What is Panthenol?

Humectant and conditioning agent

Panthenol is the alcohol form of vitamin B5. Formulators put it in leave on products as a humectant, the kind of ingredient that binds water inside a formula, and as a conditioning agent. It dissolves in water, so it belongs to the water phase and usually sits in the upper half of an ingredient list.

What can you expect from it?

Skin holds more moisture and loses less water.
7 days of use
Skin roughed up by harsh cleansers gets its barrier back.
3 weeks of use
It leaves the bacteria living on your skin alone.

What won't it do?

Claims you often see, and what is actually true.

Cream results aren't shown for toners, essences or serums.
Panthenol works regardless of the product format
It doesn't feed your skin.
Vitamin B5 nourishes or feeds the skin

Anything to watch out for?

Safe at the levels cosmetics use.

What does it pair well with?

Ceramide Hyaluronic acid
Panthenol fits with ceramides, which act on the same fat layers, and with moisture binders such as hyaluronic acid. Those pairs haven't been tested.
Fine to use together

How much, and for how long?

Which percentage works best isn't known yet.

Moisture changes within 7 days, and the barrier recovers with 3 weeks of use.

Which products feature it?

601 of the 2320 products we've checked feature this as a key ingredient. Products that disclose a concentration or list it near the top of the ingredient list come first.

Showing 1 to 12.

