating skin-repairing cells, it promotes recovery from minor cuts, burns, and irritations.

• Reduces Redness & Inflammation: It calms UV-related redness and soothes itchy, irritated skin caused by conditions like dermatitis.

  
  

Side Effects

Panthenol is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin. However, as with any ingredient, it's possible—though rare—to have an allergic reaction. Patch-testing is recommended if you're using it for the first time.

Panthenol vs. Hyaluronic Acid

Both are excellent hydrators but work differently. Panthenol is both a humectant and an emollient, meaning it not only attracts moisture but also seals it in. It also offers anti-inflammatory and barrier-repair benefits. Hyaluronic acid, while a potent humectant, does not provide these additional soothing or barrier-strengthening effects. These two ingredients can be used together to maximize hydration and skin health.

How to Use Panthenol

Panthenol can be used daily and is suitable for both AM and PM routines. For best results, apply it to freshly cleansed skin. Toners can help prep the skin by removing any residue, allowing panthenol-containing products to absorb more effectively. Whether in the form of a serum, cream, or mist, it layers well with most other ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and soothing agents like aloe vera.

When to Use Panthenol

Products with panthenol are great for:

• Daily hydration

• Soothing post-procedure skin (after peels or laser treatments)

• Minimizing irritation from actives like retinol

• Calming dry, itchy, or sun-damaged skin

• Preparing the skin before makeup application

Pro Tip

For an added boost, look for formulations that combine panthenol with complementary ingredients like bisabolol (for soothing), vitamin C (for anti-aging), and oat extracts (for calming). Whether in a mask, mist, or moisturizer, panthenol is a gentle yet powerful ingredient that supports healthy, resilient skin.

FAQ

Can panthenol cream clog pores?

Panthenol is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. However, some individuals with acne-prone skin have reported experiencing clogged pores when using products that contain it. As with any ingredient, results can vary based on your unique skin type and formulation.

Is panthenol effective for repairing the skin’s moisture barrier?

Yes, panthenol is excellent for supporting the skin’s moisture barrier. It helps minimize water loss while keeping the skin hydrated, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to strengthen and restore their barrier function.

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II DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, not everything works for everybody. I recommend you test the product before completely using any new product. II