Common Name(s): Panthenol / vitamin b5,pro-vitamin humectant conditioner,wound healing active

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Deeply hydrates by binding water in the viable epidermis (not just the sc surface), stimulates keratinocyte proliferation for wound healing and barrier repair, and coats hair strands for conditioning and shine.

Why It's Used: Panthenol penetrates far deeper than glycerin due to its smaller size — reaching the viable epidermis where it converts to pantothenic acid (coa precursor) for direct metabolic support of skin cell function.

How It Works: D-panthenol is oxidised to pantothenic acid by skin alcoholic dehydrogenase after sc penetration → incorporated into coenzyme a (coa) → acetyl-coa for fatty acid synthesis supporting ceramide production. the polyol oh groups provide direct humectant water binding during transit.

Typically Found In: Healing skin care,conditioning,hair products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – humectant

Secondary Functions: Tewl reduction,skin plumping

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Synthetic or naturally derived. excellent aqueous solubility. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: status downgraded on audit. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Panthenol's unique dual mechanism — provitamin metabolic activity (via coa) and direct humectant function (via oh groups) — provides both immediate surface moisture and deeper metabolic skin support from a single vitamin ingredient.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,d-panthenol vitamin b5 humectant wound healing review