In which products can we find panthenol?

Also known as pro-vitamin B5, panthenol is the precursor of vitamin B5. Its name comes from the Greek word "pantothen", which means "everywhere". It is found in certain foods such as meat, fish, egg yolk, almonds, and nuts, but it is also highly prevalent in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products due to the numerous benefits it provides for the skin and hair. Once applied to the skin, panthenol is converted into pantothenic acid, playing a crucial role in cell metabolism. This active ingredient also has moisturizing and soothing properties, making it a preferred ingredient in formulation.

• Moisturising Cream : Ideal for sensitive or sensitised skin, the panthenol is included in the composition of many moisturising creams for the face or body. Frequently combined with hyaluronic acid, this gentle active ingredient has interesting water retention properties to protect the skin from dehydration and preserve its barrier function. Provitamin B5 can be found in both fluid moisturising creams and treatments with a rich texture.

• After-sun : Panthenol is also often included in after-sun products for its soothing and moisturising properties. By helping to restore the hydrolipidic film weakened by UV rays, it compensates for the water loss experienced by the skin. Furthermore, panthenol helps to soothe feelings of tightness and the characteristic redness from sun exposure, while preventing peeling, a phenomenon that can accelerate the loss of tanning.

• Serum : Incorporated into hydrating or repairing serums, panthenol enhances cellular regeneration and soothes skin irritations. Often combined with antioxidants that protect the skin from oxidative stress, such as vitamin E, it strengthens the skin barrier and promotes the healing of damaged tissues. Serums containing panthenol are often recommended for sensitive, dehydrated, irritated skin or skin prone to redness.

• Eye Contour : Also present in treatments intended for the eye contour, panthenol helps to hydrate and strengthen this delicate area. In doing so, it aids in preventing and reducing dehydration fine lines, thereby improving the appearance and suppleness of the skin.

• Shampoo : Panthenol can also be included in the composition of shampoos intended for sensitive scalps. Alongside their cleansing function, shampoos containing panthenol can soothe scalp irritations and reduce itching, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with a dry scalp.

• Conditioner : Conditioners enriched with panthenol complement the action of shampoos by providing additional hydration and protection to hair fibres. A study has indeed shown that this type of treatment can help prevent and repair damage caused by hair colouring. By forming a protective film around the hair, panthenol also enhances their shine and softness, while making styling easier.

• Hair mask : To be applied once or twice a week, the masks for hair are supplementary treatments to shampoo and conditioners that deeply nourish the hair fibres while coating them to provide structure and volume. It is not uncommon for hair masks to contain panthenol, due to the moisturising properties of this active ingredient.

• Ointment : Finally, panthenol is incorporated into certain dermatological ointments found in pharmacies. Often present at a level of 5% in these products, it aids in accelerating the healing process by stimulating re-epithelialisation. Moreover, the moisturising and soothing properties of panthenol allow it to alleviate itching and tingling associated with minor cuts, scrapes or burns.

At Typology, we have decided to include panthenol in several of our skincare products:

• The after-sun serum : This pale pink after-sun facial serum is enriched with panthenol and vitamin B12 to promote cellular regeneration after sun exposure. Moreover, the carob extract it contains stimulates and prolongs the tan.

• The hydrating serum : Concentrated in hyaluronic acid and provitamin B5, this serum hydrates and plumps the skin. It is formulated with 95% natural origin ingredients and helps to combat the gradual decrease in hyaluronic acid levels observed in the skin from the age of 25. By fighting against dehydration, this serum also helps to preserve the skin's barrier function.

• The eyelash and eyebrow serum : This treatment, which can be applied to both eyelashes and eyebrows, is concentrated with fortifying active ingredients. The castor oil, pea peptides, biotinyl-GHK and panthenol it contains help to nourish and strengthen the eyelashes and eyebrows, promoting their growth.

• The anti-dandruff treatment shampoo : Thanks to the synergistic action of piroctone olamine, an antifungal agent, and jujube extract, a botanical ingredient capable of regulating scalp desquamation, this treatment combats both oily and dry dandruff. It is also enriched with soothing agents such as panthenol to calm sensitive and irritated scalps.

• The hand and nail serum : Formulated with keratin, biotin and provitamin B5, this product strengthens the nails and cuticles. It is applied morning and evening and prevents nail splitting and breakage. It is also possible to add two to three drops of this serum to a dollop of hand moisturiser.

• LENZ H. & al. A new topical emollient containing panthenol: effect on skin hydration following single and extended use in healthy adults, and tolerability in healthy infants. Journal of Dermatological Treatment (2016).

• VELASCO M. V. & co. Protective impact of conditioning agents on hair treated with oxidative hair dye. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2018).

• ZHANG L. & al. Dexpanthenol in Wound Healing following Medical and Cosmetic Procedures (Postprocedure Wound Healing). Pharmaceuticals (2020).