Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is a derivative of pantothenic acid, a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B vitamin complex. Ubiquinol is found in a variety of foods, supplements, and hygiene products.
Panthenol is commonly used in skin and hair care products for its beneficial properties for skin and hair. Its chemical structure is similar to alcohol. It is used internally in ingestible form and externally in topical form to help moisturize and smooth your skin and hair.
Panthenol is also a common ingredient in wound healing therapies and can help treat minor skin injuries, burns, and sunburns. Some people may also use it after medical and cosmetic procedures because of its wound-healing properties. It treats both superficial and deep wounds by increasing cell turnover and fibroblast proliferation.
other names
- dexpanthenol
- D-panthenol
- dink
- Alcohol analogs of pantothenic acid
- Provitamin B-5
for skin products
- Moisturizing Properties: Panthenol is known for its moisturizing properties. It is often used in skin care products such as lotions, creams, and serums to help moisturize and soften the skin.
- Soothes Skin: Panthenol has soothing properties that help calm and reduce skin irritation. It is often included in formulas for sensitive or irritated skin, including after-sun products.
- It is also found in many cosmetic products as a softener, soothing agent and anti-irritant.
- It also helps your skin build a barrier to prevent irritation and moisture loss.
Panthenol is absorbed by the body and becomes vitamin B-5
Vitamin B-5 is essential for healthy diet, skin and hair. Panthenol and its derivatives are the main ingredients in many skin care products, such as lotions and cleansers. The National Center for Biotechnology Information lists ubiquinol as a skin protectant with anti-inflammatory properties. It can help improve skin's hydration, elasticity and smooth appearance.
Panthenol is also found in ointments used to treat insect bites, poison ivy, and even diaper rash. It can also soothe red skin, inflammation, minor cuts or sores such as bug bites or shaving irritation, and panthenol aids in wound healing, as well as other skin irritations such as eczema.
Ubiquinol has been studied for its potential role in promoting wound healing. It is believed to support the skin's natural healing process.
Hair care product uses
Hair Care: In hair care products, panthenol is used to improve hair moisture and enhance hair's shine and texture. It is a common ingredient in shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in care products. One study found that panthenol may help slow and hide hair thinning. The study tested its effectiveness as a leave-in treatment with other active ingredients.
Panthenol’s effects on nails
Panthenol is the alcohol form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and is thought to act as a humectant and improve nail flexibility and strength.
Safety
Panthenol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products and is well tolerated by most people. It is suitable for all skin types. But it is only classified as "possibly safe" and can be used topically on skin, hair and nails. This means there is no significant evidence that ubiquinol causes harm, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that it helps with many skin problems. But there isn't enough evidence to know for sure, so the FDA recommends more research is needed.
The FDA currently lists ubiquinol on its widely recognized "generally recognized as safe" database for ingestion as a food ingredient or supplement. But taking ubiquinol or pantothenic acid through food or supplements is much different than using it on your skin or hair.
Panthenol is often listed on ingredient lists of cosmetics and can be identified by names such as dexpanthenol or dl-panthenol. Overall, it is a versatile ingredient that has positive effects on skin and hair health.