Panthenol

What it is

Panthenol is the alcohol form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), converting to the vitamin in the skin. It is a widely used, water-soluble skincare ingredient.

Function

Panthenol functions as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, drawing in and holding water while soothing the skin. It is studied for supporting the skin barrier and comfort in irritated or recovering skin.

Properties

Panthenol is well tolerated by most people, non-comedogenic and low-irritant. It is the active component people are typically after in products marketed for healing skin.

In tattoo aftercare

Panthenol is a common active in tattoo aftercare and in the nappy-rash creams repurposed for tattoos. The panthenol itself is well regarded; in traditional products the concern is usually the heavy petroleum-and-lanolin base it is delivered in, not the panthenol.

Considerations

Well tolerated. Its benefit is best delivered in a light, clean base rather than a heavy occlusive one.

This is general, factual information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice or a product recommendation. If your skin reacts to anything during healing, stop using it and speak to your artist or a GP.