Active ingredient

Panthenol

INCIPanthenol (Provitamin B5)

Last reviewed by BIOSAR Scientific Team, PharmD, Cosmetic Chemistry, Pharmacy practice on April 28, 2026.

What it is

Panthenol is the alcohol analogue of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) used in skincare to support barrier repair and visible hydration. Once absorbed it converts to pantothenic acid, a coenzyme A precursor that drives keratinocyte proliferation and lipid synthesis. Soothes after micro-injury. No conflicts. Combines well with ceramides and hyaluronic acid in barrier-support routines.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Safe

Considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Panthenol is an endogenous vitamin B5 metabolite. Mother to Baby and Bozzo (2011) classify topical use as safe in pregnancy and lactation.

Mechanism in detail

What Panthenol does

Provitamin B5 that supports the skin's repair and hydration signals. Widely used in sensitive, post-procedure, and daily-care formulas.

Evidence

What the research says

7 daysBetter hydration and less water loss than the vehicleA double-blind, placebo-controlled study in adult volunteers: after 7 days, skin treated with dexpanthenol was better hydrated and lost less water than skin treated with the vehicle alone. The abstract reports no effect sizes.Read the study →Arzneimittelforschung 2000 (Gehring & Gloor)

Where it helps