Panthenol is a chemical substance that derives from pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5. It is a common ingredient in a wide array of skin care and personal care products due to its moisturizing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Panthenol is an alcohol derivative of vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, and is a stable, water-soluble, light ingredient that readily penetrates the skin. It is structurally similar to vitamin B5 except that it contains a hydroxyl group, making it an alcohol. Panthenol is also known as pro-vitamin B5, because the body converts it to vitamin B5 once applied to the skin.
Panthenol is used in a variety of products, including:
- Skin care products, such as facial cleansers, lotions, serums, creams, sunscreens, and toners.
- Cosmetic products, including eyeliners, mascaras, foundations, and lipsticks.
- Eye care products, such as eye drops and contact lens solutions.
- Pharmaceutical products, including ointments, creams, nasal sprays, and lozenges.
Panthenol is generally well-tolerated by people. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it is a safe moisturizing ingredient for acne-prone skin types and is not likely to contribute to the formation of acne. Panthenol is also considered safe for use in personal care products by regulatory agencies.
Panthenol is usually synthesized in a laboratory, but it can also be derived from plant and animal tissues. However, most panthenol used in cosmetics is reported to be synthetic. If you are concerned about the origin of panthenol in a product, you can check the ingredient list for alternative names, such as dexpanthenol, D-pantothenyl alcohol, butanamide, or alcohol analog of pantothenic acid.