DEMAF
Panthenol 30% Ampoule
Key: Panthenol (#2 on the ingredient list · 30.086%), Asiaticoside, Madecassoside
Official (Korean)
1 claim checked
claims, checked
Panthenol 30%backed by evidence
sidmool
SKINSOURCE D-PANTHENOL AMPOULE
It's made for better barrier support and better hydration.
Key: Panthenol (#2 on the ingredient list · 30%), Pantolactone, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Official (Korean)
4 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
better hydration · better barrier support
See each claim
claims, checked
- Helps with barrier management, moisturizationplausible, not tested
- An ingredient for skin whose barrier has weakened and become sensitive for various reasonsplausible, not tested
UK-origin pro vitamin B5 D-panthenolpartly backed
- Problematic skin, weakened skinpartly backed
sidmool
D-PANTHENOL 20 MULTI BALM
It's made for better hydration and calmer skin.
Key: Panthenol (#2 on the ingredient list · 20%), Glutathione, Biotin
Official (Korean)
5 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
better hydration · calmer skin · better barrier support
Don't count on:
a brighter skin tone
See each claim
claims, checked
We have prepared it so that you can multi-care for weakened and sensitized skin.plausible, not tested
- With UK DSM's Dexpanthenol 20%: soothing, barrier, and moisture hydration managementpartly backed
Dexpanthenol + Glutathione + 5-nano Hyaluronic Acid + 4 types of multivitaminspartly backed
- With Glutathione, Hyaluronic Acid, and 4 types of multivitamins, deliver bright and moist skinno supporting source found
- Smooth spreadability GOOD! Healthy and firm barrier care!nothing specific to check
cerabera
ATO PANTHENOL LOTION
It's made for better barrier support and calmer skin.
Key: Panthenol (#2 on the ingredient list · 10%), Ceramide, Ectoin
Official (Korean)
47 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
better hydration (amount unknown) · better barrier support (amount unknown) · firmer skin · calmer skin (amount unknown)
Free of:
the ingredients it lists
See each claim
claims, checked
*BPC+(Barrier Protect Complex Plus): Ceramide, Panthenol, Madecassoside, Ectoin, Mugwort oil, Hyaluronic acid.backed by evidence
We do not add harmful substances such as parabens, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, methylchloroisothiazolinone, etc., so you can use it safely on your child.backed by evidence
Methylparaben ethylparaben isopropylparaben propylparaben isobutylparaben butylparaben P-hydroxybenzoic acid imidazolidinyl urea methylisothiazolinone methylchloroisothiazolinonebacked by evidence
Acquired the excellent grade from the demanding German Dermatest for atopic skin.backed by evidence
Seravela Ato Panthenol Lotion is a product that can be used on the entire body, not just the face.backed by evidence
Panthenol helps soothe skin and improves skin barrier.plausible, not tested
Ceramide oil-moisture balance care, strengthens skin barrier from within.plausible, not tested
Madecassoside helps soothe damaged skin.plausible, not tested
Ectoin forms a skin moisture protection film.plausible, not tested
Hyaluronic acid strengthens skin moisture retention.plausible, not tested
Panthenol has a strong property of binding with moisture, helping to generate moisture from within the skin, and is a substance that helps strengthen the skin's moisture barrier.plausible, not tested
Panthenol, pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5)plausible, not tested
High-concentration panthenol 10% deep-sleep carepartly backed
100-hour skin moisture barrier carepartly backed
With high-concentration panthenol 10%, persistent 100-hour moisture barrier carepartly backed
Contains panthenol 10%, Seravela's secret recipepartly backed
With Seribera's secret recipe *BPC+, we care for the skin barrier firmly and moistly.partly backed
*BPC+ contains ingredients that help restore the skin barrier and relieve itching.partly backed
To make panthenol's effect fast and long-lasting, we made it a high-content lotion.partly backed
Our child's skin barrier & moisture changed in 4 weeks.partly backed
Our child's skin barrier, moist for a long, long timepartly backed
100-hour moisturizing persistence efficacy 126.74% 90.91% 73.22% 65.09% 59.09%partly backed
No mineral oil, artificial fragrance, or artificial color added.partly backed
Harmful ingredients ZERO! Softness UP! 10-free of skin harmful ingredients.partly backed
Since even 0-year-olds (newborns) can use it, it is gentle without irritation.partly backed
No. Seravela Ato Panthenol Lotion is a moisturizing lotion made with safe ingredients for our children, so the whole family from 0 to 100 years old can use it together.partly backed
Because the barrier is not yet complete, we have included only safe ingredients for the delicate skin of children.overstated
Clinically proven effect of improving skin moisture barrier.overstated
Perfect usage without harmful ingredients, minimal ingredient safe formulation.overstated
Beyond low-irritation, 'ultra' low-irritation.overstated
