Summary
Panthenol is a precursor to Vitamin B5, an important vitamin for cellular functioning.
Panthenol in skincare products helps protect the skin barrier, moisturize the skin, and heal wounds faster.
Panthenol on skin calms irritation, decreases scarring, supports the skin’s microbiome, and keeps skin hydrated.
Panthenol has been cleared by the FDA for use as a skin conditioning ingredient in products intended for wound healing.
In a clinical study, patients with atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis treated with topical panthenol therapy for a month saw a considerable reduction in their skin dryness, roughness, scaling, pruritus, erythema, and erosion/fissure.
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Panthenol is a multifunctional, safe, and effective vitamin B5 for skin that hydrates skin, restores the barrier, and strengthens hair. Backed by clinical evidence and safety reviews, it remains a cornerstone of modern cosmetic formulations. It is also known as pro-Vitamin B5, a stable derivative of vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid). (Ebner, Heller et al. 2002) Chemically, panthenol exists in two forms: dexpanthenol and levopanthenol. Only the dexpanthenol is biologically active and is converted to Vitamin B5. (Zague, Polacow et al. 2005)
Panthenol for skin is a naturally occurring substance and plays an important role in skin health. Panthenol is well absorbed through the skin compared to pantothenic acid.(Proksch, de Bony et al. 2017) Pantothenic acid is an essential precursor of coenzyme A biosynthesis, playing a significant role in fatty acid synthesis and in creating cellular energy via the Krebs cycle.(Gehring and Gloor 2000) Pantothenic acid, what does it do? It is essential for a healthy skin barrier, in addition to its role in metabolic processes.(Ebner, Heller et al. 2002)
While panthenol is naturally found in some foods such as meat, fish, and eggs, for commercial use, panthenol is synthetically produced. Panthenol is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved prescription drug for use as an injectable vitamin and has been cleared by the FDA for use in a contact lens multipurpose cleaning solution and as a skin conditioning ingredient in products intended for wound healing. It is used in several cosmetic products like skin cleansers, serums, and baby oils and creams. The maximum concentration used is reported to be 5.3%.(CIR 2017)
What Does Panthenol Do for Skin ?
Panthenol for Skin: Hydration
Panthenol is soluble in water and functions as a humectant ingredient in products, leading to moisturizing effects that regenerate the epidermal barrier, reduce trans-epidermal water loss, and maintain skin softness and elasticity.(Proksch, de Bony et al. 2017, Weber and Hylwa 2025)
In a clinical trial, panthenol treatment (1% and 5%) showed a significant increase in skin moisture and decreased TEWL compared to placebo on healthy skin.(Camargo Jr, Gaspar et al. 2011) Application of panthenol cream significantly reduced skin redness induced by SLS application.(Proksch and Nissen 2002) These results suggest that 1% panthenol is adequate to protect skin barrier function, prevent dryness in healthy skin, and function as a skin-protecting ingredient against potential irritants. In a multicenter study, patients (n=483) with atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis, topical panthenol therapy for 3 to 4 weeks reduced skin dryness, roughness, scaling, pruritus, erythema, and erosion/fissure considerably.(Ebner, Heller et al. 2002)
Panthenol for Barrier Repair
Skin barrier restoration was more pronounced with the emollient containing panthenol that showed significant reduction in TEWL, improvements in skin hydration, and an increase in intercellular lipid lamellae length in the stratum corneum. The product showed no negative impact on bacterial viability; a numerically higher proportion of subjects showed commensal bacteria, suggesting microbiome support.(Stettler, Kurka et al. 2017) Panthenol-based preparations may help prevent foot infections in patients with diabetes mellitus. (Proksch, de Bony et al. 2017) While the data is promising, more clinical studies are required to validate. A panthenol-containing water-in-oil ointment showed relief from diaper rash.(Sznurkowska, Liberek et al. 2015)
Panthenol for Wound Healing
Many clinical trials demonstrated the barrier repair effectiveness of panthenol on skin in reducing nipple pain, ulceration, and soreness.(Kuşcu, Koyuncu et al. 2002, Shanazi, Farshbaf Khalili et al. 2015, Proksch, de Bony et al. 2017) Panthenol increases fibroblast proliferation and accelerates epithelialization, essential for the cure of superficial as well as deep wounds. (Oguz, Uslukaya et al. 2015) Wounds treated with 5% panthenol emulsion reduced redness, improved elasticity, and encouraged solid tissue regeneration.(Ebner, Heller et al. 2002) Panthenol 5% showed improved wound healing and received higher healing ratings than the control treatment with first-aid cream.(Ebner, Heller et al. 2002) Topical application to the mesh graft donor sites healed more rapidly than the skin areas, also the panthenol-treated skin was more hydrated.(Gorski, Proksch et al. 2020) The treatment with the panthenol-ointment enhanced wound closure compared with the placebo. The CXCL10 gene, involved in wound healing, showed a 1.5-fold increase after treatment in cultured fibroblasts. (Schmitt, Marquardt et al. 2019) Panthenol formulation enhanced wound closure compared to petroleum jelly treatment.(Marquardt, Amann et al. 2015) Based on these studies, it can be concluded that topical panthenol is a good treatment option for wound management, especially when applied early after the superficial skin damage.
