CAS No.: 81-13-0
EINECS No.: 201-327-3
INCI name: panthenol
Empirical formula: C9H19NO4
Molecular mass: 205.25 g/mol
D-Panthenol is a clear, colourless to slightly yellow, viscous liquid. It is practically odourless, slightly hygroscopic, and may crystallize on prolonged storage.
syonyms : D-panthenol; D-Panthoenyl alcohol; (R)-2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutyramide; D(+)-,-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-,-dimethylbutanamide;(R)-panthenol; D-panthenol; D-pantothenyl alcohol; (+)-2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutyramide; 2,4-dihydroxy-N; (3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide; Bepanthen; butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-n-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (+--); Corneregel; D-panthenol; dexpanthenol; Dexpanthenol Heumann; DL-panthenol; Ilopan; Marolderm; NasenSpray ratiopharm Panthenol; Nasicur; Otriven Dexpanthenol; Pan Rhinol; Pan-Ophtal; panthenol; Panthenol Braun; Panthenol Jenapharm; Panthenol LAW; Panthenol Lichtenstein; panthenol von ct; Panthenol-ratiopharm; Panthoderm; Panthogenat; pantothenol; Repa-Ophtal; Rhinoclir; Siozwo SANA; Ucee D; Urupan; dexpanthenol; pantothenol; provitamin B5; Provitamin B5;(R)-(+)-2,4-Dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutyramide; (R)-2,4-Dihydroxy-3,3-dimethylbutyric 3-hydroxypropylamide; D -Pantothenyl alcohol; Dexpanthenol; Provitamin B;(+)-Panthenol;Alcopan-250; Bepanthen; Cozyme; D-Panthenol;Ilopa;Intrapan;Motilyn;N-pantoyl-3-propanolamine;Pantenyl;Panthoderm;pantothenyl alcohol;pantothenol;pantothenylol;Panyonyl;(R)-2,4-Dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide;(2R)-2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide;(2S)-2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide
;D(+)-ALPHA,GAMMA-DIHYDROXY-N-[3-HYDROXYPROPYL]-BETA,BETA-DIMETHYLBUTYRAMIDE;(+)-2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutyramide; 2,4-dihydroxy-N; (3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide; Bepanthen; butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-n-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (+--); Corneregel; D-panthenol; dexpanthenol; Dexpanthenol Heumann; DLd-panthenol; Ilopan; Marolderm; NasenSpray ratiopharm Panthenol; Nasicur; Otriven Dexpanthenol; Pan Rhinol; Pan-Ophtal; panthenol;d-panthenolBraun;d-panthenolJenapharm;d-panthenolLAW;d-panthenolLichtenstein;d-panthenolvon ct; Panthenol-ratiopharm; Panthoderm; Panthogenat; pantothenol; Repa-Ophtal; Rhinoclir; Siozwo SANA; Ucee D; Urupan; Wund- und Heilsalbe LAW
Specifications
Appearance: Clear, colourless to slightly yellow, viscous liquid; may crystallise on storage
Identity: corresponds
Solution 5% in water: meets Ph. