DL-Panthenol

Bioactive Pro-Vitamin B5 for Deep Hydration and Repair

INCI Name: Panthenol

DL-Panthenol is the highly effective pro-vitamin of D-Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), ideal for skin, hair, and nail formulations. As a powerful humectant, it attracts and holds moisture for deep, long-lasting hydration. It soothes and conditions skin, improves hair shine and elasticity, and enhances nail flexibility. Its stable, easy-to-use powder form enables seamless incorporation into serums, creams, conditioners, and treatments.

Solubility Notes:

Freely soluble in water, alcohol, and propylene glycol. Add to the water phase; gentle heating can aid dissolution.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Barrier Repair Creams & Lotions

Fortifies the skin's natural barrier, reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and soothes sensitive or compromised skin.
Hydrating Face & Body Serums

Delivers a concentrated dose of moisture deep into the skin, leaving it feeling soft, plump, and supple in lightweight formulations.
Hair Repair Conditioners & Masks

Penetrates the hair shaft to provide long-lasting moisture, reduce split ends, and improve luster, sheen, and strength.
Soothing Scalp Treatments

Calms and moisturizes a dry, irritated scalp, helping to reduce flakiness and promote a healthy environment for hair growth.
Nail Strengthening Formulas

Improves hydration and imparts flexibility to brittle nails, helping to prevent breakage and splitting in cuticle oils and treatments.
Post-Sun & Aftercare Products

Provides soothing and moisturizing benefits to skin after sun exposure, helping to calm redness and support the natural repair process.

Performance & Formulation Insights for DL-Panthenol

How Pro-Vitamin B5 Works

DL-Panthenol is a racemic mixture of D-Panthenol and L-Panthenol. Upon topical application, the D-enantiomer is converted into Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), an essential component of Coenzyme A that supports cellular metabolism and the synthesis of lipids and proteins vital for barrier integrity and regeneration. Functionally, Panthenol is a potent humectant that attracts and binds water within the stratum corneum and hair fiber, delivering deep, lasting hydration. This mechanism helps plump the skin, soften fine lines, and increase hair elasticity and resilience, while also improving nail flexibility and reducing brittleness.

Formulation Guidelines

DL-Panthenol is a white, crystalline powder freely soluble in water, alcohol, and propylene glycol. It can be added directly to the water phase at room temperature and stirred until dissolved; gentle heating (up to 70–75°C) for short periods is acceptable if required. It remains stable across a broad pH range (approximately 4.0–7.5), enabling use in most cosmetic systems. Typical usage: 0.5–2% for daily skin and hair care; 1–5% for intensive skin and nail care; up to 5% in targeted treatments. For emulsions, adding during cool-down is often preferred to preserve optimal activity.

Key Formulation Benefits

Deep Moisturization: Attracts and retains water to provide long-lasting hydration for skin, hair, and nails.
Skin Soothing Properties: Helps reduce the feeling of itching and visible redness, suitable for sensitive or post-sun care.
Supports Barrier Function: Assists lipid synthesis to reinforce the skin’s barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Hair Health & Appearance: Conditions and strengthens hair to improve elasticity, reduce split ends, and enhance shine and softness.
Improves Nail Health: Increases nail hydration and flexibility to help prevent brittleness and breakage.
Excellent Stability & Compatibility: Easy-to-use powder with broad pH stability and compatibility across diverse formulations.

Heading #1
Benefits	Barrier Repair, Deep Hydration, Hair & Scalp Care, Hair Repair, Moisturizing & Hydration, Scalp Health, Soothing & Anti-Inflammatory
INCI Name	Panthenol
Usage Rate	0.5%-5%
Active Type	Vitamin B (Panthenol/Niacinamide), Vitamins & Derivatives
Solubility	Water-Soluble
Application Area	Body, Eye, Face, Hair, Lip, Nail, Scalp
Physical Form	Powder
Certifications	Cruelty-Free, Vegan

Frequently Asked Questions About DL-Panthenol

For daily skin and hair care, 0.5–2% is effective. For intensive treatments (e.g., barrier creams or deep conditioning masks), use 2–5%.

D-Panthenol is the biologically active form converted to Vitamin B5 in the skin. DL-Panthenol is a racemic mixture (50% D, 50% L). While both are excellent humectants, only the D-form is bioactive; DL-Panthenol remains a cost-effective option with strong moisturizing and conditioning benefits.

Yes. It is known for soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits and is widely used in products for sensitive, irritated, or compromised skin.

It is relatively heat-stable and tolerates short heating to 70–75°C. For emulsions, adding during cool-down is often preferred.

It penetrates the cuticle and cortex to provide long-lasting moisture, improving strength, flexibility, and shine, while helping to reduce split ends and increase the appearance of thickness.

DL-Panthenol is stable between pH 4.0 and 7.5, fitting well within most cosmetic systems.

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