Mugwort oil soothes skin and creates a comfortable skin environment.no supporting source found
Transepidermal water loss improvement effect 47.41%no supporting source found
Skin moisture content improvement effect 26.41%no supporting source found
Cosmetic ingredient safety index all ingredients EWG green grade completed!no supporting source found
Hypoallergenic test no-irritation certification.no supporting source found
Cumulative patch testing non-irritation certified.no supporting source found
We have been officially certified as vegan & cruelty-free by PETA, the worldwide animal protection organization dedicated to protecting animal rights.no supporting source found
Also, we have included Seravela's intention to coexist with nature by using eco-friendly paper and plant-based ink.no supporting source found
Seravela Ato Panthenol Lotion was made to be safely used even if you have a skin rash.no supporting source found
2023 H2 Best New Product in Lotion Category Award.no supporting source found
Baby & pregnant women · skincare · lotion #1no supporting source found
Skin comfortable, barrier moistnothing specific to check
Our child's first moisturizing lotionnothing specific to check
Our child's skin problem solvernothing specific to check
Our child's first lotion, safe formulanothing specific to check
Since it's the first cosmetic a child uses, we removed unnecessary ingredients and made it safely with only the necessary ones.nothing specific to check
365 days, 24 hours, guard for your child's skin.nothing specific to check
ATOPALM
Panthenol Lotion
It's made for calmer skin and better barrier support.
Key: Panthenol (#2 on the ingredient list · 10%), Palmitoyl Palmitamide Mea, Bis-Capryloyloxypalmitamido Isopropanol
Official (Korean)
17 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
calmer skin · better barrier support · better hydration
Free of:
the ingredients it lists
Tests passed:
skin irritation
See each claim
claims, checked
A soft, rich, low irritation high moisture lotion with 10% highly concentrated panthenolpartly backed
A high content of 10% panthenol, genuinely good at soothing and sincere about damaged skin improvement*partly backed
60.1% improvement in the skin barrier damaged by external irritation (physical irritation)partly backed
35.5% improvement in temporary itching caused by drynesspartly backed
Moisture lasts 72 hourspartly backed
63.4% soothing of physical irritationpartly backed
57.9% soothing of chemical irritationpartly backed
Nine skin irritation patch tests completedpartly backed
Free of 10 harmful ingredientspartly backed
MLE® technology applied for enhanced moisturising and protective functionpartly backed
Atopalm Panthenol Lotion, a soothing protective lotion for soft and fast damage* care through the synergy of high content panthenol and ceramide-cholesterol-fatty acidoverstated
143.2% improvement in skin moisture contentoverstated
A visible skin soothing effect even with just one use ... 57.2% improvementoverstated
Irritation test on sensitive skin completedno supporting source found
Suitability test for use on acne-prone skin completedno supporting source found
Ceramide, cholesterol and fatty acid, identical to the components within skin lipid, help strengthen skin barrier function.contradicted by sources
Korea Brand Power Index (K-BPI) No. 1 in the sensitive skincare category for 20 consecutive years, 2007 to 2026nothing specific to check
ETUDE
10-Panthensoside™ Cica Balm
It's made for calmer skin and better barrier support.
Key: Panthenol (#3 on the ingredient list · 10%), Madecassoside
Olive Young US Brand store Official (Korean)
37 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
calmer skin (amount unknown) · better barrier support (amount unknown) · better hydration (amount unknown)
Free of:
9 listed ingredients
See each claim
claims, checked
No artificial fragrance addedbacked by evidence
Contains Panthensoside™ panthenol, madecassosidebacked by evidence
9無 9FREE 9 ingredients not addedbacked by evidence
9 Free Clean Formula animal-derived ingredients, mineral oil, polyacrylamide, imidazolidinyl urea, triethanolamine, synthetic colorants, fragrance, PEG, parabensbacked by evidence
#MoisturizingPowerUpplausible, not tested
#IntensiveSoothingplausible, not tested
Low-irritation cica balm for intensive skin soothing careplausible, not tested
Skin irritation score 0.00 sensitive skin primary irritation test completedplausible, not tested
This product was judged not to cause skin hypersensitivity as a result of the hypoallergenic test.plausible, not tested
This product was confirmed to show no skin adverse reactions when using the product, as a result of the dermatology test.plausible, not tested
Panthenol effect that strengthens the skin barrier, maintains moisture, and soothes dry skinplausible, not tested
Korea Vegan Certification Institute certification completedplausible, not tested
Animal-derived ingredients not usedplausible, not tested
A high-moisturizing balm that spreads on lightlyplausible, not tested
