Panthenol: What Is It For and How to Use It? 

Panthenol is used to moisturise and nourish the skin, reduce inflammation, speed up the healing of wounds and burns, and improve the condition of hair and nails. Panthenol can be used as part of cosmetics (creams, sprays, foams), applied in a thin layer to the skin.

What Is Panthenol?

Panthenol (provitamin B5) is a chemical compound that is the alcohol analogue of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Panthenol is a water-soluble substance that, at room temperature, looks like a clear oil or a white powder.

D-panthenol (dexpanthenol) is the biologically active form of panthenol that penetrates deep into the skin, helping to moisturise it and heal wounds. Panthenol exists in an organic form and can be obtained from animal and plant sources. Vitamin B5 is found in foods (meat, eggs, vegetables) and is added to medicines and cosmetics. Panthenol can come in the form of ointments, sprays, creams and aerosols.

What Is Panthenol Needed For?

Panthenol is needed to keep the skin healthy and speed up its regeneration. Benefits of panthenol:

• reducing inflammation and irritation;

• speeding up wound healing;

• moisturising and nourishing the skin;

• fighting the signs of ageing;

• strengthening the skin's protective barrier;

• improving the condition of hair and nails.

Panthenol in cosmetics is used to moisturise the skin and reduce inflammation and damage. For example, the “Salutare juice” cosmetic gel cream with aloe juice, hyaluronic acid and D-panthenol helps reduce swelling, stimulates regeneration processes and supports the skin's natural water balance.

Panthenol for the Face

Creams with panthenol are suitable for dry, sensitive and problem facial skin. Dermatologists and beauticians recommend panthenol for the face in the following cases:

• skin with acne, post-acne scars and inflammation;

• dryness, flaking and a tight feeling on facial skin;

• premature skin ageing;

• recovery after sunburn and thermal burns;

• care for dehydrated skin.

A face cream with panthenol can be used for redness and irritation of the skin after peels, cleansing or laser treatment. Panthenol can also be used in the form of a foam. For example, the “Panthenol-Intensive” aloe + hyaluronic acid foam soothes irritated skin, and the ingredients in the cosmetic support its regeneration.

Panthenol for Wrinkles

Panthenol is included in facial cosmetics and helps smooth fine expression lines. Provitamin B5 also improves the firmness and elasticity of the skin and helps it retain moisture. D-panthenol speeds up the synthesis of collagen, which protects facial skin from premature ageing and the formation of wrinkles. The “PANTHENOL-INTENSIVE” cream penetrates deep into the skin and moisturises it after sunburn. Vitamins A and E in the cream keep the skin youthful and reduce the visibility of wrinkles.

Panthenol for the Body

Products with panthenol are suitable for all skin types and can be used on any area of the body. For dry skin, flaking and cracks, you can use a hand and foot cream with panthenol. Provitamin B5 soothes irritation of the dermis and supports its healing. A dermatologist may prescribe panthenol ointments for psoriasis, and contact or allergic dermatitis.

Panthenol is safe, does not cause allergies and is included in cosmetics for children. Panthenol is part of nappy creams and prevents nappy rash in infants.

Panthenol for Hair

The benefit of panthenol for hair lies in moisturising and repairing it and adding shine. Provitamin B5 protects hair from damage and the negative effects of the environment. D-panthenol for hair smooths the cuticle (the outer layer), making hair smooth and easy to style.

Panthenol for hair can be used in shampoos, conditioners, masks and styling products (hairsprays, sprays). Cosmetic products with provitamin B5 improve growth and prevent hair loss. Panthenol for hair can be harmful in the case of allergy or individual intolerance to the substance. It is also not recommended to use panthenol products if there are open wounds and damage on the scalp.

Panthenol for Nails

Panthenol moisturises and strengthens nails and prevents brittleness. Provitamin B5 is added to cuticle products that soften and repair damaged areas of skin around the nails. Panthenol can also be part of hand creams, nail polishes and nail conditioners.

