Vitamin B5– also known as panthenol– is one of those skin care ingredients that can fill multiple roles and plays well with others. Without taking any of the credit, panthenol improves skin quality and works quickly to help other ingredients work more effectively. Efficient, versatile, and highly effective, it’s a true powerhouse.
Keep reading to learn more about panthenol, its benefits for the skin, and how to use it in your skincare routine.
IN A NUTSHELL
Ingredient Category: Moisturizer, Humectant
Main Benefit: Also known as vitamin B5, panthenol acts as both a moisturizer and a humectant, meaning it helps your skin retain moisture.
Find it in: H2 Oh Yeah Hydrating Moisturizer, Youth Fairy Retinol Moisturizer, and Just Dew It Hydrating Serum.
Benefits of Panthenol
Panthenol has a multitude of benefits, but perhaps its most outstanding one is the role it plays as a moisturizer. When panthenol hits the skin, it becomes vitamin B5, which is known for its moisturizing properties.
As a humectant, panthenol pulls up moisture from the deeper layers of the skin so it looks more firm and plump. It also acts as an emollient meaning it softens and soothes the skin. Because it also helps your skin retain water, it stays soft and moisturized longer.
How to Use Panthenol
The easiest way to use panthenol is within skincare products. Because it is so effective at transforming dry, dehydrated skin, we have included panthenol, along with other super hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalane, in our Just Dew It hydrating serum, Youth Fairy retinol moisturizer, and H2 Oh Yeah hydrating moisturizer.
There are also great hair care products out there that contain panthenol, which results in a shinier, healthier-looking hair. Just as it does with skin, panthenol will form a protective layer on your hair.
Panthenol also happens to be a great ingredient in nail care products, so the next time you’re at the drugstore, see if you can find a nail polish or nail cream with panthenol to keep your hands looking smooth.
You can also take vitamin B5 in a pill form or consume it from food. Food sources of vitamin B5 are meats (like pork and beef), fish, grains, dairy products, avocados, and vegetables like mushrooms and sweet potatoes. However, do not ingest panthenol in non-pill form as it’s thought to cause stomach issues.
In addition, panthenol can be found in many baby products, so look for it when you’re searching for products to keep baby’s skin soft. While you should always check with your doctor regarding anything you use during pregnancy, panthenol is believed to be safe to use.
If you haven’t already, including panthenol as part of your skin care routine will greatly benefit your skin, hair, and nails– especially if they tend to be on the dry side.
