Vitamin B5 (D-panthenol)

✦ Powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin and reduces transepidermal water loss
✦ Converts to pantothenic acid upon absorption, supporting cellular repair and skin regeneration
✦ Penetrates the hair shaft to improve elasticity, reduce breakage, and enhance shine
✦ Soothes inflamed and sensitive skin with well-documented anti-inflammatory properties
✦ Effective in both rinse-off and leave-on formulations at use levels of 0.5 to 5%
✦ Vegan, water-soluble, and compatible with nearly all cosmetic actives and systems
✦ Suitable for skincare, haircare, baby care, after-sun, and repair-focused product development

D-Panthenol, or Provitamin B5 (INCI: Panthenol), is the stable cosmetic-grade alcohol form of pantothenic acid, a B-group vitamin essential to human metabolism. First introduced in pharmaceutical wound-healing preparations, D-Panthenol has been a cornerstone active in professional cosmetics since the mid-20th century, valued for its consistent moisturizing, soothing, and skin-conditioning performance across a wide range of product formats.

What distinguishes D-Panthenol from other humectants is its bioactive mechanism. Once absorbed, it is enzymatically converted to pantothenic acid within the skin and hair, where it stimulates cellular proliferation, strengthens the moisture barrier, and accelerates tissue recovery. In hair, this same conversion improves moisture content along the entire shaft, resulting in measurably improved elasticity and smoothness at use levels as low as 0.5%.

Rabibazaar supplies cosmetic-grade D-Panthenol suitable for DIY beauty formulators, independent skincare and haircare brands, salon product developers, and professional cosmetic manufacturers.

INCI Name : Panthenol
Chemical Name : (R)-2,4-Dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide
CAS Number : 81-13-0
Molecular Formula : C9H19NO4
Appearance : Clear, colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid (liquid grade); White crystalline powder (powder grade)
Odor : Faint, characteristic odor
pH (1% solution) : 9.0 – 10.5 (verify with supplier; may vary by grade and concentration)
Solubility : Freely soluble in water; soluble in ethanol; slightly soluble in propylene glycol; practically insoluble in fixed oils
Specific Gravity : 1.19 – 1.21 g/cm³ (liquid form)
Flash Point : >100°C
HLB Value : Not Applicable
Recommended Use Level : 0.5 – 5% in finished formulations
Type : Humectant, Skin Conditioner, Hair Conditioner, Pro-Vitamin Active
Shelf Life : 2 – 3 years when stored in sealed containers away from heat and direct light

Skincare (Creams, Serums, Lotions) ★★★★★
D-Panthenol is a cornerstone active in moisturizing skincare due to its clinically proven humectant and barrier-repair properties. Use at 1 to 5% in the water phase of emulsions or in water-based serums for maximum hydration and soothing effect.

Haircare (Shampoo, Conditioner, Masks) ★★★★★
It penetrates the hair cuticle to improve moisture retention, elasticity, and shine, making it one of the most effective conditioning actives in professional haircare. Add at 0.5 to 2% in shampoos and 1 to 3% in conditioners and hair masks for visible softness and strength.

Soap Making (Cold Process, Melt and Pour) ★★★☆☆
D-Panthenol is largely rinsed off in cold process soap, limiting its conditioning benefit in the finished bar. It performs better in melt-and-pour bases at 1 to 2%, where it supports a skin-softening claim and adds mild conditioning to the lather.

Body Care (Scrubs, Butters, Balms) ★★★★☆
It integrates well in water-containing body lotions and post-exfoliation treatments to restore surface moisture. Use at 1 to 3% in body creams and leave-on balms for a smooth, hydrated skin feel after application.

After-Sun and Baby Care ★★★★★
D-Panthenol's soothing and tissue-repair properties make it particularly well suited to after-sun lotions and gentle baby care products. Use at 1 to 3% in cooling mists, after-sun gels, and nappy rash creams for its calming and healing action on stressed skin.

I use D-Panthenol in almost every water-containing formulation I develop regardless of product category. Its ability to work synergistically with other humectants means I consistently achieve richer, more sustained hydration at lower total actives loadings without introducing stickiness or unwanted drag to the skin feel.

ADVANCED TIP: For a high-performance barrier repair serum, combine D-Panthenol at 3% with niacinamide at 5%, sodium hyaluronate at 0.1%, and allantoin at 0.2% in a lightweight water-glycerin base with glycerin at 4%. Add the D-Panthenol to the water phase during cool-down at below 40°C to preserve full biological activity and avoid any degradation from prolonged heat exposure. This four-active combination targets hydration, barrier function, and cellular renewal simultaneously while maintaining a clean, non-tacky skin feel.

Normal Skin : ★★★★★ — Delivers balanced moisture and supports a healthy barrier without disrupting skin homeostasis.
Dry Skin : ★★★★★ — Deeply hydrates and reduces transepidermal water loss, making it ideal for chronically dry and dehydrated skin.
Oily Skin : ★★★★☆ — Provides lightweight hydration without heaviness or occlusion, helping to balance surface moisture without congesting pores.
Combination : ★★★★☆ — Performs well across both dry and oily zones, supplying targeted hydration without overloading the T-zone.
Sensitive Skin : ★★★★★ — Exceptionally well-tolerated due to its proven anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, even on reactive or compromised skin.
Mature Skin : ★★★★★ — Supports cellular regeneration and plumps the appearance of fine lines through sustained, deep hydration.
Acne-Prone : ★★★★☆ — Non-comedogenic and anti-inflammatory; helps calm post-breakout redness and supports healing without clogging pores.

