Panthenol; Widely Used as an Ingredient in Skincare, Haircare, and Nutritional Products

Panthenol is extensively used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products as a moisturizer and to improve wound healing. It's common to find panthenol in cosmetic and skincare products. It has stellar moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties and converts to vitamin B5 when it comes in contact with the skin. Panthenol is used in ointments, shampoos, lotions, nasal sprays, lozenges, eye drops, and cleaning solutions for contact lenses. It is rated as non-toxic and is not considered harmful for hair and skin.

Panthenol can also be found in a variety of acne treatments. Panthenol has also been found to reduce skin irritation and to help speed wound healing. These effects make Panthenol a great ingredient for dry, sensitive, as well as acne-prone skin. Being a powerful moisturizing agent, panthenol helps heal skin damage and promote new skin cell production. Active ingredients are the ingredients contained within skincare products that actually work to address the skin concern the product is meant to target.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information lists panthenol as a skin protectant with anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it can help improve skin's hydration, elasticity, and smooth appearance. It is also included in many cosmetic products as a soothing, softening, and anti-irritant agent. Panthenol also helps skin build up a barrier against irritation and water loss. It is widely used as an antistatic, skin conditioning, hair conditioning agent. This ingredient can be used in two forms: DL-Panthenol (crystalline powder) and D-Panthenol (viscous oil).

In the European Union (Germany), D-Panthenol is employed in many pharmaceutical products (such as nasal sprays and ointments), being commonly used in repairing creams. According to the European Chemicals Agency, dexpanthenol is widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care products, biocides, air care products, polishes and waxes, and cleaning and washing products. Panthenol is a multi-functional active ingredient that would be useful in most skincare, haircare, and nutritional formulations.