A high-moisturizing balm that softly adheres and applies, and finishes moistly without stickinessplausible, not tested
A balm(Balm)-type formulation that spreads on lightlyplausible, not tested
A low-irritation skin-soothing balm that rolls on softly and absorbs without stickinessplausible, not tested
Suitable for this type of skinplausible, not tested
A low-irritation cica balm with 10% panthenol that soothes stressed skin and troubled areaspartly backed
High-content (10%) panthenol, triple soothing carepartly backed
A low-irritation cica balm with high-content (10%) panthenol that soothes stressed skin and troubled areaspartly backed
Contains Centella Asiatica (Centella extract)partly backed
Sensitive skin care 'Panthensoside panthenol (skin barrier strengthening, dry skin soothing) +madecassoside (irritated skin soothing, skin protection) +Centella Asiatica (skin soothing effect)partly backed
Moisturizing power satisfaction 97%partly backed
Felt it was gentle 95%partly backed
Felt almost no irritation on skin 94%partly backed
Reliable verified testing completed 4 tests completedpartly backed
Triple intensive soothing care for skin soothing Panthensoside™+ Centella Asiaticapartly backed
'Panthenol' is contained at a high content (10%) to strengthen the skin barrier, and 'madecassoside' and 'Centella Asiatica' are contained to soothe the skin.partly backed
Vegan certification, and even the container, clean vegan beauty, SoonJungpartly backed
Weakly acidic PH weakly acidic formulano supporting source found
Low-irritation weakly acidic formula; a weakly acidic formula for comfortable skin that cares for skin moisture-oil balance without collapse even during seasonal transitionsno supporting source found
This product was judged suitable for use on acne-prone skin as a result of the non-comedogenic test.no supporting source found
Use of container with excellent recycling gradeno supporting source found
Before and after cica balm use, definite soothing moisturizing effectno supporting source found
Etude presents a skin solution containing the technology and know-how accumulated through 30 years of sensitive skin research that began with Amorepacific 'SoonJung'.nothing specific to check
Sensitive skin solution proposed by SoonJung for sensitized skin and irritated skinnothing specific to check
LAYER LAB
Panthenol Intensive Cream Plus
It's registered in Korea as a functional cosmetic for wrinkle improvement.
Key: Panthenol (#4 on the ingredient list · 7%), Squalane 10%, Madecassoside 0.2%
Official (Korean)
8 claims, summarized
You can expect:
softer-looking fine lines
Only partly backed:
better hydration · better barrier support
Don't count on:
a smoother skin texture
See each claim
claims, checked
Completed functional cosmetic review (or reporting) for wrinkle improvement under the Cosmetics Act.backed by evidence
Formulated with 4-fold cica including D-Panthenol 7%, Squalane 10%, and Madecassoside 0.2%, and 17 types of amino acids to simultaneously improve moisturization and skin barrier care. Additionally, applied Layer Melt™ technology that turns the cream formulation into an ultra-fine network, designed to allow moisturizing and barrier ingredients to tightly adhere and absorb along skin contours without gaps.partly backed
Additionally, formulated with D-Panthenol 7%, Squalane 10%, 4-fold cica, and 17 types of amino acids to simultaneously consider moisture supply and skin barrier care.partly backed
Powerful high-concentration synergy improves high-moisture barrier in just 30 minutes.overstated
Through human application testing, we confirmed a 265% improvement in skin moisture barrier and a 170% improvement in transepidermal water loss compared to non-applied areas.no supporting source found
These moisturizing and barrier care effects were also confirmed in finished product human application testing. When measured 30 minutes after one use of the D-Panthenol cream, skin moisturization improved by 265%, deep skin moisturization by 5.79%, and moisturization up to 20 layers of the stratum corneum also improved by 177%.no supporting source found
We also confirmed changes to the skin barrier weakened by dryness. The skin barrier damaged by physical irritation improved by 57.58% compared to the control group, and also improved by 50.32% when compared to the existing panthenol cream. Additionally, we confirmed that keratin lifted by external micro-irritation improved by 99.31% after a single use.no supporting source found
In the primary irritation human application test conducted on hypersensitive skin, the skin irritation score was 0.00, resulting in a low-irritation rating, and dermatologist testing was also completed.no supporting source found
Derma Factory
BE;ZERO Comfort Cream
Key: Panthenol (#2 on the ingredient list · 5%), Guaiazulene
Official (Korean)
10 claims, summarized
Don't count on:
calmer skin · better hydration · a smoother skin texture · better barrier support
Tests passed:
hypoallergenic
See each claim
claims, checked
D-PANTHENOL 5% GUAIAZULENE 50ppmplausible, not tested
