Can panthenol be used alongside retinol or acids?

Yes. It does not exfoliate, so it layers easily with stronger actives and is often used specifically to soften the look of dryness they can bring on.

Is panthenol the same as vitamin B5?

Panthenol converts to pantothenic acid, vitamin B5, once it is in skin, which is why you will often see it labeled "provitamin B5."

Who benefits most from panthenol?

Anyone with a compromised, sensitized or freshly exfoliated-looking barrier tends to notice it most, since it is formulated to support comfort rather than drive visible change on its own.

Humectant / barrier conditioner

Panthenol

INCI: Panthenol·Studied at 1–5%·Moderate evidence

Provitamin B5, a humectant and skin conditioner used for the appearance of comfortable, hydrated, less-stressed-looking skin. It is a support ingredient, not an anti-aging active, and shows up across nearly every category of skincare, from serums to lip balms to after-sun care. It is generally considered one of the gentlest actives in a routine, which is why it is so often used to round out formulas built around stronger exfoliants or retinoids.

Studied for

·The appearance of hydrated, comfortable-looking skin
·The look of a calmer, less-stressed surface
·The appearance of softer, smoother-feeling texture
·Supporting the look of recovery after exfoliation or dryness

How it’s thought to work

Converts to pantothenic acid in skin and is studied for association with holding water and supporting the appearance of a comfortable, resilient-looking barrier. It also behaves as a mild film-forming humectant on the surface, studied for the look of softer, smoother texture right after application. Because it does not exfoliate or otherwise stress skin, it is frequently paired with actives that do, to help offset the look of dryness they can leave behind.

Landmark study

In a placebo controlled trial, seven days of topical dexpanthenol was linked with more hydrated looking skin and a steadier looking skin barrier.

Effect of topically applied dexpanthenol on epidermal barrier function and stratum corneum hydration. Results of a human in vivo study. Arzneimittelforschung, 2000.

View on PubMed (PMID 10965426) ↗

Questions

Can panthenol be used alongside retinol or acids?: Yes. It does not exfoliate, so it layers easily with stronger actives and is often used specifically to soften the look of dryness they can bring on.
Is panthenol the same as vitamin B5?: Panthenol converts to pantothenic acid, vitamin B5, once it is in skin, which is why you will often see it labeled "provitamin B5."
Who benefits most from panthenol?: Anyone with a compromised, sensitized or freshly exfoliated-looking barrier tends to notice it most, since it is formulated to support comfort rather than drive visible change on its own.

Serums we’ve scored with Panthenol

References

This dossier covers the efficacy evidence. For the safety and concern profile of Panthenol, see PlainBody ↗, our sister site.