PoreWise One finding · Review article · 2026
Study title
Pantothenic Acid as an Unexpected Cause of Hypersensitivity to Sensitive or Atopic Skin Care Products - A Narrative Review
- Kind of evidence
- Review article 2026 · People with atopic or damaged skin using panthenol-containing products · PMID 42514853
- Measured outcome
- Sensitization
- Year
- 2026
- Who was studied
- People with atopic or damaged skin using panthenol-containing products
- Sample size
- Measured outcome
- Panthenol is treated as non-allergenic, this review argues that frequent exposure, especially on damaged skin, can produce hypersensitivity to it. The likely route is a delayed (type IV) contact reaction; immediate and mixed reactions remain possible. Proposes patch testing with the patient's own product and with panthenol 5% in petrolatum.
- Certainty
- Low
- Who was measured
- People who use panthenol products repeatedly, particularly those with atopic or damaged skin - the group the author says is most exposed.
- Study limits
- A single-author narrative review. The mechanism it proposes is stated as likely. Read it as a reason to keep panthenol on the list of possible allergens.
Where it comes from
- Pantothenic Acid as an Unexpected Cause of Hypersensitivity to Sensitive or Atopic Skin Care Products - A Narrative Review
Published by Pharmaceutics (Lis) · Last checked 2026-10-26
Ingredients it was measured on
Skin concerns studied
Other findings on the same ingredient or concern
- Skin effectThe Effectiveness and Safety of a Skin Care Product With Centella asiatica Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, and Panthenol in Subjects With Sensitive Skin: A Prospective, Observational Study
In 88 women with sensitive skin, a face cream containing Centella asiatica leaf extract, ceramide NP and panthenol lowered the SS-10 symptom score by 66% at week 2 and 76% at week 4, with irritation, tautness, itching and redness all significantly reduced.
Human trial · 2025 · 88 people · women with sensitive skin · Chinese women with sensitive skin applying the cream to the whole face, followed up at day 2, weeks 1, 2 and 4. · Observational and self-controlled.
- Skin effectEvaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment: Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study
After facial non-ablative fractional laser treatment, a panthenol mask lowered the erythema and pigmentation indices on days 3, 7 and 14 against a saline dressing, raised stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss over the same days. Sebum content was also higher in the mask group on days 7 and 14.
Human trial · 2025 · 60 people · Adults recovering from facial non-ablative fractional laser treatment · Skin recovering from 1550 nm and 1927 nm non-ablative fractional laser on the face. Both groups received standard post-procedure care. · The mask also contained madecassoside and bisabolol. It is one trial of 60 people, all recovering from the same procedure, and the published grant list includes L'Oreal Dermatological Beauty China (La Roche-Posay).
- Skin effectEfficacy and safety of a cream containing panthenol, prebiotics, and probiotic lysate for improving sensitive skin symptoms
In 110 people with facial sensitive skin, a cream containing panthenol used twice daily for 28 days significantly increased stratum corneum moisture and reduced erythema index, redness (a* value) and transepidermal water loss.
Human trial · 2024 · 110 people · people with facial sensitive skin · People with facial sensitive skin applying the cream twice daily for 28 days. · Panthenol was combined with prebiotics and a probiotic lysate.
- Skin effectA cream containing linoleic acid, 5% dexpanthenol and ceramide in the treatment of atopic dermatitis
In 38 children with atopic dermatitis, a cream containing linoleic acid, 5% dexpanthenol and ceramide improved SCORAD significantly more than a 5% urea cream after 4 weeks (P = 0.043); both groups improved from baseline.
Human trial · 2024 · 38 people · children with atopic dermatitis (37 completed) · Children with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis applying the cream twice daily for 4 weeks in a randomised, double-blind, bilateral paired design. · Both interventions were non-prescription moisturisers: this is emollient / basic skin care. Small sample (37 completed); stratum corneum hydration and time to remission stayed close between groups.
- Skin effectNiacinamide-containing facial moisturizer improves skin barrier and benefits subjects with rosacea
A facial moisturiser containing niacinamide improved stratum corneum barrier function and skin hydration, measured instrumentally, in people with rosacea over four weeks of twice-daily use.
Human trial · 2005 · 50 people · Adults with rosacea · A leave-on facial moisturiser, applied twice daily for four weeks, in adults with rosacea. · The tested article was a finished moisturiser. Fifty participants, one centre, four weeks. The study measured barrier function and hydration.