Panthenol (Provitamin B5): The Comfort Blanket Your Skin Didn’t Know It Needed
Some ingredients work quietly in the background — no drama, no irritation, just pure comfort. Panthenol, also known as Provitamin B5, is one of them. It may not be as flashy as your acids or retinoids, but when your skin feels dry, tight, or stressed, this is the ingredient that steps in and brings everything back into balance.
What Is Panthenol?
Panthenol is the provitamin form of Vitamin B5, meaning your body converts it into the active vitamin once applied. It’s a humectant, which means it attracts and holds water in the skin — making it incredibly effective for hydration. But it also goes a step further by soothing irritation, supporting skin repair, and strengthening the skin barrier.
What Does It Do for the Skin?
This ingredient shines when your skin feels off. Whether it’s dryness, redness, or sensitivity, Panthenol helps calm things down and locks in moisture so your skin can heal more easily. It’s also amazing for repairing the skin barrier — especially after using strong actives, exfoliants, or harsh weather exposure.
Why Your Skin Will Love It
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Deeply hydrates without feeling heavy
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Soothes irritation, flakiness, or post-treatment sensitivity
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Supports skin healing and repair
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Helps strengthen and protect the skin barrier
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Works well with just about every other ingredient
How to Use It
Panthenol is found in serums, moisturizers, mists, and even healing balms. It’s gentle enough to use morning and night, and safe to apply around the eyes or on irritated areas. Layer it underneath your moisturizer for extra hydration, or use it after actives to help calm and replenish your skin.
Who Should Use Panthenol?
Honestly? Everyone — but especially if your skin is dry, sensitive, easily irritated, or recovering from breakouts or barrier damage. Even oily or acne-prone skin can benefit from its hydrating and soothing properties. It’s the kind of ingredient that quietly makes everything else in your routine work better.
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DISCLAIMER: All skin care articles are intended to help educate on specific ingredients and skin care topics. Our articles are written to be informative and informational. Any reference to a specific patient experience is not a medical suggestion for treatment. Please note that any Prequel products with referenced ingredients are formulated for Cosmetic Use Only and NOT intended as replacements for physician advice and/or pharmaceutical product recommendations.