Panthenol / Panthenol

There is a slight chance you have never heard of panthenol, but you will be surprised how much it has already done for you. Just quickly check the list of ingredients in your moisturizing cream, the shampoo you use, and you will probably even find it in your mascara.

In the following lines, we will reveal why the beauty industry reveres this ingredient and what makes it so special. Also known as provitamin B5, panthenol is one of the super ingredients in almost all products whose main task is to beautify you.

It is widely used in moisturizing products, but its miraculous effects extend much further:

• It has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Heals wounds and soothes the skin from insect bites and redness.
• Helps the skin build a strong lipid barrier and prevents moisture loss.
• Strengthens hair, gives it shine and softness, and “locks” moisture into the hair strand.
• Strengthens fingernails and toenails.

Panthenol is a chemical substance, a derivative of pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5. Its name comes from Greek and means “everywhere,” which is no coincidence, as it is found in many plant and animal products, including cereals, eggs, milk, and legumes.

Here are some of the distinctive qualities of panthenol that can help improve the appearance and overall feel of your skin.

Moisturizer and Hydrator

Speaking of hydration, panthenol is one of the first ingredients that come to mind for specialists. When absorbed by the skin, it converts into vitamin B5, drawing water into the cells to retain moisture deep within the tissues.

Thanks to it, the skin produces more lipids that create a protective barrier, thereby reducing dryness and natural water loss. As an ingredient with magical abilities, panthenol not only cares for hydration but also makes it stronger and more elastic.

Anti-inflammatory Agent

The moisturizing nature of panthenol also contributes to its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce the size of pimples and revitalizes the skin after fighting acne.

Medical studies show that it acts effectively and soothingly against harmful ultraviolet rays and redness. It will protect your skin by reducing itching and irritation caused by external factors.

Wound Healing Remedy

Panthenol is effective in healing wounds and acne scars. Wounds always heal from the inside out, so it is necessary for the skin not only to be protected from external attacks but also to start the healing process from within. This ingredient has the property to enhance the skin’s barrier function and accelerate the natural recovery process.

A daily dose of panthenol will definitely improve your skin and its texture because it contains the same cells responsible for its elasticity. If you combine panthenol with vitamin C (which is also known to help collagen production), you can gain all the benefits and speed up the healing process.

Silky Hair and Strong Nails

Last but not least, panthenol is also beneficial for hair and nails. It has the ability to retain moisture by binding to the hair strand and protecting it from the harmful effects of sunlight and styling products, resulting in a healthier, softer, and shinier mane.

On the same principle, it also helps strengthen and beautify your nails, which – like hair – are also made of keratin proteins. Even without paying special attention, you probably already use panthenol regularly – both externally and internally.

It is a quite common ingredient and goes by many names:

• dexpanthenol
• D-pantothenyl alcohol
• butanamide
• alcohol analog of pantothenic acid and provitamin B5

Since it combines very well with other ingredients, it is a loyal ally of skin health and therefore you will find it in many dermocosmetic products.

Here are some winning combinations:

• With vitamin E: this antioxidant-rich mix can help reduce visible signs of skin aging, as well as hyperpigmentation and redness.
• With retinol: although retinol is a must-have in the fight against wrinkles, it can often cause dryness. Panthenol soothes and hydrates without reducing retinol’s anti-aging effect.
• With hyaluronic acid: this is your weapon if you struggle with dry skin and aim for powerful hydration, reaching even its deepest layers.

Panthenol is incredibly gentle and therefore can be used by people with low resistance to irritation and all skin types. It is usually well tolerated, and side effects are rare. It is important to note that panthenol is often found in food and supplements, because it is widely recognized as safe.

As with other ingredients, the possibility of an allergy – although low – exists. To be sure, test a small amount of the product on your hand, and if you have doubts, consult your dermatologist.