Anon. Calcium pantothenate in arthritic conditions. A report from the General Practitioner Research Group. Practitioner 1980;224:208-11. View abstract. A 2020 review on the role of panthenol, or dexpanthenol, on wound healing states that it is excellent for post-procedural wounds, especially when used immediately after skin damage. Boosts skin barrier function

If you have a wound or irritated skin, panthenol can help. It plays a crucial role in promoting the growth of fibroblasts (the type of cells in the skin that produce skin-strengthening and wound-healing proteins). [3] [4] Soothes and calms An easy-to-formulate, commonly used, nice to have ingredient that’s also called pro-vitamin B5. As you might guess from the “pro” part, it’s a precursor to vitamin B5 (whose fancy name is pantothenic acid). Dietary reference intakes for thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin b6, folate, vitamin B 12, pantothenic acid, biotin, and choline (2000, June) Adamietz, I. A., Rahn, R., Bottcher, H. D., Schafer, V., Reimer, K., and Fleischer, W. [Prevention of radiochemotherapy-induced mucositis. Value of the prophylactic mouth rinsing with PVP-iodine solution]. Strahlenther.Onkol. 1998;174(3):149-155. View abstract. Panthenol has humectant properties, meaning it allows the skin to retain moisture and maintain hydration. Promotes wound healingPanthenol is a crystalline, white powder derived from pantothenic acid. Panthenol converts to vitamin B5 when applied to the skin which is why it is also known as Pro vitamin b5. Waterloh, E. and Groth, K. H. [Objectification of the efficacy of an ointment for joint injuries using a volumetric method]. Arzneimittelforschung. 1983;33(5):792-795. View abstract. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=582.5580&SearchTerm=pantothenyl%20alcohol Main Benefits: Binds to and holds water in the skin, moisturizing and leaving it soft, smooth, and more supple. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and is involved in activating the proliferation of cells that are important for wound healing and restoring the function of the skin barrier. Who should use it: In general, panthenol is good for all skin types, and particularly those with dry or flaky skin.

Provitamin B5 or Panthenol is suitable for use with all skin types. It is known for its many beneficial skin care properties, including: https://meridian.allenpress.com/international-surgery/article/100/4/656/115523/Topical-N-Acetylcysteine-Improves-Wound-Healing If you’re following an anti-aging routine or regularly using retinol products, panthenol will help a lot with reducing the side effects of retinol and preventing dryness and irritation. So, you can add a panthenol moisturizer or a cleanser to soften your hardcore anti-aging routine. The Best Panthenol/Vitamin B5 Products Panthenol is a compound derived from pantothenic acid, an essential nutrient the body requires for various functions (like converting food into energy). When applied to the skin, it transforms into vitamin B5 and works as a humectant to attract and retain moisture. Just like hyaluronic acid. However, compared to its counterpart, panthenol is also an emollient, which means it works to soften the skin surface, reduce redness, and restore the skin’s barrier function. [1]Provitamin B5 is best known for being a humectant. Humectants are substances that retain and preserve moisture. Provitamin B5 protects the skin’s barrier and helps the skin to retain its moisture levels and shield it from irritation. By applying a product with Provitamin B5, you will maximise your skin’s hydration while improving its softness and elasticity. Panthenol is a humectant, which attracts moisture to the skin and hair. It is also an emollient which helps retain moisture in the skin and hair. The combination of these properties can help to create a deeply hydrating product. Rahn R, Adamietz IA, Boettcher HD, et al. Povidone-iodine to prevent mucositis in patients during antineoplastic radiochemotherapy. Dermatology 1997;195(Suppl 2):57-61. View abstract.

CIR Safety Review: The CIR Expert Panel reviewed studies that found that products containing Panthenol did not induce significant skin irritation or sensitization. Significant skin irritation was also not observed with 100% Panthenol. Based on ultraviolet light absorption data, the CIR Expert Panel did not considere Panthenol or Pantothenic Acid to be photoirritants or photosensitizers. Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity data were not available for the safety assessment of Panthenol and Pantothenic Acid. The low concentrations of use of these ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products and the requirement of vitamin B5 for normal metabolism, suggested that the dietary exposure levels of this ingredient would greatly exceed the amount that could be absorbed from cosmetic use. A salt of Pantothenic Acid, calcium pantothenate, did not cause developmental effects. Proksch, E. and Nissen, H. P. Dexpanthenol enhances skin barrier repair and reduces inflammation after sodium lauryl sulphate-induced irritation. J.Dermatolog.Treat. 2002;13(4):173-178. View abstract. Panthenol is used in hair care products for its softening and strengthening properties. It can add moisture and protection to the hair shaft which can prevent breakage. It is also a great addition in hair products that aim to add a shine. How to use panthenol? But the important thing to keep in mind here is that panthenol is paired with a lot of ingredients in products. So if you think that some ingredient in your serum or moisturizer irritated your skin, it’s very unlikely to be panthenol. How To Use PanthenolHeise R, Schmitt L, Huth L, et al. Accelerated wound healing with a dexpanthenol-containing ointment after fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing of photo-damaged skin in a randomized prospective clinical trial. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2019;38(3):274-278. View abstract. Hayakawa, R., Matsunaga, K., Ukei, C., and Ohiwa, K. Biochemical and clinical study of calcium pantetheine-S-sulfonate. Acta Vitaminol.Enzymol. 1985;7(1-2):109-114. View abstract. Panthenol is a humectant, which refers to the ability to hold and bind to water. Panthenol also has the added benefit of being an emollient which means that it helps to keep the water in the skin and hair, preventing it from being lost to the environment.