Panthenol

Panthenol, also known as pro-vitamin B5, is one of the most popular and versatile cosmetic ingredients available in cosmetic or skin-care formulation. It is an alcoholic precursor of pantothenic acid, also called vitamin B5, which is an essential nutrient required for healthy skin. Basically, panthenol works as a humectant; therefore, it helps the skin to attract moisture and lock it inside. This is important to keep the skin hydrated and supple. In fact, according to research, panthenol encourages skin moisture levels and stimulates the synthesis of essential lipids responsible for improving the resistance of the skin barrier and better protection against various irritating factors.
In addition to moisturization, panthenol is an ingredient well-known for anti-inflammatory properties and is generally used to soothe the skin. It reduces redness, irritation, and sensitivity caused commonly by other formulation actives in skincare products-which may be fragrances, preservatives, and some chemical sunblocks. Its soothing effects render it an exemplary ingredient for products meant for sensitive or reactive skin. Another major benefit of panthenol is its healing-promoting properties. Indeed, studies have documented the fact that panthenol promotes regeneration through skin tissue by encouraging the activity of fibroblasts, which in turn supports the production of collagen and enhances skin firmness. This makes panthenol effective in wound treatment and generally improving the resilience of skin.
Also, panthenol finds wide applications in hair and nail treatments. In the treatment of nails, panthenol demonstrates the ability to penetrate the nail plate, where it considerably increases hydration, flexibility of the nail, and, correspondingly, reduces its brittleness. In hair care, panthenol acts as an active moisturizing agent, improving hair elasticity, its softness, and manageability. It smoothes hair cuticles, making hair easier to comb and less prone to breakage.
Panthenol is mostly part of various personal care formulations, starting from face creams to body lotions, treatments for nails, and conditioners for hair. Because of its multi-functional properties, panthenol has a wide range of applications for improving overall skin health, besides improving hair and nails.