Description

Panthenol (Provitamin B5) – Barrier Repair, Deep Hydration & Intelligent Conditioning Active

Panthenol, widely known as Provitamin B5, is one of the most versatile and essential actives in modern high-performance skincare and haircare formulations. Celebrated for its exceptional humectant, soothing, and conditioning properties, Panthenol works at a structural level to strengthen the skin barrier, repair compromised hair fibers, and support long-term hydration and resilience.

Once applied to the skin, Panthenol converts into Vitamin B5, where it plays a critical role in barrier repair, moisture retention, and cellular recovery. In haircare, it penetrates the cuticle and cortex, improving tensile strength, reducing breakage, and restoring softness and lustre, without heaviness or buildup.

This makes Panthenol a non-negotiable hero ingredient in formulations designed for hydration, repair, post-treatment care, and everyday skin and hair health.

Technical Details

• INCI Name: Panthenol

• Appearance: Thick, clear gel

• Solubility: Water-soluble

• Recommended Usage Rate: 0.5% – 5%

Performance & Benefits

For Skin

• Powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture

• Supports barrier repair and reduces trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL)

• Soothing and anti-inflammatory , ideal for sensitive, irritated, or compromised skin

• Improves skin softness, elasticity, and overall suppleness

• Excellent for post-procedure, after-sun, and barrier-repair formulations

For Hair

• Penetrates the hair shaft to repair and strengthen damaged fibers

• Improves tensile strength and reduces split ends

• Enhances shine, smoothness, and manageability

• Selectively deposits on damaged areas for targeted repair

• Conditions without greasiness, buildup, or weight

Applications:

• Moisturizing creams & lotions

• After-sun care

• Shampoos & conditioners

• Hair masks & leave-in treatments

• Nail and hand care formulations

Formulation Insights

Panthenol exists in two commercially available forms:

• D-Panthenol – Fully biologically active and preferred in skincare formulations. Converts efficiently into Vitamin B5 within the skin for optimal barrier repair and soothing benefits.

• DL-Panthenol – A racemic blend (50% active), commonly used in haircare formulations. Despite lower biological activity, it delivers identical conditioning, shine, and moisture performance, making it a cost-effective option for hair products.

Both forms offer excellent hydration, texture enhancement, and repair benefits, making Panthenol indispensable in formulations targeting moisture, recovery, and protection.

Applications

• Daily moisturizers & serums

• Barrier-repair creams

• After-sun and soothing gels

• Shampoos & conditioners

• Hair masks & leave-in treatments

• Hand, foot, and nail care formulations

Pro Tips 

• 1–2% is ideal for daily skincare and lightweight serums

• 3–5% works beautifully in barrier-repair creams, after-sun products, and intensive hair treatments

• Pairs exceptionally well with Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, Ceramides, and Niacinamide

• Helps reduce irritation potential in formulations containing exfoliating acids or retinoids

• A must-have for products positioned around repair, soothing, and skin resilience

Shelf life: Approximately 2yrs

Storage: Store in a cool dry place away from sunlight.

Disclaimer:

At Skin Foodie, we believe that what goes into your formulations should be as pure as what goes into your body. That’s why we source only ingredients that meet exceptional standards of purity, performance, and safety. Remember: not all ingredients are created equal,  the same name or CAS number does not guarantee the same quality.