Panthenol

Panthenol, or provitamin B5, is a humectant that draws moisture into the skin and strengthens the skin barrier. Its chemical formula is C9H19NO4, converting into pantothenic acid when absorbed. It also promotes healing and softness, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Dosage form: Creams, moisturizers, healing balms, toners, and ointments.

Most common indications:

• Dry, flaky skin

• Barrier repair

• Skin irritation or redness

• Post-laser or chemical peel recovery

Common products:

• Cicaplast Baume B5 (La Roche-Posay)

• The Ordinary Panthenol 5%

• Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream

Real-life application:
Used after microneedling sessions to calm and repair skin, reducing redness and speeding up healing without clogging pores.

Fun fact: Panthenol is also widely used in hair care for its moisturizing and strengthening effects.