Ingredient guide · P

Panthenol

Panthenol, also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, is a popular skincare and haircare ingredient that converts into vitamin B5 when applied to skin or hair. It acts as a powerful humectant and conditioner, leaving skin feeling soft and hair looking smooth and shiny. You'll find it in everything from moisturisers and serums to shampoos and conditioners.

Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) — Panthenol is the alcohol form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). For cosmetic use it is … | UK Lips ingredient guide

How it works in skincare

In cosmetics and skincare, panthenol functions as an excellent humectant that draws moisture into the upper layers of the skin and hair shaft. Once absorbed it converts to pantothenic acid, helping to support the skin’s natural barrier function while providing a silky, conditioning feel. It is widely used in leave-on creams, lotions, hair masks and styling products for its ability to improve texture, softness and manageability without leaving a greasy residue.

Key benefits

  • Deeply hydrates and softens skin
  • Helps strengthen the skin barrier
  • Reduces dryness and flaking
  • Improves hair shine and softness
  • Enhances hair elasticity and reduces breakage
  • Provides a smooth, non-greasy feel

Best for

dry skin, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, damaged hair, brittle hair

Where it comes from

Panthenol is the alcohol form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). For cosmetic use it is typically produced from plant-derived sources or synthesised in a laboratory to ensure purity and stability.

Products with Panthenol

Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Panthenol than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.

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