Panthenol: What should we know about this active ingredient?

An extremely gentle ingredient, the panthenol is a friend to sensitive, irritated or dry skin. Its application brings numerous benefits to the skin, which are summarised in the table below.

The provitamin B5 is not only beneficial to the skin: this active ingredient can also be advantageous for the hair and scalp. Indeed, its moisturising and repairing properties are useful for taking care of sensitive or dehydrated scalps. Easily absorbed by the skin, panthenol helps to strengthen the skin barrier, which prevents irritations. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory effects allow it to act on persistent tingling and itching to provide long-lasting relief to the scalp.

Panthenol is also an interesting active ingredient for caring for one's hair length. By contributing to the maintenance of the hydrolipidic film on the surface of the fibres, it allows them to remain supple and hydrated, which prevents split ends. Finally, some sources suggest that provitamin B5 could stimulate hair growth by delaying their entry into the catagen phase, a rest period for hair follicles. However, this last property requires further study.

Highly tolerated, panthenol can be used by all skin types, even the most sensitive ones. The Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Expert Group recently published a report concluding the safety of provitamin B5 used in cosmetics and its excellent skin tolerance. Moreover, this gentle active ingredient is not among those advised against for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. However, it is important to note that a few rare cases of allergies to panthenol have been reported. The reactions were nonetheless measured and limited to redness and slight irritation.

Before using a new product, we advise you to test it in the crook of your elbow or on your wrist.

You can find panthenol in several of our skincare products, as presented below:

• 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 : Formulated with 95% natural origin ingredients, this product is rich in humectants and compensates for the natural decrease in hyaluronic acid production in the skin. Application after application, the skin becomes more hydrated, plumper and smoother.

• The eyelash and eyebrow serum : Rich in nourishing and strengthening active ingredients, this serum protects the eyelashes and eyebrows, which are subjected daily to various external aggressions (stress, pollution, makeup...). In addition to panthenol, it contains biotinyl-GHK, a molecule that, when combined with panthenol, stimulates the synthesis of collagen and laminin, ensuring the anchoring of the hair bulb in the epidermis.

• The anti-dandruff treatment shampoo : Formulated without sulfates and silicones, this shampoo gently cleanses the scalp while respecting its balance. Its light texture does not weigh down the hair. Gradually, it reduces the proliferation of dandruff, regulates flaking and soothes scalp irritations.

• The hand and nail serum : Enriched with keratin, biotin, and panthenol, this treatment 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 serum into a dollop of hand moisturiser.