Speaking of pantothenic acid1—it’s an essential nutrient that’s found in every living cell. It’s required to make coenzyme A, a compound that’s necessary for essential enzymatic processes (and therefore, life). The body only needs small amounts of pantothenic acid. Panthenol, on the other hand, is frequently added to personal products due to its effects on the skin. It’s usually used in the form of a transparent viscous liquid, but it can also be used as a white powder. You can find panthenol listed on labels as pantothenol, D-pantothenol alcohol, dexpanthenol, or provitamin B5. The ingredient also restores and protects the skin barrier2, which is essential for managing general dryness and skin sensitivity. Scientists are still learning how it exactly works, but they think its role in enzymatic processes—which is vital for skin barrier function—plays a part. Moreover, animal studies have found that it increases the mobility of lipids and proteins3 in the stratum corneum (outermost skin layer), resulting in improved hydration. Cheung adds that panthenol speeds up cell turnover and stimulates fibroblasts in the skin5. This is crucial for wound healing, as fibroblasts are necessary6 for creating structural skin proteins like collagen and elastin. These proteins are key for facilitating proper tissue repair and wound closure—and ultimately, happy skin. It’s also worth noting that panthenol is sometimes used in food or as a supplement. In this regard, “panthenol is considered ‘generally recognized as safe’ by the Food and Drug Administration,” shares Cheung.
