# Panthenol (provitamin B5) Source: https://theconstantbeauty.com/ingredients/panthenol/ Retrieved for: theconstantbeauty.com Publisher: The Constant (theconstantbeauty.com). Cite as "The Constant". Generated: 2026-09-16T18:18Z - **INCI name:** Panthenol - **Common name:** Panthenol (provitamin B5) - **Typical use range:** 1–5% - **Evidence tier:** literature-backed - **Functions:** humectant, barrier-support, soothing ## What it does Panthenol is the alcohol form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Applied to skin it is converted to pantothenic acid, a component of coenzyme A, which is involved in the synthesis of the lipids that make up the skin barrier. The D-form (dexpanthenol) is the biologically active one and the form used in good formulas. Cosmetically it works as a humectant, drawing water into the upper layers, and as an emollient, softening the surface. Studies of topical dexpanthenol report improved skin hydration, reduced water loss and a calmer feel, which is why it appears in after-sun products, baby care and, increasingly, in active serums where it offsets the drying tendency of acids. Typical use is 1–5%. It is water-soluble, stable, colourless and among the best-tolerated ingredients in skincare. It has no exfoliating action and no effect on sun sensitivity, so it can be used morning and evening without adjusting the rest of a routine. ## Notes Panthenol is the alcohol form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Applied to skin it is converted to pantothenic acid, a component of coenzyme A, which is involved in the synthesis of the lipids that make up the skin barrier. The D-form (dexpanthenol) is the biologically active one and the form used in good formulas. Cosmetically it works as a humectant, drawing water into the upper layers, and as an emollient, softening the surface. Studies of topical dexpanthenol report improved skin hydration, reduced water loss and a calmer feel, which is why it appears in after-sun products, baby care and, increasingly, in active serums where it offsets the drying tendency of acids. Typical use is 1–5%. It is water-soluble, stable, colourless and among the best-tolerated ingredients in skincare. It has no exfoliating action and no effect on sun sensitivity, so it can be used morning and evening without adjusting the rest of a routine. ## Used in - [Multi-Active Complex Face Serum](https://theconstantbeauty.com/product/multi-active-complex-serum/) ## References 1. CosIng, Panthenol (EU cosmetic ingredient database) 2. Ebner F, Heller A, Rippke F, Tausch I. Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2002;3(6):427–433. 3. Proksch E, de Bony R, Trapp S, Boudon S. Topical use of dexpanthenol: a 70th anniversary article. J Dermatolog Treat. 2017;28(8):766–773.