Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
The provitamin form of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) that provides deep hydration, barrier repair, and wound healing support. When applied to skin, panthenol is converted to pantothenic acid, which is a component of coenzyme A — essential for fatty acid synthesis and skin barrier function. It is one of the most common ingredients in moisturizers and healing creams, and is the active ingredient in products like Bepanthen/Bepanthol.
Concentration & Usage
Concentrations: 1-5% in most products. Up to 5% in healing/repair formulations. Apply morning and night. Safe for all skin types, including very sensitive and compromised skin. No usage limits.
Application
Topical (cream, serum, lotion, ointment). Compatible with all other skincare ingredients.
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Mechanism of Action
Panthenol (D-pantothenic acid alcohol) penetrates the stratum corneum and is converted to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) by pantetheinase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes in the skin. Pantothenic acid is a precursor to coenzyme A (CoA), which is required for the synthesis of fatty acids (via acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase) that form the ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids of the stratum corneum lipid barrier. This supports barrier repair, improves lamellar structure, and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Panthenol has direct humectant properties—its hydroxyl groups attract and bind water in the stratum corneum. It stimulates fibroblast proliferation and migration, accelerating wound healing and re-epithelialization. Panthenol may also have mild anti-inflammatory effects. As a provitamin, it is stable in formulations and well-tolerated. The Bepanthen/Bepanthol healing creams leverage these mechanisms for wound care and barrier repair.
Ingredient Interactions
Both strengthen the skin barrier through different mechanisms. Panthenol improves hydration and wound healing while niacinamide increases ceramide production. No conflicts.
See our full Ingredient Interactions Guide for more combinations and timing strategies.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient and OTC skin protectant. Available worldwide. Prescription healing creams in some countries (Bepanthen).
Risks & Safety
Common
None — extremely well-tolerated.
Serious
None. One of the safest skincare ingredients available.
Rare
Contact allergy is extremely rare.
Compare Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) With
Research Papers
10Published: December 13, 2017
AI Summary
It appears that dexpanthenol increases the mobility of stratum corneum molecular components which are important for barrier function and modulates the expression of genes important for wound healing. This review will update readers on recent advances in this field.
Published: September 27, 2021
AI Summary
The markers for apoptosis (Caspase3/9) and cell senescence (p21/p16), reported to be expressed in aged or resting phase follicles, were significantly reduced by D-panthenol. In cultured hORSCs, cell proliferation and viability were enhanced, while the mRNA expression of cell senescence markers (p21/p16) was significantly down-regulated.
Published: January 16, 2020
AI Summary
The ultimate goal of wound healing following minor injury is to form a tissue regenerate that has functionality and visual appearance as close to the original skin as possible. The body's physiological response to any wound is traditionally characterised by three distinct steps: inflammation, prolif
Published: November 18, 2020
AI Summary
There was consensus that latest research expands the rationale to include physiological lipids in an emollient used for dry skin, as they were found to be essential for an adequate composition and organization in the stratum corneum but are reduced in dry skin.
Published: July 12, 2002
AI Summary
Monitoring of transepidermal water loss showed a significant acceleration of epidermal regeneration as a result of dexpanthenol therapy, as compared with the vehicle. In an irritation model, pretreatment with dexpanthenol cream resulted in significantly less damage to the stratum corneum barrier, compared with no pretreatment.
Published: November 18, 2019
AI Summary
Xerosis cutis (also referred to as xeroderma, dry skin, asteatosis) affects more than 10 million individuals in Germany. Even though it has been established that basic skin care plays a significant role in the management of patients with xerosis cutis, there are as yet no evidence-based algorithms for diagnosis and treatment.
Published: February 19, 2024
AI Summary
Within an extensive and evolving treatment landscape, oral isotretinoin has demonstrated efficacy for treatment of severe, recalcitrant acne. Most of the supplements and topical adjuvants demonstrated efficacy with an adequate level of supporting evidence and no reported adverse events, indicating an adequate safety profile.
Published: April 15, 2011
AI Summary
Panthenol-containing formulations (1.0% and 5.0%) produced significant decreases in TEWL after 30-day applications. It is concluded that skin integrity is maintained by the improved protective effect of 1.0% panthenol added to the formulation.
Published: July 1, 2025
AI Summary
PC treatment significantly reduced UV radiation-induced DNA damage, as confirmed by decreased 8-OHdG staining and inhibited apoptosis, evidenced by lower levels of caspase-3-positive cells. Collectively, these findings establish PC as a multifunctional photoprotective agent with significant potential for mitigating UV radiation-induced oxidative...
Published: June 22, 2025
AI Summary
From these searches, the authors identified articles of interest that described the efficacy of basic emollients for the treatment of xerosis cutis associated with AD. Studies included in our review varied widely in terms of sample size, study design, interventions, and endpoints but collectively showed that most basic emollient formulations are...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) used for?
The provitamin form of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) that provides deep hydration, barrier repair, and wound healing support. When applied to skin, panthenol is converted to pantothenic acid, which is a component of coenzyme A — essential for fatty acid synthesis and skin barrier function. It is one of the most common ingredients in moisturizers and healing creams, and is the active ingredient in products like Bepanthen/Bepanthol.
What are the side effects of Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)?
Common: None — extremely well-tolerated. Serious: None. One of the safest skincare ingredients available. Rare: Contact allergy is extremely rare.
How is Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) administered?
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) is administered via topical (cream, serum, lotion, ointment). compatible with all other skincare ingredients..
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