Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is a common ingredient in formulas designed to support hydration, comfort, and the skin barrier. It is not an aggressive exfoliating ingredient and can be used in both morning and evening routines alongside other active ingredients.
In this guide, we will explore what panthenol is, how it works on the skin, who it may suit, which ingredients it can be combined with, when to use it, and which HL/Skin products contain it.
In brief: Panthenol acts as a humectant, helps retain water in the stratum corneum, and supports skin-barrier recovery. Clinical studies have shown improved hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss after topical use of formulas containing dexpanthenol.
What is panthenol and how is it related to vitamin B5?
Panthenol is an alcohol derivative of pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5. On contact with the skin, it can oxidize into pantothenic acid, which participates in important biological processes. Cosmetics commonly use D-panthenol or dexpanthenol because of its skin penetration, moisture-binding ability, and suitability for gentle formulas.
It is important to distinguish panthenol from niacinamide. Panthenol is related to vitamin B5, while niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. Both ingredients can support the skin barrier and hydration, but they are different substances and do not work in exactly the same way.
What are the benefits of panthenol for the skin?
Hydration support
Panthenol is a hygroscopic substance that helps attract and retain water in the skin's outer layer.
Skin-barrier support
Topical use may reduce water loss through the skin and support recovery after dryness or mild irritation.
A calm and comfortable skin feel
It is often used in formulas for sensitive skin because it can support softness and reduce the feeling of tightness.
Renewal support
Studies of dexpanthenol suggest a role in supporting re-epithelialization and recovery after superficial damage.
Softer and more supple skin
Improved hydration may help the skin feel softer, more supple, and more comfortable to the touch.
Easy to combine in a routine
Panthenol generally pairs well with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides.
How does panthenol work on the skin?
Attracting moisture
Panthenol helps bind water in the skin's outer layer.
Reduced water loss
Suitable formulas may help reduce TEWL - transepidermal water loss.
Barrier support
The skin receives more favorable conditions for recovery and for maintaining stratum-corneum function.
More comfortable and supple skin
With consistent use, the skin may feel less dry, rough, and tight.
The effect is not determined by the presence of panthenol alone. Product type, concentration, other humectants, and lipid ingredients also influence the result and how the skin feels.
Who may especially benefit from panthenol?
Dry or dehydrated skin
Suitable for routines focused on reducing tightness and supporting hydration.
Sensitive skin
Can be included in gentle formulas after checking individual tolerance to the complete product.
A weakened skin barrier
May support a simple routine with gentle cleansing, hydration, and fewer active ingredients.
After using acids
Can be included in the hydration step when the skin tolerates the acid well and shows no significant reaction.
Alongside retinol
Panthenol may help maintain comfort when retinol causes mild dryness, but it cannot prevent every form of irritation.
Skin after sun exposure
Suitable for hydrating and soothing care after sun exposure, but it does not replace sunscreen or treatment for sunburn.
Which ingredients can be combined with panthenol?
Panthenol is a supportive and versatile ingredient, so it is usually easy to include in a routine. There is no need to use every ingredient at the same time.
Niacinamide
A convenient combination for routines focused on hydration, skin-barrier support, and a more balanced-looking complexion.
Read the complete guide HAHyaluronic acid
Both ingredients support hydration and can be used in the same formula or in separate layers.
Read the complete guide CCeramides
An especially suitable combination for dry, sensitive, or weakened skin and routines focused on skin-barrier support.
Read the complete guide PPeptides
Can be included in a healthy-aging routine focused on hydration, comfort, and a more supple-looking complexion.
Read the complete guide SSqualane
Panthenol supports hydration, while squalane helps soften the skin and reduce the feeling of dryness.
Read the complete guideRetinol and acids
They can be combined, but if significant irritation occurs, it is better to stop the active ingredient and simplify the routine.
Introduce gradually and according to tolerance
When and how should panthenol be used?
| When | How to include it | What to remember |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | In a serum or cream before sunscreen. | Panthenol does not provide UV protection. |
| Evening | As part of a hydrating serum or a cream that completes the routine. | Especially suitable when the skin feels dry or tight. |
| Alongside retinol or acids | At the hydration step, in the same routine or on separate evenings. | If persistent burning occurs, stop using the irritating ingredient. |
| After sun exposure | In a soothing formula on skin without wounds or a significant burn. | A severe sunburn requires appropriate treatment, not only a cosmetic product. |
Examples of morning and evening routines with panthenol
In HL/Skin products, panthenol appears as part of formulas that also contain additional hydrating and supportive ingredients.
☀ Morning routine
Hydration, skin-barrier support, and daily protection.
- Gentle cleansing Without rubbing or an excessive feeling of dryness.
- 10% Niacinamide Serum Contains panthenol alongside niacinamide, beta-glucan, and hyaluronic acid.
- Ultimate Tension Cream Contains panthenol, hyaluronic acid, and additional hydration-supporting ingredients.
