Product Overview
D-Panthenol (dexpanthenol), also known as provitamin B5, is the alcohol analogue of pantothenic acid — a water-soluble, small-molecule active (MW 205.26) that penetrates both skin and hair. In skin it is enzymatically converted into pantothenic acid and supports hydration and barrier function; in hair it adsorbs onto and penetrates the fibre, where it improves moisture retention, elasticity and surface condition. It is one of the few rinse-off-friendly conditioning actives that also works in leave-on skincare, which is why it now appears in the majority of mainstream shampoo, conditioner, body wash and moisturiser formulas.
Key Features
- Cosmetic-grade D-Panthenol (98–102% assay, USP/EP-grade material available) — the active isomer preferred for skin and hair
- Excellent water solubility — easy to dose into aqueous phases of shampoo, body wash and gel systems
- Dual-function material: humectant/moisturiser in skincare, conditioning and repair active in hair care
- Mitigates surfactant irritation — a recognised benefit in sulphate / syndet rinse-off systems
- Effective over a wide pH range, compatible with anionic, amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants
- Readily combined with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, glycerin, amino-acid surfactants and botanical extracts
- Available as the pure viscous liquid, or as an aqueous solution for cold-process and high-water formulations
How It Works
- Provitamin conversion: D-Panthenol is oxidised in the skin to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), a coenzyme A precursor involved in normal keratinocyte metabolism.
- Humectancy and barrier support: increases and holds water in the stratum corneum and supports the lipid barrier, helping reduce transepidermal water loss and the tight, dry feel after washing.
- Hair substantivity: penetrates the hair shaft and forms a thin conditioning film — improving combability, elasticity, shine and the appearance of split ends, with no build-up or greasy feel.
- Anti-irritation: reduces the stinging and tightness associated with surfactant-heavy shampoos and body washes, and soothes after sun, shaving and shaving-adjacent redness.
- Scalp comfort: a low-irritation active suitable for scalp tonics and anti-dandruff systems, where it offsets the drying effect of actives such as zinc pyrithione or salicylic acid.
Typical Applications
- Hair care: shampoos, anti-dandruff shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, leave-in serums, scalp tonics, hair-growth-adjacent scalp care
- Body & bath: body wash, shower gel, liquid hand soap, bubble bath, syndet bars, wet wipes
- Skincare: facial moisturisers, essences and toners, sheet-mask serums, eye care, night creams
- Sun & after-sun: after-sun gels and lotions, post-shave balms, soothing sprays
- Sensitive & baby care: mild cleansers, baby lotions, barrier creams
- Other: beard care, nail and cuticle products, oral care gels, pet grooming shampoo
Key Specifications
| INCI Name | Panthenol |
|---|---|
| Material | D-Panthenol (dexpanthenol), 98–102% |
| CAS Number | 81-13-0 (D-Panthenol) / 16485-10-2 (DL-Panthenol) |
| EINECS | 201-327-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C9H19NO4 |
| Molecular Weight | 205.26 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colourless to slightly yellow, clear, viscous liquid |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water, ethanol and propylene glycol |
| Typical Use Level | 0.5–5% (leave-on) / 0.2–2% (rinse-off) |
| Assay / Purity | Available on request |
| Grade | Available on request |
| Packaging | Available on request |
| MOQ | Available on request |
Formulation Notes
- Water-soluble — add to the water phase; for best colour and odour in clear gels, dose into the cool-down phase below 40 °C.
- Stable across the usual cosmetic pH window and in surfactant systems; no known incompatibility with common preservatives.
- Rinse-off products need a higher dose than leave-on products because substantivity, not solubility, is the limiting factor.
- Can be combined with cationic conditioners (BTMS, behentrimonium chloride) for a two-sided conditioning story in conditioner and hair mask formulas.
Storage & Handling
Store in the original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry and dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Protect from moisture and oxidising agents. Keep away from strong odours — panthenol is hygroscopic and can pick up ambient odours over time.
Why Choose VeraVitabio
- Bulk B2B supply of cosmetic and personal care actives — from sample quantities to full container loads
- Full documentation — COA, MSDS, TDS and specification sheets available on request
- OEM / ODM support — shampoo, body wash, cream and private-label finished product development
- Export experience to the US, EU, Middle East and Southeast Asia, with documentation support for importers and brand owners
- Stable supply chain — vetted manufacturing partners with batch-level traceability and pre-shipment verification
Request a Quote — Sourcing D-Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) for a shampoo, body wash or skincare line? Send your specification, required grade and target volume to info@veravitabio.com or WhatsApp +86 157 7194 0528. Samples and full documentation are available for qualified B2B buyers. Web: veravitabio.com
Need pricing, a sample or full documentation?
Send your specification, target volume and destination country — our team replies within one business day.
For cosmetic and personal care formulation use. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Specifications shown are for general reference; full Certificate of Analysis and supporting documentation are available upon request. Formulators are responsible for confirming permitted use levels and claim language in their target markets.
