D-Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5)

Category: Humectant, Skin-conditioning agent
Used in: Skincare, haircare

INCI: Panthenol

Typical Usage Levels:

• 0.5% – 5% for hydration, barrier repair, soothing, and post-treatment support

D-Panthenol at a Glance

• Also known as pro-vitamin B5
  
• Attracts and retains moisture in skin and hair
  
• Helps soothe sensitivity and visible redness
  
• Supports barrier repair and resilience
  
• Well tolerated by most skin and scalp types
  

What This Ingredient Does

D-panthenol is the alcohol analogue of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). When applied topically, it converts into pantothenic acid, a nutrient that plays an essential role in maintaining healthy skin and hair function.

In skincare, D-panthenol acts primarily as a humectant, drawing water into the skin and improving hydration levels. Clinical studies show that even low concentrations can help reduce transepidermal water loss, leading to skin that feels softer, smoother, and more comfortable.

In hair and scalp care, D-panthenol helps improve moisture retention within the hair shaft, enhancing softness, flexibility, and shine. On the scalp, it supports barrier comfort, making it especially useful in formulations designed for dryness, irritation, or post-treatment care.

Benefits

• Improves skin and scalp hydration
  
• Helps reduce moisture loss
  
• Soothes sensitivity and redness
  
• Supports barrier repair
  
• Enhances skin softness and hair smoothness
  
• Improves overall comfort and resilience
  

Who It’s Suitable For

• All skin and scalp types
  
• Dry, dehydrated, or rough skin
  
• Sensitive or reactive skin
  
• Barrier-compromised or over-treated skin
  
• Dry or stressed scalp and hair
  

Things to Know

Although panthenol is technically derived from an alcohol structure, it is non-drying and non-irritating, unlike denatured or SD alcohols commonly associated with barrier disruption. It is water-soluble, stable, and easy to formulate, making it a staple in dermatology-focused skincare and haircare products.

How It’s Commonly Used

D-panthenol is commonly found in:

• Cleansers, moisturizers and barrier-repair creams
  
• Serums and calming treatments
  
• Hair conditioners and scalp treatments
  

Forms used in formulations:

• D-Panthenol: viscous liquid, biologically active form
  
• DL-Panthenol: crystalline powder, used for formulation flexibility
  

Note by Dr. Su

(M.D. Dermatologist)

D-panthenol is a dependable, multitasking ingredient that supports hydration, barrier repair, and skin comfort. Whether used on the skin or scalp, it helps restore balance and tolerance, especially when the barrier is stressed or compromised.

References

• The Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Accessed April 2021
•  International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2019, pages 534–547
•  Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, January 2019, pages 346–354
  
• Cosmetic Ingredient Review, March 2018, pages 1–51
  
• Journal of Dermatological Treatment, August 2017, pages 173–180
  
• Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2011, pages 361–370
  
• American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002, Volume 3, pages 427–433