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Panthenol Liquid - 100% Vitamin B5

Panthenol Liquid – 100% Vitamin B5

Price range: $9.75 through $105.00 USD

INCI: Panthenol

Appearance: Viscous Liquid

Concentration: 100%

Usage rate: 0.3 – 5%

PH: 8.0-9.5

D-Panthenol is a plant-derived provitamin of B5 and can be found in many personal care products including cosmetics or shampoos. This ingredient has many beneficial uses to improve skin appearance because of its humectant properties. It helps soothe oxidative stress that presents in the skin. 

D-Panthenol is considered a sustainable and eco-friendly product because it is derived from pantothenic acid (known as vitamin B5). The structure of panthenol has two mirrored sides that do not exactly duplicate one another. Each side possesses a unique biology and chemistry, which developers can amplify or minimize depending on their desired use. It is odorless, colorless, bitter, extremely viscous, and transparent when kept at room temperature. The molecule is soluble in water or alcohol, less so in chloroform and propylene glycol, and it is only slightly soluble in glycerin. The molecule possesses humectant-like moisturizing properties, while retaining the viscosity to spread evenly across hair or skin. It attracts moisture in the air and binds itself to the water molecules. Thus, it protects the skin and hair from dehydration and helps hair avoid tangles or knots.

 

Hair Benefits

Not only does D-Panthenol help maintain moisture in the hair, but it also aids in ease of compatibility, which can help prevent hair breakage caused by tugging and tangling. Its ability to improve the elasticity of hair strands means less breakage and healthier-looking hair overall. By enveloping each strand, D-Panthenol adds a soft, flexible layer that makes detangling a breeze and reduces the risk of split ends and damage during brushing or styling.

 

Panthenol helps hydrate skin and can speed up epidermal wound healing by strengthening the skin cells. By means of nutrient infusion, panthenol can boost the skin’s ability to fight off toxins in the environment.

This is pure D-Panthenol with 100% activity, not to be confused with DL-Panthenol.

  • Humectant: Deeply hydrates the skin by attracting and retaining moisture 

  • Improves skin barrier function, helping to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL)

  • Soothes irritation and redness, making it ideal for sensitive or compromised skin

  • Promotes skin regeneration and healing, useful in after-sun, wound care, and barrier-repair products

  • Enhances skin softness and elasticity for smoother, more supple texture

  • Improves the appearance of dry, flaky, or rough skin

  • Strengthens and conditions hair, improving shine, softness, and resilience

  • Reduces inflammation in scalp care and anti-itch treatments

  • Compatible with a wide range of formulations, including emulsions, gels, sprays, and serums

  • Supports overall skin health through its role in cellular metabolism as a provitamin (converted to pantothenic acid)

  • Strengthens and conditions hair, improving shine, softness, and resilience
  • Enhances combability, helping to prevent hair breakage and reduce tangling
  • Improves elasticity of hair strands, making them less prone to snapping
  • Adheres to the hair cuticle and penetrates to the cortex for deep conditioning
  • Adds natural-looking shine and smoothness to hair

Formulation Guidelines:

  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water and can be added directly to the water phase of emulsions or aqueous products like toners, serums, and gels.
  • Heat Stability: Panthenol is heat stable up to ~80°C, so it can be safely included in the heated water phase if necessary. However, for maximum potency, especially with D-Panthenol, it’s ideal to add it during the cool-down phase below 40°C when possible.
  • Typical Usage Rate:
    • 0.5%–1% for basic moisturizing benefits
    • 1%–5% for stronger soothing, hydrating, and repairing effects
      (Higher concentrations may be used in haircare or therapeutic products.)
  • Form: Viscous, clear liquid that readily dissolves in water
  • Compatibility: Panthenol is compatible with most ingredients, including surfactants, emulsifiers, and actives. It also helps improve the spreadability and texture of formulations.
  • Can incorporate into both cold-processed and heated emulsions along with a diverse variety of other product formulations such as so whether you’re formulating a toners, creams, serums, or shampoos, et. 

The difference lies in the stereochemistry of the molecule:

  • D-Panthenol (also known as dexpanthenol) is the biologically active isomer of panthenol. It is the enantiomer that the human body can convert into vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and use effectively for its skin and hair benefits. D-Panthenol is known for its humectant, soothing, and repairing properties, and is widely used in premium skincare and haircare formulations.

  • DL-Panthenol is a racemic mixture, containing equal parts of the D- and L- isomers. Only the D-isomer is biologically active, while the L-isomer is considered inactive in terms of physiological function. However, DL-Panthenol can still offer moisturizing and conditioning effects due to its physical properties, though at reduced potency compared to pure D-Panthenol.

 

Trying to figure out whether you need d-panthenol or dl-panthenol for your product formulation? 

  • Use D-Panthenol if you are formulating high-performance skincare, haircare, or wound care products where proven efficacy and bioavailability are important. It is especially preferred in products marketed for repair, hydration, barrier support, or clinical performance.

  • DL-Panthenol may be more cost-effective and is still suitable for general cosmetic applications where biological activity is not critical, such as basic moisturizers, rinse-off products, or hair conditioners.

 

What if you have one but not the other? Can you substitute dl-panthenol for d-panthenol 1:1?

Yes, you can substitute DL-Panthenol for D-Panthenol at a 1:1 ratio in terms of weight or volume in a formulation. However, the bioactive benefit will be reduced by approximately 50% since only half of DL-Panthenol is the active D-form. If you substitute DL for D-Panthenol, adjust marketing claims accordingly, especially for products relying on panthenol’s pro-vitamin or skin-repairing functions.

Anti-Inflammatory Support: D-Panthenol is well known for its gentle, calming action on sensitive or stressed skin. Through its support of the skin’s natural repair process, it helps reduce mild irritation, redness, and inflammation—making it a trusted choice in formulations aimed at comfort and recovery. You’ll often find D-Panthenol in aftercare and sensitive skin products, where it helps create a soothing environment and minimizes discomfort caused by external aggressors or environmental stress.

D-Panthenol doesn’t just coat the hair’s surface; it’s able to interact deeply with hair structure. Once applied, it binds to the outer cuticle, creating a smooth, protective layer. But it goes further, absorbing into the hair shaft and reaching the cortex—the central part responsible for strength and elasticity. There, D-Panthenol helps reinforce the internal fiber, enhancing the hair’s resilience, flexibility, and overall shine. Regular use can help hair feel stronger, look smoother, and better resist everyday wear and tear.

Safety Data Sheet
COA #9502
COA #6501

INCI: Panthenol   

Use: 0.3 – 5%

Solubility: Soluble   

PH: 8.0-9.5

Concentration: 100%

Appearance: Viscous Liquid

 

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