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Provitamin B5

Panthenol

Panthenol is provitamin B5, the alcohol form of pantothenic acid. In cosmetics it does two jobs: in shampoos and conditioners it conditions hair and reduces static, and in skincare it acts as a humectant that helps skin hold water. Safety reviewers concluded it is safe in cosmetics at the concentrations in use.

Checked against 4 sources on 10 October 2026. How pages are written

In hair products

The US Cosmetic Ingredient Review describes panthenol, pantothenic acid and their derivatives as hair conditioning agents.1 The EU's CosIng database also lists panthenol as antistatic: it helps hair lie flat rather than fly away.2

In skincare

For skin, panthenol is listed as a skin-conditioning agent and humectant.1 Research on dexpanthenol (D-panthenol), mostly in dermatological products, found it acts like a moisturiser: it improves the hydration of the skin's outer layer and reduces water loss through the skin.3

That research looked at dexpanthenol in dermatological use. A cosmetic that lists panthenol is a different formula, usually at an amount the label does not state.

How it appears on a label

As Panthenol, sometimes with a note: Panthenol (Provitamin B5). Pantothenic acid and its derivatives are related ingredients, each with its own name on a label.1

What to keep in mind

The review panel concluded that panthenol and six related ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration.1 Its place on the list is a rough guide to amount at best: below 1%, ingredients may be listed in any order.4

What it does in a formula

Keeps skin in good conditionOfficial EU function: Skin conditioning
Conditions and detangles hairOfficial EU function: Hair conditioning
Reduces staticOfficial EU function: Antistatic

Sources

  1. Scott LN, et al. Safety assessment of panthenol, pantothenic acid, and derivatives as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology 2022;41(3 suppl):77-128. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Checked 10 October 2026.
  2. European Commission. CosIng entry PANTHENOL: INCI name and functions, as exported on 9 October 2026. ec.europa.eu Checked 10 October 2026.
  3. Ebner F, Heller A, Rippke F, Tausch I. Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2002;3(6):427-33. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Checked 10 October 2026.
  4. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products, consolidated text of 1 May 2025, Articles 14, 19 and 33. Official Journal of the European Union. eur-lex.europa.eu Checked 10 October 2026.

Written for this site from the sources above and checked against them on 10 October 2026. Not reviewed by a dermatologist or toxicologist, and not medical advice. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.