Panthenol, a synthetic analog of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), is a widely used ingredient in skincare and cosmetic products. It functions as a humectant, emollient, and moisturizer, contributing to...
Panthenol, a synthetic analog of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), is a widely used ingredient in skincare and cosmetic products. It functions as a humectant, emollient, and moisturizer, contributing to enhanced skin hydration, wound healing, and improved hair health. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin. While generally safe for topical use, rare instances of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported. Oral administration, while less common, may lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort at high doses. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate its therapeutic potential and optimal dosage.
Key Information
Outside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
Topical: As directed in product instructions. Oral: Limited data; consult healthcare professional.
Source Type
synthetic
Production Process
Panthenol is synthesized through chemical processes, typically involving the reduction of pantolactone. The process allows for large-scale production of a stable and purified form of provitamin B5.
Use Type
Outside BodyPotential Benefits
Skin hydration is essential for maintaining skin elasticity, barrier function, and overall appearance. It reduces fine lines, protects against environmental stressors, and improves skin smoothness and suppleness.
Accelerates and supports the body's natural wound repair processes. This includes reducing inflammation, promoting collagen synthesis, increasing cell proliferation, and facilitating angiogenesis, leading to faster wound closure, reduced scarring, and decreased infection risk.
Supports hair strength and reduces shedding, especially in individuals with biotin deficiency. Mechanisms may include enhanced keratin production.
Reduces inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory pathways and the production of inflammatory molecules, thereby alleviating symptoms and protecting against tissue damage. This benefit helps modulate inflammatory responses and promote resolution.
Panthenol hydrates the skin by attracting moisture and reducing water loss. It also strengthens the skin's barrier function for lasting hydration.
Panthenol promotes wound healing by boosting fibroblast activity. This accelerates wound closure and tissue regeneration.
Panthenol hydrates and strengthens hair by increasing moisture retention and improving elasticity, leading to reduced breakage, split ends, and thicker strands.
Panthenol exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by stabilizing skin barrier function and potentially reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. This results in soothing and calming irritated or inflamed skin.
Possible Side Effects
Allergic Contact Dermatitis is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction caused by skin contact with an allergen, resulting in inflammation, redness, itching, and other skin irritations. The reaction typically appears 12-72 hours post-exposure and is diagnosed via history, physical exam, and patch testing.
Gastrointestinal discomfort includes nausea, bloating, and diarrhea, typically mild and transient. Symptoms are often dose-dependent and vary in severity.
Gastrointestinal upset involves symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These symptoms are typically mild and often resolve on their own.
Panthenol can rarely cause allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals following topical application. Symptoms include redness, itching, and swelling at the application site.
Scientific Evidence
Proksch E, Nissen HP. Dexpanthenol enhances skin barrier repair and reduces inflammation after sodium lauryl sulphate-induced irritation. J Dermatolog Treat. 2002;13(4):173-8. // Ebner F, Heller A, Rippke F, Tausch I. Topical use of dexpanthenol in dermatology: therapeutic and cosmetic indications. J Dermatolog Treat. 2002;13(4):179-87. // Gehring W, Gloor M. Effect of topically applied dexpanthenol on epidermal barrier function and stratum corneum hydration. Results of a human in vivo study. Hautarzt. 2000;51(9):649-53.
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