Pro-vitamin B5
Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is a water-soluble vitamin. It is found in most foods and is involved in many metabolic processes in the body. Whole grain products of all kinds, eggs, rice, nuts, milk, brewer’s yeast and avocados are particularly rich in pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). From connective tissue to mucous membranes to skin and nails: Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is indispensable for humans. The daily requirement for adults is around 6 milligrams. Panthenol is present in many preparations from the dietary supplement and cosmetics sectors: Pro-vitamin B5, also occasionally referred to as dexpanthenol, is a chemically related compound that is transformed into pantothenic acid in the human body. Pro-vitamin B5 plays a major role in medical skin care. For example, pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol) can support the formation of new skin cells and thus contribute to regeneration. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) was discovered in America as early as 1931. Originally, the discovery was used to promote the growth of yeast cultures.
Pro-vitamin B5: interesting facts and information
Pro-vitamin B5 or panthenol and the resulting pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) have a moisture-binding, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect. A concentration of just 1.0 percent is enough to strengthen the skin’s important barrier function. The substance also improves the ability of the body’s own horny layer to bind water, so that the skin gains elasticity. No wonder that pro-vitamin B5 in ointment form should often be applied to newly stung tattoos. After all, the substance promotes cell regeneration in wounds and is used in many sunscreen and after-sun preparations. In addition, pro-vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) also promotes healing in inflamed baby bums, especially since it also relieves itching. In hair care, pro-vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) has a moisturizing and smoothing effect. Chemically speaking, it is only a tiny molecule that can easily penetrate the hair shaft. Via the scalp, it even reaches the hair roots, where it can also develop its positive effect.
Finally, pro-vitamin B5 and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) also play a major role in nail care. The substance is also water-binding here, which contributes to improved flexibility.
Pro-vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is nowadays often used as a medicine or medical product, as the substance is excellent for the external treatment of burns, hair growth disorders and wounds.
Pro-vitamin B5 in cosmetics
However, the main focus is still on cosmetics. A vitamin B5 deficiency occurs when the body is supplied with too little pro-vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Typical signs of such a deficiency include sensory disturbances in the limbs (tingling or slight numbness), pain in the soles of the feet and toes, brittle hair and dry, cracked skin. Persistent fatigue, severe sleep disturbances and depression may also indicate a deficiency. Sufficient supply should therefore be ensured in any case. People with intestinal disorders and alcohol problems are particularly likely to suffer from a deficiency of pro-vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Conversely, a slight overdose is only very rarely harmful to health. However, those who consume pro-vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) in very large quantities must expect disorders of the intestinal tract. Malfunctions in the formation of new blood vessels and vasodilatation have also been observed in individual cases of very high overdoses.
However, side effects are hardly known so far. In very rare cases, however, slight redness, irritation or contact allergies have been observed. An allergy test would then be helpful under certain circumstances.
Panthenol fact sheet:
CAS No.: 81-13-0
ATC Code: AX03XA12AX26
Other names: Dexpanthenol, pantothenol, D-pantothenyl alcohol and provitamin B5.
Molecular formula: C9H19NO4
Boiling point: 118 to 120 degrees Celsius
Uses: ointments, lotions, sprays, lozenges, injections (for hair loss), shampoos, hair treatments, lip care products, sunscreen products, antiperspirants.
Nature: it is a slightly sticky, water-soluble substance, generally presented as a viscous, colorless and hygroscopic liquid.
Odor: discreet and pleasant
Risks: no age-related restrictions, no known risks harmful to health, in rare cases allergic reactions are possible.
