Panthenol
What is Panthenol?
Panthenol or Provitamin B5, an analogue of pantothenic acid. The racemic mixture of the enantiomers D and L, DL-panthenol, is commonly used in cosmetic and skincare products. It penetrates into the skin and mucous membrane, where it is oxidized to Pantothenic acid. It is hygroscopic in nature, meaning it attracts and retains water molecules either by adsorption or absorption.
It keeps the skin smooth, strengthens the skin barrier, improves elasticity and keeps the skin hydrated. It is beneficial for hair growth as it promotes the better health of outer sheath cells and dermal papilla cells of hair follicles.
CAS No.: 16485-10-2
Synonyms: L-Panthenol, Panthenol, (S)-, D-Panthenol-d4, DL-Panthenol, panthenol, DL-Pantothenol, DL-Pantothenyl alcohol
Properties of Panthenol
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C9H19NO4 |
| IUPAC name | (2S)-2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide |
| Molecular weight | 205.25 g/mol |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, alcohol, propylene glycol, chloroform and ether |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Flash point | 49°C [120°F] |
| Density | 1.2 g/cm³ |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White or light grey |
| State | Crystal or powder |
| Boiling point | 118 °C |
| Melting point | 66 °C |
Uses of Panthenol
In Skincare
- Panthenol helps in improving skin elasticity, hydration and soothes the skin inflammation, red skin, sores and cuts.
- It improves the capacity to retain moisture of the skin and promotes lipid production for barrier function.
- Panthenol accelerates the regeneration of keratinocytes (skin cells) and fibroblasts, which helps in healing minor burns and cuts.
In Haircare
- Panthenol can improve hair flexibility and strength.
- Panthenol forms a protective shield on the hair that protects it from the damage of UV rays and pollution.
- It soothes the irritated scalp.
- It keeps the hair hydrated and manages brittleness by retaining moisture.
Side Effects of Panthenol
People with sensitive skin, especially those with chronic eczema, may experience:
- Redness
- Skin irritation
- Rashes
In oral supplements it can cause gastrointestinal issues and diarrhoea.
| Pictograms : |
|
| Hazard Statements : | H302 – Harmful if swallowed H317 – May cause an allergic skin reaction H318 – Causes serious eye damage H341 – Suspected of causing genetic defects H351 – Suspected of causing cancer H410 – Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
|
| Precautionary statements : | P273 – Avoid release to the environment. P280 – Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P301 + P312 – IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell. P302 + P352 – IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P305 + P351 + P338 – IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. P308 + P313 – IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention. |
What is Panthenol?
Panthenol or Provitamin B5, an analogue of pantothenic acid. The racemic mixture of the enantiomers D and L, DL-panthenol, is commonly used in cosmetic and skincare products. It penetrates into the skin and mucous membrane, where it is oxidized to Pantothenic acid. It is hygroscopic in nature, meaning it attracts and retains water molecules either by adsorption or absorption.
It keeps the skin smooth, strengthens the skin barrier, improves elasticity and keeps the skin hydrated. It is beneficial for hair growth as it promotes the better health of outer sheath cells and dermal papilla cells of hair follicles.
CAS No.: 16485-10-2
Synonyms: L-Panthenol, Panthenol, (S)-, D-Panthenol-d4, DL-Panthenol, panthenol, DL-Pantothenol, DL-Pantothenyl alcohol
Properties of Panthenol
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C9H19NO4 |
| IUPAC name | (2S)-2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide |
| Molecular weight | 205.25 g/mol |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, alcohol, propylene glycol, chloroform and ether |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Flash point | 49°C [120°F] |
| Density | 1.2 g/cm³ |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White or light grey |
| State | Crystal or powder |
| Boiling point | 118 °C |
| Melting point | 66 °C |
Uses of Panthenol
In Skincare
- Panthenol helps in improving skin elasticity, hydration and soothes the skin inflammation, red skin, sores and cuts.
- It improves the capacity to retain moisture of the skin and promotes lipid production for barrier function.
- Panthenol accelerates the regeneration of keratinocytes (skin cells) and fibroblasts, which helps in healing minor burns and cuts.
In Haircare
- Panthenol can improve hair flexibility and strength.
- Panthenol forms a protective shield on the hair that protects it from the damage of UV rays and pollution.
- It soothes the irritated scalp.
- It keeps the hair hydrated and manages brittleness by retaining moisture.
Side Effects of Panthenol
People with sensitive skin, especially those with chronic eczema, may experience:
- Redness
- Skin irritation
- Rashes
In oral supplements it can cause gastrointestinal issues and diarrhoea.
| Pictograms : |
|
| Hazard Statements : | H302 – Harmful if swallowed H317 – May cause an allergic skin reaction H318 – Causes serious eye damage H341 – Suspected of causing genetic defects H351 – Suspected of causing cancer H410 – Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
|
| Precautionary statements : | P273 – Avoid release to the environment. P280 – Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P301 + P312 – IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell. P302 + P352 – IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P305 + P351 + P338 – IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. P308 + P313 – IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention. |
FAQ's
Panthenol is approved by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), listed in its “Generally regarded as Safe” (GRAS) database.
No, Panthenol is not a paraben. It is a Pro-Vitamin B5.
Yes, panthenol is good for burns as it helps in regeneration of the skin by increasing cell turnover.
Yes, panthenol is non-comedogenic. It does not clog pores.
