Panthenol (provitamin B5) is converted to pantothenic acid in the skin and acts as a humectant and emollient, helping to hydrate, soothe, and support skin barrier function and wound healing. It is widely used in moisturizers, after-sun products, and hair care formulations.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation or mild stinging | Rare | Occasionally reported, more likely on compromised or sensitive skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case reports of sensitization; patch testing can confirm. |
Redness or itching | Very rare | Usually transient and resolves on discontinuation. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.