We like to work with these pro-vitamin B5-containing active ingredients:
| Tradename | INCI | Supplier | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-Panthenyl Ethyl Ether | Panthenyl Ethyl Ether , Ethyl Panthenol | Zheijang | |
| Unilucent PA-13 | Panthenyl Triacetate , Acetyl Rheum Rhaponticum Root Extract | Induchem | |
| Uniprotect PT-3 | Oleyl Alcohol , Panthenyl Triacetate , Ethyl Linoleate , Tocopherol | Induchem | |
| LITOQUAT 30 | Panthenyl Hydrozypropyl Steardimonium Chloride | Guangzhou | |
| Unisooth PN-47 | Panthenyl Triacetate , Naringenin | Induchem | |
| Unireduce R-35 | Farnesyl , Panthenyl Triacetate , Tocopheryl Acetate | Induchem | |
| TRIspire Vitalize | Panthenyl Hydroxypropyl Steardimonium Chloride | TRI-K | |
| D-Panthenyltriacetate | Panthenyl Triacetate | Induchem | |
| Unitrienol T-27 | Farnesyl Acetate , Farnesol , Panthenyl Triacetate | Phoenix Chemical | |
| Follicusan DP | Aqua , Alcohol Denat. , Panthenyl Ethyl Ether , Inositol , Milk Protein (Lactis Proteinum) , Lactose , Acetyl Cysteine , Acetyl Methionine , Sodium Citrate , Citric Acid | CLR Chemisches Laboratorium Dr. Kurt Richter GmbH | |
| Curasan | Aqua (Aqua) , Decyl Glucoside , Panthenyl Ethyl Ether , Glyceryl Laurate , Tocopheryl Acetate , Phytantriol , Lactic Acid , Chitosan | CLR Chemisches Laboratorium Dr. Kurt Richter GmbH | |
| Unitrienol T-272 WSL | Farnesyl Acetate , Farnesol , Panthenyl Triacetate | Induchem | |
| D-Panthenol 50 P | Panthenol , Propylene Glycol | BASF | |
| D-Panthenol 75 W | Panthenol | BASF | |
| D-Panthenol USP | Panthenol | BASF | |
| DL-Panthenol | Panthenol | TRI-K Industries | |
| Omega-CTP-Active | Aqua, Panthenol, Arginine, Glycerin, Proline, Glycine, Sorbitol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Copper Tripeptide-1 | Gfn-Selco | |
| Omega-CH-Activator | Aqua, Panthenol, Arginine, Glycerin, Proline, Glycine, Sorbitol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Copper Tripeptide-1 | Gfn-Selco | |
| Biophytex LS 9832 | Aqua , Butylene Glycol , Panthenol , Escin , Glycerin , Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract , Ammonium Glycyrrhizate , Centella Asiatica Extract , Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein , Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract | BASF | |
| Asebiol LS 9853 | Aqua , Pyridoxine HCL , Niacinamide , Glycerin , Panthenol , Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein , Threonine , Allantoin , Biotin | BASF | |
| Multivit Shuttle (PF) | Aqua , Glycerin , Sorbitol , Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract , Lecithin , Xanthan Gum , Panthenol , Tocopheryl Acetate , Glyceryl Linoleate , Glyceryl Linolenate , Diatomaceous Earth | Infinitec |
Conclusion: Pro-vitamin B5 and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) are also indispensable for cosmetics.
Moisture-binding, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing: these three properties are probably the best way to describe pro-vitamin B5, which is later converted into pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) in the body. The substance is just as irreplaceable in medical skin and hair care as in cosmetics and at the same time convinces with virtually no side effects. Nobody has to be afraid of a slight overdose either, because harmful consequences for health only occur in the case of extremely high consumption, which can actually be ruled out according to human judgement. However, there is solid evidence and arguments for the high benefit and importance of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), which impressively prove the extraordinary value of this ingredient.
If you enjoyed this article, we look forward to your feedback. Why not publish a review in our profile?
Literature:
A novel treatment of diaper dermatitis in children and adults.
Dall’Oglio F, Musumeci ML, Puglisi DF, Micali G.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Apr;20 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):1-4
Nisbet SJ, Targett D, Rawlings AV, Qian K, Wang X, Lin CB, Thompson MA, Bulsara PA, Moore DJ.Int J Cosmet Sci. 2019 Dec;41(6):534-547
Werner M, Herling M, Garbe B, Theek C, Tronnier H, Heinrich U, Braun N.Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2017;30(6):284-291
Gorski J, Proksch E, Baron JM, Schmid D, Zhang L.Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2020 Jun 29;13(7):138
Schmid DA, Domingues MP, Nanu A, Kluger N, de Salvo R, Trapp S.Health Sci Rep. 2022 Jun 27;5(4):e635