Panthenol

Panthenol strengthens your skin’s moisture barrier to improve its ability to hold on to moisture.

Learn about Panthenol

Our ingredients are carefully selected to effectively support your unique skin needs. Learn more about the science behind Panthenol and how it can help you care for your skin.

What is Panthenol?

Panthenol is a precursor of pantothenic acid (or vitamin B5), a key ingredient in many skincare cosmetics in recent years.

Panthenol is a humectant meaning it holds and binds water, and these properties mean that it is ideal when it comes to keeping water in the skin. It also works as an emollient which means it can moisturise and soothe the skin, as well as help protect it from environmental factors and skin stresses.

What does panthenol do for the skin?

Panthenol’s molecular structure and chemical properties mean that it is rejuvenating and benefits a number of different skin issues.

Benefits of panthenol

Panthenol moisturises the skin

Panthenol makes for a great moisturising ingredient. Research has shown that it decreases transepidermal water loss (water that evaporates through the skin). Products containing just 1% of panthenol can rapidly hydrate skin, resulting in a more supple feel and appearance.

This means that panthenol is ideal for skin types that are experiencing particularly stressful environmental factors, such as harsh climates, air conditioning or central heating. Panthenol’s ability to combat transepidermal water loss makes it perfect for dealing with the stresses that these types of factors cause. Cetaphil’s panthenol-containing products such as Cetaphil’s Optimal Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum and Cetaphil’s Optimal Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream are ideal for combatting transepidermal water loss or stressful external environments.

Panthenol helps maintain the skin’s barrier

Panthenol’s emollient properties help to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Your skin barrier consists of natural oils and lipids that protect your skin from water loss, allergens, and bacteria.