D-Panthenol is a provitamin B5 that changes into vitamin B5 when absorbed into the skin, helping to protect and strengthen the skin barrier. It has the property of attracting moisture, making it an excellent moisturizing ingredient.plausible, not tested
DERMA FACTORY be:zero Comfort Cream is a low irritant hypoallergenic cream that contains 5% D-panthenol together with 50 ppm Guaizulene and provides comfortable moisturizing to sensitive skin and strengthens and protects the skin barrier.partly backed
Certified vegan, 0.00 of Skin irritation level, Sub-acidic, Minimal ingredients.partly backed
Guaizulene is a blue-colored ingredient that is excellent at soothing heated and irritated skin. This essence, which has a blue color unique to Azulene, delivers soothing effects to the skin.overstated
The lightweight moisturizing cream formula wraps the skin comfortably and provides intensive care for dead skin cells, redness, and tightness caused by skin dryness .overstated
The non-occlusive formulation delivers intensive moisture without suffocation, addressing dryness-induced redness, flakiness, and tightness.overstated
Free from artificial colorants, this minimalist approach ensures zero irritation for consistently healthy skin.overstated
A clinically-tested hypoallergenic formula designed specifically for sensitive skin.no supporting source found
This pH-balanced cream (3.8-5.8) features 5% D-Panthenol to strengthen your skin barrier while guaiazulene provides exceptional soothing properties.no supporting source found
Vegreen
Alcohol-Free Mucin Essence Toner
It's made for better hydration.
Key: Panthenol (#4 on the ingredient list · 3%), Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
Amazon Brand store Official (Korean)
8 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
better hydration (amount unknown) · calmer skin (amount unknown) · a smoother skin texture (amount unknown)
See each claim
claims, checked
With a viscous formula, after application you can feel moist and lustrous skin.backed by evidence
As a toner containing wild yam extract, 5 types of hyaluronic acid and panthenol, it effectively moisturises skin that has become dry from irritation. It also provides an outstanding soothing effect for skin flaking and [temporary] itching caused by dryness.plausible, not tested
Vegan certification completedplausible, not tested
Inner moisture, relief of [temporary] itching, fragrance freepartly backed
Contains wild yam extract rich in plant mucin / contains wild yam derived mucin extractoverstated
CPNP certification (the official European sales safety testing body)overstated
Itch relief immediately on applicationno supporting source found
Low irritation test completedno supporting source found
sidmool
GREEN TEA PANTHENOL LOTION
It's made for better hydration and better barrier support.
Key: Panthenol (#4 on the ingredient list · 3%), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Seed Oil 2.5%, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water 1%
Official (Korean)
4 claims, summarized
Only partly backed:
better hydration (amount unknown) · better barrier support (amount unknown)
See each claim
claims, checked
- Jeju green tea seed oil 2.5% + green tea water 1% + green tea core ingredient epigallocatechin gallate + green tea extract 0.01%partly backed
- With British pro vitamin B5 D-panthenol (dexpanthenol) for skin barrier care and moisture care!partly backed
- Application of 5 types of low/high hyaluronic acid for deeper moisturepartly backed
- Undiluted slightly acidic lotion!no supporting source found
Meditherapy
Squalane Skin Booster Moisturizer
Key: Panthenol (#4 on the ingredient list · 3%), Squalane 8%, Niacinamide
Real Barrier
Real Barrier Extreme Panthenol Essence Mist
It's registered in Korea as a functional cosmetic for brightening and wrinkle improvement.
Key: Panthenol (#4 on the ingredient list · 2.97%), Niacinamide, Adenosine
8 claims, summarized
You can expect:
less visible dark spots · softer-looking fine lines
Only partly backed:
better hydration (amount unknown) · better barrier support (amount unknown)
See each claim
claims, checked
Whitening functional, wrinkle improvement functionalbacked by evidence
*Human efficacy evaluation of Real Barrier Extreme Panthenol Essence Mist on improvement of skin barrier damaged by physical irritation (Test institution: Global Medical Research Center Co., Ltd. / Test period: 23.11.20~23.11.21 / Number of participants: 20 / Individual differences may exist.)backed by evidence
Helps with skin whitening.plausible, not tested
Helps with skin wrinkle improvement.plausible, not tested
A barrier moisturizing mist containing panthenol that strengthens the weakened skin barrier and moisturizes dry skin.plausible, not tested
Extreme Panthenol Mist is a mildly acidic product; spray it frequently whenever you feel dryness for gentle use without irritation.plausible, not tested
Contains proprietary ceramide, cholesterol, and fatty acids to care for the weakened skin barrier.partly backed
Intensive moisture for dry and sensitive skin! Barrier-strengthening panthenol mist.nothing specific to check

