Is panthenol the next ‘it’ skincare ingredient?

By Ria Bhatia
01 November, 2022

Is panthenol the next ‘it’ skincare ingredient?

By Ria Bhatia
01 November, 2022

While the ingredient has been in the beauty industry for quite some time, it is finally getting the attention it deserves–here’s why

The beauty terrain—skincare in particular—is chock-a-block with various ingredients today and yet, there’s always room for more. While good ol’ botanicals and plants like aloe and rose as well as substances such as sandalwood and multani mitti continue to thrive in their prevalent sectors, new-age and advanced combatants like vitamin C, salicylic acid and retinol among others have secured their loyal interest groups across the world. That’s the beauty of beauty—everyone and everything is welcome. 

"Skincare products containing panthenol in concentrations ranging from 1-5 per cent can aid in giving the skin a more supple feel and appearance by rapidly hydrating skin and promoting barrier repair,” says Dr Madhuri Agarwal. Image: Pexels

It’s not heavy or sticky, free of stark fragrances and infused with classic soothing agents like vitamin E, aloe vera and cucumber


However, in the last few years, some of the 21st-century ingredients have surpassed their contemporaries to become non-negotiable staples in everyone’s vanity. Case in point: Hyaluronic acid—a hydration booster that works for all skin types. But we’re happy to report that there exists a bunch of unsung heroes that can actually do wonders for your skin and also have the potential to transcend the benefits of these now-mundane ingredients. A bookmark-worthy one? Panthenol.

What exactly is panthenol?

In three words—a double-duty moisturiser. Before getting into its mighty characteristics, here are some basics you should be informed about. “Panthenol, also known as dexpanthenol or pro-vitamin B5, is an alcohol derivative of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5),” shares Dr Niketa Sonavane, celebrity dermatologist and founder, Ambrosia Aesthetics. “It is the precursor of pantothenic acid, so when it is applied to the skin, it will convert into Vitamin B5,” adds Dr Madhuri Agarwal, celebrity dermatologist and founder, Yavana Aesthetics. Sonavane reveals that it can be derived from both animal and plant sources. “Panthenol is found naturally in every human cell and has long been used in medicated skin and hair care as well as vitamin supplements,” she explains.

fashion

“Panthenol is found naturally in every human cell and has long been used in medicated skin and hair care as well as vitamin supplements,” says Dr Niketa Sonavane. Image: Pexels

fashion

“Panthenol is found naturally in every human cell and has long been used in medicated skin and hair care as well as vitamin supplements,” says Dr Niketa Sonavane. Image: Pexels

What exactly is panthenol?

In three words—a double-duty moisturiser. Before getting into its mighty characteristics, here are some basics you should be informed about. “Panthenol, also known as dexpanthenol or pro-vitamin B5, is an alcohol derivative of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5),” shares Dr Niketa Sonavane, celebrity dermatologist and founder, Ambrosia Aesthetics. “It is the precursor of pantothenic acid, so when it is applied to the skin, it will convert into Vitamin B5,” adds Dr Madhuri Agarwal, celebrity dermatologist and founder, Yavana Aesthetics. Sonavane reveals that it can be derived from both animal and plant sources. “Panthenol is found naturally in every human cell and has long been used in medicated skin and hair care as well as vitamin supplements,” she explains.

READ MORE
empty
BEAUTY & GROOMING
Is snail slime really the ultimate anti-ageing, anti-acne ingredient?
By Avanti Dalal
empty
BEAUTY & GROOMING
5 skincare ingredients everyone will be talking about in 2023
By Hasina Khatib
empty
BEAUTY & GROOMING
The perils of using oxidised vitamin C on your skin
By Ria Bhatia