Favorable effects of topical panthenol in skincare products are reported in the care of scars resulting from skin transplantation and burns.(Baron, Glatz et al. 2020) A new anti-scar gel containing panthenol and silicone was evaluated in healthy subjects (n=34) with hypertrophic scars.(Stettler, Kurka et al. 2016) After eight weeks of treatment, the scars were significantly less vascularized, less pigmented, softer, thinner, flatter, hydrated, and more elastic.
Vitamin B5 for Hair: Strength, Shine, and Growth
Dry, damaged, and fragile hair may benefit from using hair conditioning products with panthenol. Clinical studies reported that the systemic administration of panthenol (500 mg weekly for 8 weeks) improved female pattern hair loss as well as male androgenetic alopecia. (Kutlu 2020, Kutlu and Metin 2021) A leave-on product containing panthenol along with other hair growth promoters, significantly increased the thickness of hair fiber and the suppleness and pliability. The hair shaft showed a better ability to withstand force without breaking as well.(Davis, Thomas et al. 2011)
Panthenol stimulated cell proliferation and decreased the expression of cell senescence markers such as p16 and p21 in human hair follicle cells, including dermal papilla cells and outer root sheath cells. (Shin, Kim et al. 2021) It reduced the expression of apoptosis and senescence markers, increasing the expression of anagen markers and decreasing the expression of catagen-inducing factors in cultured dermal papilla cells.
Is Panthenol Safe for Skin?
No toxicity was observed in rats orally administered 26 ml/kg of a product containing 0.5% panthenol. In acute studies, there were no deaths in mice orally dosed with 10 g/kg panthenol.(CIR 2017) In 3-month subchronic toxicity studies, no deaths were reported from dermal exposure in rabbits and rats.(CIR 2017) Very few reports of contact dermatitis due to dexpanthenol are reported.(Gulec, Albayrak et al. 2015, Bregnbak, Johansen et al. 2016, Patel, Holaway et al. 2016, Clerens and Goossens 2017, Fernandes, Santiago et al. 2018, Miroux-Catarino, Silva et al. 2019)
Bonkind's Verdict: Why Panthenol Belongs in Your Skincare Routine
Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is a humectant widely used in cosmetics. It converts into pantothenic acid in the skin, helping maintain hydration and resilience. Its dual role as a moisturizer and conditioner makes it a staple in skincare and haircare products. Dexpanthenol, the stable alcoholic analog of pantothenic acid, shows good skin penetration and has moisturizing and skin barrier-enhancing properties. In addition, it prevents skin irritation, promotes wound healing and scar treatment, supports skin microbiome, and stimulates the growth and strength of hair. Extremely low irritation and sensitization potential, and rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis indicate that panthenol is safe for skin and hair care products.
By understanding the uses and application of panthenol, you can easily add it to your routine for healthier, more resilient, and hydrated skin, especially when paired with science-backed formulations from bonkind. The Bonkind Vitamin B5 + Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Crème au Lait with squalane and bisabolol hydrates deeply, calms irritated skin, and helps repair the skin barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panthenol for Skin
What is panthenol in skincare?
Panthenol is a vitamin B5 derivative that the skin transforms into pantothenic acid. Skincare products like serum are used for hydration, calming irritation, and reinforcing the skin’s barrier, which helps keep skin soft and moisturized.
How do you use panthenol on skin?
To get the most benefit from panthenol, apply skincare products that contain pro-vitamin B5 (toner, serum, or lotion) to freshly cleansed skin twice a day to support moisture retention and the skin barrier.
Is panthenol safe for daily use?
Yes. Panthenol is typically mild and suitable for everyday application. Perform a patch test when trying a new product to confirm it suits your skin.
Can I get skincare benefits from panthenol by eating foods rich in panthenol alone?
No. Eating panthenol-rich foods supports overall health, but they don’t deliver the same direct hydration and soothing effects as topical panthenol. For visible skincare benefits, topical application is essential.
Can panthenol be used with retinoids?
Yes. Panthenol pairs well with retinoids because it is gentle, hydrating, and does not interfere with their activity. Retinoids work by accelerating cell turnover, which can sometimes lead to redness, flaking, and irritation. Panthenol helps counter these side effects by soothing irritation, boosting hydration, and supporting repair. Apply your retinoid treatment in the evening, then follow with a panthenol‑rich serum to lock in hydration and comfort. In the morning, always apply sunscreen, since retinoids increase sun sensitivity.
What is the difference between panthenol and pantothenic acid?
Panthenol is the alcohol (pro‑vitamin) form of pantothenic acid and is used mainly in skincare for moisturizing, soothing, and barrier support. Panthenol is converted into pantothenic acid after application. Pantothenic acid is the active vitamin B5 that the body uses in metabolism (for example, in coenzyme A).
Which ingredients pair best with panthenol to soothe and fortify the skin barrier?
Panthenol works beautifully alongside ceramides, which replenish the skin’s natural lipids, and hyaluronic acid, which draws in deep hydration. Adding bisabolol enhances calming effects, reducing redness and sensitivity. Together, these ingredients strengthen the barrier, lock in moisture, and keep skin soothed and resilient.
DISCLAIMER: All skin care articles are intended to help educate readers on specific ingredients and skin care topics. Our articles are written to be informative and educational. Any reference to a specific patient experience is not a medical suggestion for treatment. Please note that any bonkind products with referenced ingredients are formulated for Cosmetic Use Only and NOT intended as replacements for physician advice and/or pharmaceutical product recommendations.
References
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