PoreWise Ingredient
Panthenol
Public databasePANTHENOL
Panthenol is provitamin B5. A humectant that is also used for its soothing reputation in after-sun and sensitive-skin products. The strongest evidence comes from a 2025 human trial: 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. 2025 · 88 people · women with sensitive skin · PMID 40682399 · Observational and self-controlled. 24 products contain Panthenol; the highest it appears is number 2 of 67.
- INCI name:
- PANTHENOL
- CAS number:
- 81-13-0
- Source:
- PubChem
Functions
Products with this ingredient
Panthenol appears on 24 product ingredient lists, most often around number 10; its highest position is number 2 of 67.
Studies and results
- 1 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.
- 2 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.
- 3 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.
- 4 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).
- 5 Skin effectThe efficacy of a bioactive moisturizer in mitigating side effects of acne therapies: a randomized, investigator-blind, split-face trial
In a randomized, investigator-blind, split-face trial of 40 Asian acne patients, a moisturizer containing 4-t-butylcyclohexanol, licochalcone A, ceramide and panthenol improved facial hydration more than a traditional moisturizer (p=0.001) and produced lower dryness scores (p=0.021) over 4 weeks.
Human trial · 2026 · 40 people · Asian acne patients using adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel or oral isotretinoin · Facial hydration and investigator-rated dryness over 4 weeks. · All participants were on prescription acne therapy (including oral isotretinoin), so the dryness is drug-induced; both sides used a moisturizer, so this is a comparison between two moisturisers; acne lesion counts decreased equally on both sides.
What to watch for
- 1 SensitizationPantothenic Acid as an Unexpected Cause of Hypersensitivity to Sensitive or Atopic Skin Care Products - A Narrative Review
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.
Review article · 2026 · People with atopic or damaged skin using panthenol-containing products · People who use panthenol products repeatedly, particularly those with atopic or damaged skin - the group the author says is most exposed. · 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.
Skin concerns this ingredient has been studied for
The people in each study had that concern.
Common questions
- What does Panthenol do in skincare?
- Panthenol is provitamin B5. A humectant that is also used for its soothing reputation in after-sun and sensitive-skin products.
- Where does Panthenol sit in these formulas?
- Panthenol appears in 24 products; highest on the list is number 2 of 67, in 3-Ceramide + Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream.
- Which products contain Panthenol?
- Products that contain Panthenol: 3-Ceramide + Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream, Gentle Skin Cleanser, Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum, Cicaplast Baume B5+, Daily Face Cleanser Foaming Gel, Gentle Foaming Cleanser. Plus 18 more.
- How strong is the evidence behind Panthenol?
- 5 findings on Panthenol; the strongest is a 2025 human trial of 88 women with sensitive skin.
- What did the study on Panthenol measure?
- 2025 · 88 people · women with sensitive skin · PMID 40682399 · Observational and self-controlled.
- Is there anything to watch for with Panthenol?
- Yes. One caution applies to Panthenol, listed above.