Ingredient Spotlight: Panthenol

When it comes to moisturizing ingredients for your skin, the first ingredient that comes to mind is probably not Panthenol but more well-known superstars such as Hyaluronic Acid. However, Panthenol appears in many skincare products and is more commonly found than one would think! There are many benefits to including Panthenol in your skincare routine and it is also worthy to note that Panthenol is generally well-tolerated by most and is safe to be paired with many other ingredients!

What is Panthenol?
Panthenol is a compound that is structurally similar to Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid. It is also known as provitamin B5 because it converts into Vitamin B5 in the skin. B5 binds to and holds water effectively, moisturizing the skin and helping it maintain softness and elasticity. Panthenol has the added advantage of acting as both a humectant and an emollient. Humectants attract to and bind water to the skin, while emollients seal in the cracks in the skin, keeping that water sealed in and preventing trans-epidermal water loss.

Benefits of Panthenol

1. Moisturizing and hydrating
Mainly as a moisturizing ingredient, panthenol hydrates the skin. As a humectant, it attracts moisture to the skin and holds water in the skin, allowing the skin to produce moisture and hydrate from within. Other humectants that you may be familiar with include hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Due to the protective skin barrier panthenol creates, it reduces the risk of dehydration and trans-epidermal water loss.

2. Anti-inflammatory
Panthenol’s moisturizing nature also contributes to anti-inflammatory attributes. If your skin is dry, it becomes sensitive as it loses a moisture barrier that protects the skin from external stimuli. Medical research has shown that panthenol has been effective against UV-induced redness and irritation. Panthenol works as a skin protectant that reduces itchiness and irritation caused by external stimuli.

3. Wound healing
Wound always heals from inside in the deep layers of your skin. Therefore, it is necessary for your skin to not only defend itself from external stimuli but also start the healing process from within. The cells that have been proven effective for giving skin more supple and resilience are also found in panthenol.

Top 10 Favourite Barrier Repair Products with Panthenol available on Fickle Beauty

HD Hydrating B5 Serum