Panthenol

What is panthenol?

Panthenol – Panthenol on the INCI list – is a provitamin: in the skin it is converted into pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Vitamin B5 is a building block of coenzyme A, which is involved in producing skin lipids and in cell renewal. Many people know panthenol from the pharmacy, for example as a healing ointment with dexpanthenol.

In cosmetics, panthenol is usually used at concentrations between 1 and 5%. It is colourless, odourless and considered one of the best-tolerated ingredients of all.

How does panthenol work on the skin?

• Hydration: Panthenol attracts water and binds it in the skin – similar to glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
• Soothing: It relieves redness, tightness and itching, for example after sun exposure or peels.
• Barrier repair: Panthenol helps the skin rebuild its protective layer and lose less moisture.
• Suppleness: The skin feels softer and smoother.

Which skin types is panthenol suitable for?

Panthenol suits all skin types and is especially helpful for:

• dry and tight skin – see also Dryness & dehydration
• sensitive and irritated skin – see Sensitivity & irritation
• stressed skin after retinol, acids or sunburn
• blemish-prone skin that has been stressed by drying acne treatments

How to use panthenol

Panthenol is found in toners, serums, creams, balms and even sunscreens. You can use it at any time of day:

1. After cleansing, apply a toner with panthenol.
2. Work in a soothing ampoule or serum.
3. Finish with a barrier cream – if your skin is very irritated, a richer balm works well.

Because panthenol is so mild, it is also suitable for daily use over long periods and for aftercare following cosmetic treatments.

What can you combine panthenol with?

Panthenol can be combined with all ingredients and balances out strong actives:

• Centella Asiatica for double the soothing
• Ceramides for a quickly restored barrier
• Hyaluronic acid for maximum hydration
• Retinol and AHA – panthenol reduces dryness and irritation

Panthenol in Korean skincare

In K-beauty, panthenol is a classic for barrier care. Toners and creams with a high panthenol content are popular, often combined with Centella Asiatica, ceramides or heartleaf. Many brands also use it in sunscreens and cleansers so the skin doesn’t feel tight afterwards. Our Korean panthenol skincare collection has more than 350 products.

What does the research say?

Dexpanthenol has been used in dermatology for decades. A review shows that it speeds up skin barrier regeneration, improves hydration and reduces irritation (Proksch & Nissen, Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2002). That’s why panthenol is one of the few ingredients dermatologists also recommend for very sensitive skin and for children’s skin.