- Sun protection Broad-spectrum sunscreen as the final step.
☾ Evening routine
Cleansing, hydration, and support for skin comfort throughout the night.
- Gentle cleansing Removes impurities, makeup, and sunscreen.
- 10% Niacinamide Serum An active step that also contains panthenol to support hydration.
- Nourishing Eye Cream Contains panthenol, squalane, and ceramides for the eye area.
- A suitable moisturizer Choose according to the skin's condition and preferred texture.
Which HL/Skin products contain panthenol?
Panthenol is not offered as a separate product in the current line. It is included in multi-ingredient formulas alongside active and hydrating ingredients.
10% Niacinamide Serum
Combines panthenol with niacinamide, beta-glucan, and hyaluronic acid to support hydration, comfort, and the skin barrier.
View productUltimate Tension Cream
Contains panthenol alongside niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, adenosine, and a peptide complex.
View productNourishing Eye Cream
Combines panthenol with squalane, niacinamide, Ceramide NP, and adenosine for the eye area.
View productCommon mistakes when using panthenol
It can be part of a cream or serum, but dry skin may also need emollient and occlusive ingredients.
Panthenol does not cancel severe irritation caused by an acid or retinol. Sometimes the active ingredient should be paused and the routine simplified.
Panthenol and niacinamide are different ingredients, even when they appear together in the same formula.
The complete formula should be considered, including fragrance, preservatives, and additional active ingredients.
Panthenol may support comfort after exposure, but it is not sunscreen.
An active skin condition, wound, burn, or persistent reaction requires professional advice.
Frequently asked questions about panthenol and vitamin B5
What is the difference between panthenol and vitamin B5?
Panthenol is a provitamin and an alcohol derivative of pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5. In the skin, it can convert into pantothenic acid.
Is panthenol suitable for sensitive skin?
Often, yes, and it is widely used in formulas for sensitive skin. However, the complete product should be assessed and patch-tested on a small area.
Can panthenol be used every day?
Yes, it can generally be used in the morning and evening as part of a serum, cream, or another hydrating product.
Is panthenol suitable for oily skin?
Yes. Panthenol itself is not an oil, but the suitability of a product depends on its texture and the other ingredients in the formula.
Can panthenol be combined with niacinamide?
Yes. This is a common and convenient combination, and some HL/Skin products contain both ingredients in the same formula.
Can panthenol be combined with hyaluronic acid?
Yes. Both ingredients support hydration and can be used in one product or in separate layers.
Can panthenol be used after retinol?
Yes, panthenol can be included in the hydration step. If retinol causes significant burning or peeling, reduce the frequency or pause it temporarily.
Is panthenol suitable after acids?
Yes, when the skin tolerates the acid well. Panthenol should not be used as a way to continue a routine that causes significant irritation.
Does panthenol repair the skin barrier?
Studies have found that formulas containing dexpanthenol can improve hydration, reduce water loss, and support skin-barrier recovery.
Does panthenol replace a moisturizer?
Not always. It is an important hydrating ingredient, but dry skin may also need emollients, lipids, and occlusive ingredients.
Is panthenol suitable after sun exposure?
It can support hydration and a calm skin feel, but it does not replace sunscreen and is not sufficient treatment for a significant sunburn.
Can panthenol be used during pregnancy?
Cosmetic panthenol is generally considered an acceptable ingredient, but during pregnancy and breastfeeding it is recommended to review the complete formula and seek advice if uncertain.
Can someone be allergic to panthenol?
Yes, although contact allergy is considered uncommon. If a rash, itching, or swelling appears, stop using the product and seek professional advice.
How long does it take to notice improvement?
An improvement in the feeling of hydration may appear quickly, but skin-barrier recovery depends on its condition, the formula, and consistency of use.
Is a higher concentration always better?
No. Studies have evaluated different concentrations, and effectiveness also depends on the complete formula. A product should not be chosen only by the highest percentage.
Panthenol is an effective supportive ingredient for a simple, consistent routine
It does not replace medical treatment or sun protection, but it can support hydration, comfort, and the skin barrier as part of a balanced formula. Choose products according to the skin's condition and complete formula, and introduce changes gradually.
Scientific references
- Gehring W, Gloor M. Effect of topically applied dexpanthenol on epidermal barrier function and stratum corneum hydration. Arzneimittelforschung, 2000.
- Proksch E, et al. Dexpanthenol enhances skin barrier repair and reduces inflammation after sodium lauryl sulphate-induced irritation. Contact Dermatitis.
- Ebner F, et al. Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002.
- Proksch E, de Bony R, Trapp S, Boudon S. Topical use of dexpanthenol: a 70th anniversary article. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017.
- Gorski J, et al. Dexpanthenol in wound healing after medical and cosmetic interventions. Pharmaceuticals, 2020.
The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Damaged skin, burns, active dermatitis, an allergic reaction, or persistent irritation require advice from a dermatologist.