The guides · Humectants
Panthenol
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Provitamin B5 — converts in skin to pantothenic acid. Humectant and soothing agent. Supports skin comfort during the introduction of actives (retinoids, acids). Associated with reduced TEWL.
What it does
Provitamin B5 — converts in skin to pantothenic acid. Humectant and soothing agent. Supports skin comfort during the introduction of actives (retinoids, acids). Associated with reduced TEWL.
The facts
- Effective pH
- 5.0–7.0
- Category
- Humectants
- Also known as
- Vitamin B5, Provitamin B5, D-panthenol
- Pregnancy
- Generally considered fine; ask your doctor
Pairs with · fights with
Pairs well with
Conflicts
- None listed.
Before you use it
Consistently safe and well-tolerated across CIR assessments. Excellent as a bridge ingredient alongside potentially irritating actives.
On the label
Listed as "panthenol" or "d-panthenol". Often paired with allantoin and centella in soothing formulas. Effective at 1–5%; cosmetically elegant in serums and creams alike.
This guide is editorial, not medical advice. For a condition, a reaction or a medical question, see a dermatologist.
See also
Hyaluronic Acid
Naturally occurring humectant polysaccharide — draws and holds water in the upper layers of skin. Molecular weight de…
Read the guide →Polyglutamic Acid
High-molecular-weight polypeptide humectant — surface-level water retention. Often cited as having substantially high…
Read the guide →Sodium PCA
Sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid — a key component of skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). Highly hygr…
Read the guide →
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