Provitamin B5 (Panthenol)

Panthenol is the alcohol analogue of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and a widely used multi-functional cosmetic ingredient valued for its humectant, soothing, and skin-conditioning performance. In formulations, it helps attract and retain moisture to improve softness and elasticity, while supporting a more comfortable look and feel in dry, sensitive, or stressed skin. Panthenol is also recognized for its barrier-supportive benefits and is frequently used to help reduce the appearance of irritation and enhance overall skin smoothness. In hair care, it contributes to improved manageability, shine, and a fuller-feeling fiber by helping condition the hair surface. Suitable for a broad range of product types, Panthenol is commonly found in moisturizers, serums, cleansers, after-sun products, shampoos, conditioners, leave-in treatments, and styling products, typically at low to moderate use levels and noted for excellent compatibility across skin and scalp types.