Are the claims about it backed up?

We checked each claim that features this ingredient. Open the list below to see the result for each one.

See the results by claim

Result	Claims
backed by evidence	26 of 214
plausible, not tested	45 of 214
partly backed	103 of 214
overstated	7 of 214
no supporting source found	25 of 214
contradicted by sources	2 of 214
nothing specific to check	6 of 214

These are counts of claims, not products. One product can name the same ingredient in several claims, and we checked each one on its own.

Which articles cover it?

Posts on this site that take this ingredient as their subject.

Panthenol and centella: five Korean products that print the number

Sources

We summarized the published studies and public records listed below, each with its DOI or PubMed number. Findings about treating medical conditions are outside what a cosmetics page covers, so we left them out.

What can you expect from it?

Skin holds more moisture and loses less water.
After 7 days on human skin, panthenol raised the water held in the outermost layer and lowered the amount of water escaping through skin, both better than the same base without it.
A 7 day comparison in people against the same oil rich base with the panthenol left out. The record does not say how many people took part.
In a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled human in vivo study, 7 days of topical dexpanthenol in either of two lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss, statistically different from the vehicle control on both measures.
Sources: 2
Skin roughed up by harsh cleansers gets its barrier back.
On skin roughed up with a harsh cleansing agent, the panthenol cream brought the amount of water escaping through skin down further than the control over 3 weeks, and the water held at the surface rose as well.
A 3 week comparison in 23 people, with each person's own skin carrying both sides.
In a randomized intra individual study (n = 23, 3 weeks) on skin challenged with 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate, mean AUC for TEWL reduction from baseline was more pronounced with the panthenol containing emollient than control (-168.36 vs -123.38 g/m2/h, p = 0.023), alongside statistically significant improvements in stratum corneum hydration and the lipid lamellae increase noted above.
Sources: 3
It leaves the bacteria living on your skin alone.
Over the 6 hours after a harsh wash, the panthenol cream did not knock back the bacteria living on skin.
A companion study in 20 people, reading the skin's own bacteria rather than how the skin looked or felt.
In a companion study (n = 20) using a 10% SDS wash stress, the panthenol emollient had no negative impact on bacterial viability over 6 hours.
Sources: 3

What won't it do?

Cream results aren't shown for toners, essences or serums.
The results here were all produced in oil rich cream bases, and no source shows the same barrier results for panthenol in a water based toner, essence or serum.
Read from what the studies actually used as their base, not from any comparison of formats.
The review rationale for topical efficacy is explicitly conditional on an adequate vehicle such as a water in oil emulsion delivering high local concentrations, and the randomized evidence was generated in lipophilic vehicles and an emollient base.
Sources: 1, 2, 3
It doesn't feed your skin.
The nourishing story comes from a job the vitamin does inside the body's chemistry, not from anything measured after putting it on skin. What was measured on skin is that it works like a moisturizer.
Read from the review, which keeps the vitamin's role inside the body separate from what the applied form does.
The nutritional framing borrows from systemic biochemistry.
Pantothenic acid's coenzyme A cofactor role is a metabolic fact about the vitamin, not a demonstrated outcome of topical application.
Sources: 1

Citations

1
Ebner F, Heller A, Rippke F, Tausch I. Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2002;3(6):427-433.DOI 10.2165/00128071-200203060-00005 PMID 12113650
2
Gehring W, Gloor M. Effect of topically applied dexpanthenol on epidermal barrier function and stratum corneum hydration. Results of a human in vivo study. Arzneimittelforschung. 2000;50(7):659-663.DOI 10.1055/s-0031-1300268 PMID 10965426
3
Stettler H, Kurka P, Lunau N, Manger C, Bohling A, Bielfeldt S, Wilhelm KP, Dahnhardt-Pfeiffer S, Dahnhardt D, Brill FH, Lenz H. A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora. J Dermatolog Treat. 2017;28(2):173-180.DOI 10.1080/09546634.2016.1214235 PMID 27425824
4
Scott LN, Fiume M, Bergfeld WF, et al.; Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety. Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2022;41(3 Suppl):77-128.DOI 10.1177/10915818221124809 PMID 36177798

What each point on this page rests on, with full citations.