Why is D-panthenol used in the shampoo and skincare industries?

D-panthenol, commonly known as provitamin B5, mainly includes calcium D-pantothenate and D-panthenol. D-panthenol is the precursor of vitamin B5, so it is also called provitamin B5, and the forms is water-soluble and viscous to crystalline. Because vitamin B5 is not very stable and is not suitable for direct use in cosmetics, its precursor panthenol is used. Panthenol can be divided into three types: spheroid (DL-type), dextrorotary body (D-type), and levorotatory body (L-type), of which only D-panthenol has biological activity. The cosmetic and personal care industry mainly uses D-panthenol.

Panthenol is widely used in various fields from hair to skincare.

Effects of panthenol on the hair:

D-panthenol has been used in many hair care products, the care applied to the hair is manifested as a long-lasting moisturizing function, preventing split ends, damage, increasing the density of the hair, and improving the luster of the hair. Therefore, it is often used in shampoo and conditioner by personal care product manufacturers, which is why everyone can often see it.

Using panthenol-containing shampoos can leave some sticky, clear residue on your hair. These substances encapsulate the hair and give it shine. Although it cannot densify and strengthen the hair, it can be used as a lubricant to improve the quality of the hair, making the hair silky and not tangled. Therefore, in the process of shampoo processing, shampoo manufacturers often add panthenol as a lubricant and a moisturizing agent.

In hair care products, panthenol can either cover the surface of the hair for protection or penetrate deeply into the hair. Keep the moisture in hair and skin free from air, prevent dandruff caused by excessive drying of hair, effectively reduce hair split ends, and repair damage caused by chemical or mechanical (such as perming, coloring, styling, brushing, etc.). Gives hair shine, lubrication and reduces tangles. It is also converted into vitamin B in the hair (Drug & Cosmetics Industry).

Effects of panthenol on the skin:

Structurally, panthenol is a small-molecule humectant that penetrates into the stratum corneum, bringing moisture to the stratum corneum, softening the skin, and improving roughness and peeling.

Once panthenol enters the skin, it is like a superman who takes off his coat and directly turns into vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Experiments have shown that products with higher concentrations of panthenol (1%-5%) will have a significant effect on the skin barrier function. The long-term effects of using the product containing 2.5% D-panthenol for 7 days, compared with the control product, the water content of the stratum corneum was significantly improved, TEWL (transepidermal water loss rate, the higher the value, the more severely damaged the barrier) Decreased significantly. Using products containing 3% D-panthenol, the dryness, itching, and roughness of the skin are significantly improved.

Panthenol is also often added to ointments and lotions for its soothing properties, reducing the effects of sunburn, dry skin, and certain skin conditions.

In fact, although not recommended, this vitamin B5 derivative is safe to consume directly without causing any damage to the body.

Big cosmetic companies typically use pantothenic acid in products ranging from hair care products to mascara, but some smaller companies also use it as a natural ingredient because this vitamin derivative is not only organic but also safe for the skin.

After talking about the efficacy of panthenol, you may have doubts about its safety of panthenol. Does panthenol stimulate the human body? Is it healthy and harmless?

According to a saying of a shampoo manufacturer with 9 years of shampoo processing experience in the industry, although panthenol is a common additive ingredient, no contact allergy problems caused by panthenol have been found in the entire industry, unless you take a lot of shampoo by mouth, so you can use it with confidence. But consumers should be aware of other harmful ingredients when using the products with D-panthenol.