Vitamins

Panthenol

INCI: PANTHENOL · also Provitamin B5, Dexpanthenol (the D form)

Vitamin B5’s alcohol form, for skin and hair.

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C₉H₁₉NO₄205.25 g/mol

D-panthenol (dexpanthenol)

oxygennitrogencarbonhydrogen

All products11%

In conditioners24%

In shampoos22%

In hair colours22%

1,672 of 14,784 products with a full ingredient list in Open Beauty Facts; No. 25 of all the names found on their labels.

A form of vitamin B5: the alcohol version of pantothenic acid.
2 sourcesHide

Panthenol, a vitamin B5 derivative[1] Review · 2025 · open source
Panthenol (synonym: dexpanthenol), the alcohol analogue of panthothenic acid[2] Study · 2018 · open source

To condition hair and skin and to hold water (a humectant).
SourceHide

reported to function in cosmetics as hair conditioning agents, and Panthenol also is reported to function as a skin-conditioning agent-humectant and a solvent[3] US Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel · 2022 · open source

Moisturises skin and supports its barrier: the reason it has been in skin and wound creams for decades.
Good evidenceskinSourceHide

Various studies confirmed dexpanthenol's moisturizing and skin barrier enhancing potential.[4] Review · 2017 · open source
In one lab study it went into the hair’s inner protein (the cortex), and treated hairs took more force to break.
Some evidencehair2 sourcesHide

Penetration of panthenol into hair was demonstrated, with images indicating specific penetration into cortical protein regions.[5] Study · 2026 · open source
Break stress and elastic modulus of hair treated with panthenol were higher than those of control hair[5] Study · 2026 · open source
In a shampoo it is rinsed off too quickly to expect real benefits.
Some evidencehairSourceHide

The contact time of shampoos with scalp and hair is too brief to expect significant clinical benefits despite claims to the contrary.[6] Study · 2015 · open source

Allergy is uncommon but rising: about 1.2% of patients tested at skin clinics now react. It is common in products sold as “hypoallergenic”.
Good evidence3 sourcesHide

While contact allergy to panthenol is rather uncommon, rates of positive reactions are on the rise, increasing from 0.2-0.7% to 1.2% in recent years.[1] Review · 2025 · open source
many of which are marketed to be hypoallergenic[1] Review · 2025 · open source
Among 2171 patients, 26 (1.2%) had positive patch test reactions to dexpanthenol[2] Study · 2018 · open source
The US expert panel concluded it is safe as used in cosmetics.
Well establishedSourceHide

concluded that these 7 ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use concentration described in this safety assessment[3] US Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel · 2022 · open source

Small enough to get inside the hair, into the cortex (seen in one lab study).

Some evidenceSourceHide

images indicating specific penetration into cortical protein regions[5] Study · 2026 · open source

No EU limit: it is not on the regulation’s lists of banned or restricted substances, preservatives or UV filters.
How we checkedHide

We searched Annexes II to VI of the EU regulation (consolidated text of 18 May 2026): no entry.open the list

Not on the FDA’s list of prohibited or restricted cosmetic ingredients. In the US, cosmetics and their ingredients (other than colour additives) don’t need FDA approval before sale.
SourceHide

Under U.S. law, cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, do not need FDA approval before they go on the market[7] US Food and Drug Administration · open source
We searched the FDA’s list of prohibited and restricted cosmetic ingredients: no entry.open the list

Checked against these sources on 4 November 2026. Spot a mistake? Tell us.