The importance of getting our daily vitamins has been drilled into us since childhood — and we shouldn't exclude skin from that. In the case of vitamins in skin care products, panthenol — aka the provitamin of vitamin B5 — is something of an unsung hero, especially when compared to the buzzier vitamin A and vitamin C. But it's every bit as important.
Dr. Loretta Ciraldo MD FAAD, a Miami-based board certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta Skincare, says that it hydrates and calms redness and irritation. The water-soluble B vitamin also helps to restore the barrier effect of skin, by preventing water loss — which leads to better overall moisture levels. Side note: This is why panthenol is also a great hair care ingredient (and where Pantene gets its name).
Other bonuses? Aesthetics Director of La Suite Skincare at Union Square Laser Dermatology Rhea Grous says that panthenol's calming, hydrating effect makes it great after procedures or for sensitive skin. In fact, it is one of the safest ingredients and can be readily mixed with others. Ciraldo suggests using panthenol with other water-retaining ingredients, such as ceramides, to boost its effects.
One last tip: Scan ingredient lists carefully, because panthenol is also known as pantothenol. It can also appear as — *deep breath* — dexpanthenol, D-pantothenyl alcohol, butanamide, alcohol analog of pantothenic acid and provitamin B-5, according to Head Chemist R&D and Formulator at Pura D'or Sreerupa Ganguly.
Click through the slideshow to see the various ways to incorporate panthenol into your skin care routine.
This is a hybrid toner that does it all: It purifies, soothes, moisturizes and strengthens the skin barrier (which helps justify the price). Stabilized panthenol and king bamboo sap lend the product its unique ampoule-like texture and contribute to its stellar hydrating ability.
We've all heard the one about how oil and water don't mix. Well, this two-in-one cleanser shows they do — resulting in clean, balanced skin. Give the bottle a good shake, then apply to a cotton pad or cloth on dry skin to bust through makeup. Panthenol helps keeps skin hydrated, along with sea buckthorn oil and makeup-dissolving sweet almond oil.
Pretty much anything that Dr. Barbara Sturm releases is incredible, and this gentle cleanser is no exception. The panthenol and aloe vera formula has been praised by countless A-listers. It's suitable for all skin types and leaves skin ready to soak up all the goodness from other products in your routine.
This is the soothing cream to reach for when anyone (babies included) has dry skin. The rich texture and slew of hydrators (such as panthenol, glycerin and shea butter) nourish irritated, parched skin. Pro tip: Definitely try it as a lip balm.
