You probably know it: taut skin after a long day, a red face from the wind or sun, or hair that feels lifeless and dry. At such times you long for something that provides instant comfort, without complicated routines or harsh ingredients. Meet Panthenol.
You may have seen the name on the packaging of a cream or shampoo that promises “soothing. But this unassuming substance does much more than you might think. In the world of skin and hair care, panthenol is a true multitasker: it soothes, moisturizes and supports the recovery of your skin and hair.
What is panthenol?
Panthenol is the precursor of vitamin B5, officially known as provitamin B5. When you apply it to your skin or hair, it is converted into pantothenic acid, an essential substance for the healthy functioning of skin cells. This conversion makes panthenol particularly effective at supporting the skin barrier, stimulating cell renewal and retaining moisture. All without feeling heavy or irritating.
The ingredient comes in many forms, including D-panthenol, the most active and bioavailable variety. You can find it in creams, serums, lotions, hair care and even medical ointments. In short: panthenol is an all-rounder that fits into all kinds of routines, without fuss.
Why your skin embraces panthenol
Our skin sometimes has a hard time. Think temperature fluctuations, pollution, stress or simply exfoliating too fanatically. That's when you need an ingredient that calms, hydrates and supports. Panthenol does just that, and a little more.
+ Intense hydration, without a greasy feeling
Panthenol attracts water from the deeper layers of skin and the environment. It then helps retain that moisture: a so-called humectant. This means that it keeps the skin hydrated for a long time. The great thing is that it does this without leaving a sticky or greasy film behind.
+ Restoring the skin barrier
The skin barrier is your first line of defense against outside influences. When it is out of balance, your skin becomes irritated, dry or even inflamed more quickly. Panthenol supports the natural repair of that barrier, ensuring calm and resilient skin.
+ Soothes redness and irritation
Panthenol has anti-inflammatory properties and is known for its ability to reduce redness and soothe the skin. This makes it a fine choice for sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea or after sunbathing.
+ Supports wound healing
A 2020 study on the role of panthenol in wound healing, shows that panthenol can actually contribute to faster healing of wounds and skin damage. For that reason, you often see it in post-shave products, for abrasions or as an aftersun.
The benefits for your hair
Panthenol is not only a boon for your skin, it also does wonders for your hair. Especially if your hair feels dry, frizzy or brittle, panthenol can help make it smooth, strong and supple again.
So what exactly does it do?
+ It improves the moisture balance in your hair, making it look healthier and shinier.
+ It makes the hair shaft smoother, which helps against tangles and split ends.
+ It increases your hair's elasticity, making it less likely to break when brushing or styling.
Your scalp can also benefit from panthenol, especially if it is sensitive or dry.
Regular use of hair products with panthenol creates stronger, more resilient hair that is more resistant to heat, color treatments and daily stress.
How do you use panthenol in your routine?
Panthenol, fortunately, is not hard to find. You find it in all kinds of products. A small sample of our assortment:
Hair:
+ Sans [ceuticals] – Balancing Hair Wash
+ KITSCH – Castor Oil Nourishing Conditioner Bar
+ Innersense – Detox Hair Mask
Face:
+ AIMX Revive Me – Under Eye Mask
+ Sans [ceuticals] – Barrier Restore Butter
+ Ere Perez – White Tea Phyto-Retinol Elixir
So you don't need to add a separate step to your routine. Simply choose products with panthenol as one of the active ingredients (preferably in the top half of the ingredient list), so you know there's enough of it in there.
Protip: panthenol works beautifully with other emollients and moisturizers such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
Panthenol for everyone
In short, Panthenol is a soothing, moisturizing and repairing hero that visibly and tangibly balances your skin and hair. It's an ingredient that may get little attention, but can make a big difference when your skin feels restless or your hair needs extra care.
So the next time you're looking for a new skincare product, take a look at the ingredient list. If you see “panthenol” listed, you're probably in the right place.
Sources:
Gorski, J., Proksch, E., Baron, J. M., Schmid, D., & Zhang, L. (2020). Dexpanthenol in Wound Healing after Medical and Cosmetic Interventions (Postprocedure Wound Healing). Pharmaceuticals, 13(7), 138. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13070138
