Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)
Soothing humectant
Panthenol, or pro-vitamin B5, is a moisturising and soothing ingredient that the skin converts into pantothenic acid. It helps skin hold on to water, supports barrier repair and calms irritation, which is why it appears in everything from baby balms to after-sun and repair creams.
What is Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)?
Pro-Vitamin B5. A humectant that hydrates, calms and supports the skin barrier, helping skin feel soft and comfortable. Gentle and suited to sensitive skin.
In skincare terms, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) is a soothing ingredient often used to calm the look of redness and sensitivity, and a hydrating ingredient that helps the skin attract and hold on to water.
What panthenol does
Studies of dexpanthenol (the active form of panthenol) show it improves hydration, strengthens the skin barrier and reduces irritation, and it has been used for decades to help minor wounds heal (Ebner 2002; Proksch 2017).
It acts both as a humectant, drawing in water, and as a barrier support, which makes it useful for dry, tight or sensitised skin.
How much do you need?
Repair balms often contain around 5%; moisturisers and serums usually less. Even small amounts help with hydration. We group panthenol, D-panthenol, pantothenic acid and pantethine together.
How to use it
- Use it whenever skin feels tight or irritated — morning, night or both.
- It pairs well with drying actives such as retinol and exfoliating acids.
- Balms with panthenol are useful on chapped areas such as around the nose and lips.
Who it suits and side effects
Panthenol suits all skin types, including sensitive skin. Allergic reactions are possible but rare.
Where you'll find it
In our catalogue, Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) appears in moisturisers, serums, cleansers, sets and more.
Also listed as
On an ingredients label (INCI), Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) may appear as: panthenol, pantothenic acid, pantethine, d-panthenol.
Looking for a product with panthenol (pro-vitamin b5)? See our best fragrance-free moisturisers for sensitive skin, compared by ingredients.
Related ingredients
Common questions about panthenol (pro-vitamin b5)
Is panthenol the same as vitamin B5?
Nearly. Panthenol is a pro-vitamin: the skin converts it into pantothenic acid, which is vitamin B5.
Is panthenol good for acne-prone skin?
Yes. It soothes and hydrates without clogging pores, which helps when acne treatments leave skin dry.
Can I use panthenol with retinol?
Yes. It can make the dryness and irritation that retinol often causes more comfortable.
Sources
- Ebner F et al. Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders. Am J Clin Dermatol, 2002.
- Proksch E et al. Topical use of dexpanthenol: a 70th anniversary article. J Dermatolog Treat, 2017.
Last reviewed 19 Oct 2026.
