ABOUT THE INGREDIENT
Pro-vitamin B5 is the alcohol form of vitamin B5. It occurs organically and can also be produced from both plant and
animal sources. It’s used as an additive in various cosmetic products around the world.
Topical pro-vitamin B5 has a strong moisturizing efficacy, it activates the proliferation of fibroblasts to promote wound
healing process. When lotions, creams, ointments, and formulations containing provitamin B5 are applied to and
absorbed by the skin, this provitamin is transformed into Vitamin B5.
BENEFITS IN COSMETICS
Pro-Vitamin B5 absorbs water from the air or the base layer of the skin and directs these molecules toward the stratum
corneum to help the skin retain moisture.
Uses in Skincare
Unlike other common moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, panthenol has the added advantage of acting as
both a humectant and an emollient.
Humectants attract to and bind water to the skin, while emollients seal in the cracks in the skin, keeping that water locked in.
Benefits of Panthenol for Skin
• Improves moisture retention in the skin: Panthenol penetrates the lower skin layers and imbues water into the
cells, retaining moisture deep within the tissue.
• Prevents trans-epidermal water loss: Along with retaining moisture in the skin, it also helps stimulate cells that
boost skin barrier function. A strong, healthy, intact barrier locks in moisture and keeps it from escaping.
• Helps with wound healing: Those same cells that boost skin barrier function are also important for wound healing,
which is why panthenol is often used to for minor skin injuries. Fun fact: tattoo artists often recommend that their clients
use a moisturizing cream with panthenol after getting a tattoo.
• Delivers anti-inflammatory benefits: Panthenol has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect on UV-induced
redness, which is why it’s often found in ointments used for sunburns. Similarly, it can also help reduce itchiness for
people dealing with dermatitis.
Uses in Hair Care
Pro-vitamin B5 helps strengthen hair, retain moisture, and improves the texture of damaged hair. It also protects the hair
from styling or environmental damage by locking in moisture. Therefore, it is often the main ingredient in many hair
masks and conditioners.
Uses in Nail Care
Pro-vitamin B5 can be found in the shine and strengthening nail treatments, or in hand creams and cuticle oils to
moisturize and prevent nails from breaking.