Panthenol for Burns

For burns, panthenol helps reduce redness and burning of the skin and speeds up the regeneration of damaged areas. Products with panthenol can be used for first- and second-degree thermal burns and sunburn. Provitamin B5 forms a protective film on the surface of the skin that retains moisture and reduces itching and tightness at the site of the burn.

Panthenol must not be applied to a burn immediately after it occurs. You should first cool the skin under cool water to stop the damaging effect of the heat. For burns, you can use panthenol products in the form of sprays, creams or aerosols. For example, the “Salutare juice Aloe burn cream” cosmetic cream has an anti-inflammatory effect and protects the skin from drying out. Before using panthenol sprays or creams, read the instructions for their use. For extensive and deep skin burns, seek medical help.

Panthenol for Tattoos

When getting a tattoo, the skin is damaged and scabs and flaking can form; panthenol helps moisturise the dermis and speed up its healing process. Tattoo aftercare products with D-panthenol soothe redness and skin inflammation and create a protective layer over it. Using provitamin B5 also helps preserve the colour and saturation of the tattoo pigment.

Panthenol for Wound Healing

Panthenol is suitable for wound healing because it has an anti-inflammatory effect and supports the regeneration of damaged skin cells. Indications for using panthenol:

• scratches;

• minor cuts;

• sunburn and household burns;

• post-operative wounds;

• skin cracks;

• dermatitis and inflammation.

Panthenol must not be applied to a contaminated or open wound; before using the product, disinfect the damaged area. Provitamin B5 is also not used on deep and festering wounds — its use is appropriate at the regeneration stage. The ingredients of the 911 balm for damaged skin support skin regeneration, soothe inflammation and numb the area. The “PANTHENOL-INTENSIVE” foam can be used for burns, trophic ulcers and abrasions. The anti-inflammatory properties of the intensive panthenol cream or foam support faster tissue regeneration.

Which Panthenol to Choose: Cream, Foam, Ointment or Spray?

The choice of panthenol product depends on the type and nature of the skin damage. For burns and redness, a panthenol spray or foam (aerosol) is a good fit, since it does not need to be rubbed in. If the skin has cracks, scratches or wounds, it is better to choose a panthenol ointment, as it forms a protective barrier over the damaged areas. For daily care, dry skin and flaking, a panthenol cream is worth choosing, because it absorbs well and does not leave greasy stains on clothes.

How Long to Leave Panthenol On?

How long and how often panthenol is applied depends on the type of product (spray, ointment, cream) and the nature of the skin damage (rash, dryness, wounds). Panthenol products can be used one to four times a day; they should be applied to cleansed skin and can be rubbed in with light movements until fully absorbed.

Products with provitamin B5 can be left on the skin for a longer time, as they usually do not cause irritation. Before using panthenol, read the product instructions. In the case of extensive or deep skin damage, consult a dermatologist about the frequency and duration of provitamin B5 use.

Do You Need to Wash Off Panthenol?

Washing panthenol off the skin is not necessary, as it is designed for long-lasting action. If a greasy film remains on the skin after applying panthenol, the excess can be removed with a cotton pad 10–15 minutes after application. Panthenol products usually absorb well and do not leave traces on the skin.

Is Panthenol Safe?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies panthenol as a safe nutritional ingredient. Provitamin B5 can be used in cosmetics and personal hygiene products. The risk of skin irritation when using panthenol is extremely low, so it can be used on children and pregnant women. A concentration of panthenol in cosmetics of up to 5% is considered safe.

When Should You Not Use Panthenol?

Panthenol should not be used in the case of an allergic reaction or individual intolerance to the substance. If an allergy is suspected, do a test on a small area of skin before using panthenol products. It is also not recommended to apply provitamin B5 to festering and bleeding wounds. In the case of extensive skin damage, see a doctor to have treatment prescribed.

Alternatives to Panthenol

Analogues of panthenol called dexpanthenol, D-panthenol and bepanthen can be used in cosmetics. Sprays and creams with aloe, calendula and urea, which have a moisturising effect on the skin, can also be an alternative to panthenol. To select a care product, it is recommended to consult a beautician and a dermatologist.