Panthenol

DL-Panthenol is the provitamin of DL-Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), which plays a key role in the human intermediary metabolism. Vitamin B5 is a water-soluble vitamin ubiquitously found in plants and animal tissues with antioxidant properties. Vitamin B5 is a component of coenzyme A (CoA) and a part of the vitamin B2 complex.1 Vitamin B5 is essential for various metabolic functions, including the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fatty acids. This vitamin is also involved in the synthesis of cholesterol, lipids, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, and hemoglobin. Deficiency of Vitamin B5 can result in many disorders including dermatological disorders. 2

In the cosmetic industry, it acts as a humectant and an emollient and helps the skin to attract water, hold onto it and then seal it. Besides it’s usage in skin care products as a moisturizer, it is also used in hair and nail care products. Hair consists of a part of Panthenol, which allows the ingredient to penetrate deeper into its so-called cortex, causing hair to swell slightly and create more volume. It works in symbiosis with Keratin, a major component of our skin and nails. It has the ability to penetrate through the nail to provide moisture, soften and protect, which is ideal for dry, damaged and fragile .

Panthenol ( Provitamin B5) is converted by oxidation to vitamin B5. As a moisturising ingredient, Provitamin B5 stabilises the skin’s barrier function by reducing the amount of water lost through the skin.2,3,4 Panthenol induces the synthesis of a precursor of fatty acids and sphingolipids, which are essential in forming the lipid bilayer of the stratum corneum. This, in turn, improves skin texture and elasticity. Panthenol is suitable for all skin types but is particularly recommended for dry and matured skin types. Mature skin was perceived to be smoother and more supple after its application.

It also has anti-inflammatory properties and is involved in activating the proliferation of cells that are important for wound healing and restoring the function of the skin barrier.5

References

  1. Pantothenic acid (PA) is needed for the synthesis of coenzyme A without which the Krebs cycle, beta-oxidation, or other metabolic pathways would not Nutrigenetics 2013.
  2. Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin Am J Clin Dermatol, 2002;3(6):427-33.
  3. Dexpanthenol in Wound Healing after Medical and Cosmetic Pharmaceuticals 2020,13,138.
  4. Effects of Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin C on Human Skin Cells: Is the Perceived Effect Measurable? Advances in Skin & Wound Care: May 2018 – Volume 31 – Issue 5 – p 225-233.
  5. Efficacy of dexpanthenol in skin protection against irritation: a double-blind, placebo-controlled Contact Dermatitis, 2003 Aug;49(2):80-4.