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White wavy lines texture on a surfaceProvitamin B5 (Panthenol)

Provitamin B5 (Panthenol)

Commonly known as: Provitamin B5, D-panthenol, Dexpanthenol, Pantothenol, D-Pantothenyl Alcohol.
I.N.C.I. list name: Panthenol.
Extraction process: Combination of propanolamine and beta-dimethylbutyrolactone.
Source: Synthetic.
Botanical name: /
Family: /
Part of the plant extracted: /
Provenance, origin: Germany.
Chemical characteristics: An alcoholic analogue of pantothenic acid; Precursor to Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid); Molecular mass: 205.3 g/mol; Soluble in water, ethanol, methanol and propylene glycol; Insoluble in fats; Density: 1.16 g/cm3.
Characteristics: Emulsion, colloidal solution, true aqueous solution, balm, liquid suspension, solid soap, foam.
Dosage required in cosmetic products: From 0.1 to 5%.
Function: Antistatic, hair conditioner, skin maintenance agent.
Properties: Healing, softening, detangling, regenerating, soothing, anti-inflammatory, moisturising, densifying, hygroscopic.
Benefits: All skin types, particularly dry, dehydrated, sensitive, and irritation-prone skin; All hair types, especially dry, dull, and damaged hair, and sensitive scalps; Recommended for combating hair loss, chapped lips, and brittle nails.

Details

Usage

  • Facial Care (lip balms, face creams, facial cleansers, masks, serums, micellar waters, after-shave lotions);

  • Body Care (body creams/lotions, after-sun care, hand and foot creams, post-hair removal care, nail care, after-sun lotions);

  • Haircare (shampoos, conditioners, hair lotions, styling mousses, styling gels, hair masks, repair serums);

  • Makeups (mascaras, eye-liners, lipsticks, eyeshadows, foundations);

  • Hygiene (anti-perspirants, shower gels, solid soaps, oral care products).

Method of Preservation

Store at room temperature (between +15°C and +25°C), away from moisture and light.

Contraindications, usage precautions

Generally, panthenol is regarded as a gentle and safe ingredient (non-irritating to the eyes or skin) when applied topically, and is very well tolerated by all skin types, even by sensitive skin. It is often used in baby care products. However, studies report rare cases of irritation and contact allergy at high doses, higher than those used in cosmetic products.

Find out more

Panthenol plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, as well as in the synthesis of certain hormones. Therefore, it is essential for the proper functioning of the body. It is the most commonly used vitamin in the cosmetic industry. However, D-panthenol has no cosmetic action in itself, but becomes active when it is converted into pantothenic acid in the skin. Easily penetrating the epidermis, it induces, among other things, the synthesis of a precursor of fatty acids and sphingolipids, which are essential for the constitution of the lipid bilayer of the stratum corneum. Provitamin B5 thus helps to repair the skin barrier, improve hydration, and also reduce inflammation. Its healing property is due to its mitotic activity on fibroblasts. The mitotic activity of its metabolisation product in the epidermis, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), has also been proven on human fibroblasts in culture. Indeed, once in the body, provitamin B5 quickly transforms into vitamin B5 by oxidation, a major constituent of coenzyme A, which plays a key role in the cell and tissue repair mechanism. D-panthenol, by stimulating cell growth, thus reduces the healing time of wounds.