INCI Name
Panthenol
Functions
3 Roles
Sustainability
7/10
Category
humectants
What It Does
Panthenol is the stable alcohol analog of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that readily converts to the vitamin once absorbed into skin or hair. It's exceptionally valued in cosmetics for its dual hygroscopic and penetrative properties—it can hold moisture while also penetrating the hair shaft and skin layers to provide deep conditioning. Formulators favor panthenol because it's highly stable across typical cosmetic pH ranges, compatible with virtually all ingredient classes, and delivers visible improvements in skin smoothness and hair manageability at concentrations as low as 1-5%.
Technical Properties
pH Range
4.0-7.0
Optimal working range
Ionic Charge
nonionic
Molecular charge type
Viscosity Effect
neutral
Impact on formula thickness
Foaming Ability
none
Lather generation
Molecular Profile
Molecular Weight
205.25
g/mol
LogP
-0.90
Partition coefficient (lipophilicity)
H-Bond Donors
4
Hydrogen bond donor count
H-Bond Acceptors
4
Hydrogen bond acceptor count
Polar Surface Area
89.8
Angstroms squared
Ingredient Compatibility
Works Well With
Avoid Combining
Sustainability Profile
Sustainability Score
Biodegradability
readily biodegradable
Source
synthetic
Feedstock
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) derivative
Related Ingredients
Similar humectants to explore
Available Variants
45 forms available
75% Aqueous Solution
75% Liquid Solution
75% Solution
Crystalline Powder, USP Grade
D-Panthenol 75% Liquid (in water carrier; dose accounts for 75% activity)
D-Panthenol, 75% Liquid (DL-Panthenol liquid in water carrier)
DL-Panthenol 75% Liquid
DL-Panthenol 75% Liquid (cosmetic grade)
DL-Panthenol 75% Liquid or 100% Powder
DL-Panthenol 75% Solution
DL-Panthenol Fine Powder, 98%
DL-Panthenol Liquid
DL-Panthenol Liquid (75% Aqueous Solution)
DL-Panthenol Liquid 50%
DL-Panthenol Liquid 75%
DL-Panthenol Powder (98% min purity, Spray-Dried)
DL-Panthenol, 75% Liquid
DL-Panthenol, 75% Liquid (cosmetic grade)
DL-Panthenol, 75% Liquid (dose 1.33% of liquid for 1% active panthenol — adjusted: using 100% pure liquid grade at 1.0%)
DL-Panthenol, 75% Viscous Liquid
Spray-Dried Powder on Maltodextrin Carrier (50-75% Panthenol content)
Standard
Viscous Liquid, 75% D-Panthenol (DL-form acceptable)
Viscous Liquid, DL-Panthenol 75% Solution
75% Aqueous Solution (DL-Panthenol)
75% DL-Panthenol Liquid (clear viscous liquid)
75% DL-Panthenol Liquid (in water/propylene glycol-free carrier)
75% DL-Panthenol Liquid (remainder is water carrier)
75% Liquid (DL-Panthenol, Cosmetic Grade)
75% Viscous Liquid (DL-Panthenol)
Clear Viscous Liquid, DL-Panthenol 75% Solution
D-Panthenol 75% liquid (dose calculated on 75% active basis; use 1.33% of 75% liquid to deliver 1.0% panthenol)
DL-Panthenol 75% Liquid (cosmetic grade)
DL-Panthenol, 100% Pure Viscous Liquid, cosmetic grade (75% D-form minimum)
DL-Panthenol, 75% Liquid
DL-Panthenol, 75% Liquid (cosmetic grade)
DL-Panthenol, 75% Liquid (in water), Cosmetic Grade
DL-Panthenol, 75% Liquid (Viscous)
DL-Panthenol, 75% Liquid in Water
DL-Panthenol, 75% liquid in water (D,L form), Cosmetic Grade
DL-Panthenol, 75% liquid in water (dose 2% of the solution for ~1.5% active panthenol)
DL-Panthenol, 75% Liquid in Water (dose accounts for 75% active)
DL-Panthenol, 75% liquid or 100% powder (cosmetic/USP grade)
Viscous Liquid (75% D-Panthenol, cosmetic grade)
Viscous Liquid (D-Panthenol 75% solution)
Quick Reference
- Full INCI Name
- Panthenol
- Common Name
- Panthenol
- CAS Number
- 81-13-0
- Category
- humectants