Get to know Panthenol, Vitamin B5 that is Beneficial for Beauty

Maybe you realize there is an ingredient called panthenol in various cosmetic products that you use. Panthenol itself is a chemical made from pantothenic acid aka vitamin B5.

"B5 binds and retains water effectively, moisturizes the skin, and helps maintain softness and elasticity," explains Dr. Suneel Chilukuri, MD, of Refresh Dermatology in Houston, TX, quoted from the Byrdie page.

Read: Vitamin B5: Definition, Benefits, Food Sources

Unlike other common moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 has the added advantage of acting as a humectant and emollient.

Humectants attract and bind water to the skin, while emollients close the cracks in the skin, keeping the water locked.

Panthenol is a natural ingredient that can be obtained from plants and animals. Some other names of panthenol that Moms can find are:

• Dexpanthenol
• D-pantothenyl alcohol
• Butanamide
• Alcohol analogue of pantothenic acid
• Provitamin B5

Uses of Panthenol for Beauty

Vitamin B5 is commonly used as a topical cosmetic (smeared). Panthenol is useful for protecting the skin from irritation and evaporation of water.

Here are some of the benefits of provitamin B5 for beauty. Starting from skin, and hair, to nails:

1. Protects the Skin

As content in skincare, panthenol content can increase moisture retention in the skin, making it soft, smoother, and more supple.

"This substance will penetrate the lower skin layer and introduce water into the cells, retaining moisture deep in the tissues," says Dr. Manish Shah, MD, a Plastic surgeon, and Denver-based dermatologist.

You can find this beneficial ingredient in various skincare products.

Examples, facial moisturizers, face masks, serums, facial cleansers, toners, eye creams, sunscreens, makeup removers, body washes, and shaving cream products.

It can also be found in some cosmetic products, such as mascara, foundation, eyebrow products, eyeliner, lipstick, bronzer, highlighter, powder, or setting spray.

Another benefit of panthenol for the skin is that it copes with insect bites, diaper rash, and irritation.

"The same cells can improve the skin barrier function, so it is important for wound healing, which is why panthenol is often used for minor skin injuries," adds Dr. Manish Shah.

Applying products with this content will accelerate cell turnover and stimulate fibroblasts in the skin.

This is especially important for wound healing since fibroblasts are necessary to make structural skin proteins such as collagen and elastin.

Its ability to attract moisture (and control water loss) also promotes skin regeneration, which further favors wound recovery.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information even mentions panthenol as a skin protector that has anti-inflammatory properties.

The reason is, that vitamin B5 is able to soothe red skin, irritation due to shaving, and eczema.

"Panthenol has also been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect on UV-induced redness, which is why it is often found in ointments used for sunburn," explains Dr. Suneel Chilukuri.

2. Taking Care of the Hair

Not only for the skin, but panthenol is also useful for caring for hair. The content, better known as provitamin B5, can make hair shiny, smooth, strong, and moisturized.

Research by the British Journal of Dermatology revealed that panthenol can prevent thinning hair.

Moms can take advantage of vitamin B5 for this hair by using a variety of panthenol-enriched hair care products.

Starting from shampoos and conditioners, styling gels, hair mousse, and hair sprays, to detanglers.

3. Strengthens Nails

Nails are made from keratin protein-like hair. Therefore, vitamin B5 is also useful for strengthening nails, as well as making them shiny.

Based on a study from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, applying products containing provitamin B5 to the nails can hydrate the nails and prevent the nails from breaking.

Panthenol Safety

After knowing the various benefits of vitamin B5 for beauty, You certainly ask whether panthenol is safe to use?

In general, this content is good for all skin types, and especially those with dry or flaky skin.

Based on research from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission on Cosmetic Ingredients, panthenol is also said to be safe to use in cosmetic products.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also revealed that vitamin B5 is safe to use topically and in sprays, including for children.

Most studies conclude that vitamin B5 concentrations for skin, hair, and nails are safe to use with a concentration of 5 percent. The risk of allergies is also very small.

You can use products that contain products containing this vitamin B5 every day.

More optimally, when combined with humectant products such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramide.

Don't forget to always read the rules of use listed in the product packaginggs.

However, like any other ingredient, allergies are always possible, although the probability here is low.

If you are worried, moms can test a small number of products with this content elsewhere on the body before applying it to the entire skin.

Apparently, panthenol or vitamin B5 is indeed very useful for skin, hair, and nails, right?

Make sure to consult a doctor before using it so that it can guarantee its safety on your skin.