CONCEPT 1: Intensive Hydration Repair Serum
Usage Level : 3%
Key Ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate 0.1%, Niacinamide 5%, Glycerin 4%, Allantoin 0.2%
Result : A lightweight, fast-absorbing serum that deeply hydrates, visibly reduces redness, and strengthens the skin barrier with consistent daily use.

CONCEPT 2: Repair and Shine Professional Hair Conditioner
Usage Level : 2%
Key Ingredients: Cetyl Alcohol 4%, Behentrimonium Chloride 1%, Hydrolyzed Keratin 2%, Argan Oil 1%
Result : A rich, salon-quality conditioner that rebuilds moisture along the hair shaft, reduces breakage, and delivers long-lasting shine and softness.

CONCEPT 3: Soothing After-Sun Gel Lotion
Usage Level : 2%
Key Ingredients: Aloe Vera Gel 40%, Allantoin 0.2%, Cucumber Extract 2%, Menthol Crystal 0.1%
Result : A cooling, non-greasy after-sun lotion that relieves heat-related irritation, rehydrates stressed skin, and supports rapid surface recovery.

CONCEPT 1: Intensive Hydration Repair Serum
Usage Level : 3%
Key Ingredients: Sodium Hyaluronate 0.1%, Niacinamide 5%, Glycerin 4%, Allantoin 0.2%
Result : A lightweight, fast-absorbing serum that deeply hydrates, visibly reduces redness, and strengthens the skin barrier with consistent daily use.

CONCEPT 2: Repair and Shine Professional Hair Conditioner
Usage Level : 2%
Key Ingredients: Cetyl Alcohol 4%, Behentrimonium Chloride 1%, Hydrolyzed Keratin 2%, Argan Oil 1%
Result : A rich, salon-quality conditioner that rebuilds moisture along the hair shaft, reduces breakage, and delivers long-lasting shine and softness.

CONCEPT 3: Soothing After-Sun Gel Lotion
Usage Level : 2%
Key Ingredients: Aloe Vera Gel 40%, Allantoin 0.2%, Cucumber Extract 2%, Menthol Crystal 0.1%
Result : A cooling, non-greasy after-sun lotion that relieves heat-related irritation, rehydrates stressed skin, and supports rapid surface recovery.

Working pH Range : 4.0 – 7.5 (optimal); stable up to pH 9.0
Heat Stability : Stable up to 80°C for short durations; add to water phase below 40°C for best activity retention
Freeze-Thaw Stable : Yes
Emulsion Type : O/W preferred; compatible with W/O systems at low concentrations
Emulsification Phase: Cold preferred — add to water phase during cool-down for maximum bioactivity
Compatible With : Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, allantoin, ceramides, hydrolyzed proteins, aloe vera
Incompatible With : No major incompatibilities known; avoid prolonged exposure to strong oxidizing agents
Oxidation Risk : Low — no antioxidant required for D-Panthenol alone in standard formulations
Discoloration Risk : None under normal conditions; prolonged high-temperature processing may cause faint yellowing
Formulation Notes : Dissolve fully in the water phase before combining with oil phase; avoid boiling or extended heat to preserve full pro-vitamin conversion activity in the finished product.

Q: What is D-Panthenol and why is it used in cosmetics?
A: D-Panthenol is the cosmetic-grade form of Provitamin B5, which converts to pantothenic acid once absorbed by skin and hair. It is used for its proven ability to hydrate, soothe, repair tissue, and condition both skin and hair across a wide range of product types.

Q: At what percentage should I use D-Panthenol in a face serum?
A: For a face serum, use D-Panthenol at 1 to 3% in the water phase. Concentrations up to 5% are safe and effective but are typically reserved for intensive repair serums or products targeting severely compromised skin.

Q: Can D-Panthenol be used in both rinse-off and leave-on products?
A: Yes, D-Panthenol is effective in both formats. In rinse-off products like shampoos and cleansers, it conditions during contact time. In leave-on formulations, it delivers sustained hydration and ongoing barrier support throughout the day.

Q: Does D-Panthenol work better when paired with other actives?
A: D-Panthenol works synergistically with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and ceramides, enhancing barrier repair and hydration beyond what any single ingredient achieves alone. These combinations are a foundation of professional repair and recovery formulations.

Q: How does D-Panthenol compare to glycerin as a humectant?
A: Both are water-soluble humectants, but D-Panthenol offers additional bioactive benefits that glycerin does not, including pro-vitamin conversion, anti-inflammatory action, and tissue repair stimulation. Glycerin is a stronger humectant on a percentage basis, while D-Panthenol delivers broader cosmetic benefits including hair conditioning and cellular support.

Product evaluation

Review the specifications, supplied grade, intended use and compatibility of Vitamin B5 (D-panthenol) before ordering for production. Test a small quantity in the actual application and document the result before scaling.

Quality control

Inspect the received batch for expected appearance, odor, texture, packaging condition and labeling. Keep supplier and batch records, use accurate measurements, and retain a reference sample when the material is used commercially.

Storage and responsible use

Store tightly closed in a clean, cool and dry location away from direct sunlight. Follow the current supplier instructions and all safety, labeling and regulatory requirements that apply to the intended finished product.