Get To Know Panthenol
24.06.21
When it comes to ingredients that hydrate the skin, panthenol is a top performer. But it's also one that rarely earns a starring role in product formulations. Why? One reason may be because panthenol is found in such a wide array of beauty products. From skincare, haircare, and even makeup, panthenol –also known as provitamin B5– works as a softening, moisture-locking component that also improves the look and feel of a product on the skin. What's more, it's versatile enough to pair with almost any other ingredient combination, hence why panthenol has become such a popular choice on many ingredient lists.
Interestingly, the name panthenol comes from the Greek word ‘pantothen’ meaning ‘everywhere', which is oddly appropriate, right? No really, do a quick scan of the ingredient list of any product in your daily regimen and you're likely to find panthenol somewhere in the middle or close to the top. But no hate here! We love this mega-moisturizing ingredient in so many ways, let us count them all for you.
The Breakdown
Name: Panthenol (also known as pantothenic acid or provitamin B5)
Origin: An alcohol form of the B vitamin pantothenic acid.
Why we love it: Its ability to attract and hold moisture is second to none.
Find in: Face Juice
Use with: Other humectants like hyaluronic acid and aloe, face oils and ceramides.
Firstly, to understand why this key ingredient is so worth it, let’s go into detail about how it works. Panthenol is a stable form of vitamin B5. When applied topically to the skin, it binds and holds on to water effectively, similarly to hyaluronic acid. But what makes panthenol even better than hyaluronic acid (IMPO) is that it not only acts as a humectant for the skin, it’s also an emollient. This means panthenol creates a protective barrier on your skin, locking in moisture, and preventing water loss, helping to reduce the risk of dryness or dehydration. The result is skin that’s soft and supple, and better equipped to repair damage, like acne lesions and scarring.
Panthenol also has anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin.
In studies looking to measure the benefits of panthenol in acute skin disorders, it was indicated that these anti-inflammatory effects were most beneficial on UV-induced redness, which explains why panthenol is often found in creams used for sunburn.
However, it is important to note that while panthenol is a natural substance, it can be produced from both plant and animal sources. And when it comes to the INCI of this ingredient, one size tends to fit all and there is no way of telling whether or not the panthenol in any given product is vegan-friendly or not. In the end, it comes down to the brand in question and their ethos when formulating products for their customers. The best way to get clarity is to check if a product is certified vegan. Products containing panthenol that don’t specify whether they’re vegan are best avoided. Luckily for you, all Beaut products are vegan-friendly, and the panthenol found in Face Juice is sourced responsibly from plants.
Find it in:
Face Juice
USD 37
This skin-perfecting formula, with moisture-loving 10% hyaluronic acid, is enriched with antioxidants to prevent environmental stress – the key to keeping skin looking young. With 5% panthenol, it helps to repair and strengthen your natural barrier, reduce inflammation and plumps up fine lines, delivering all-day hydration and a smooth complexion.
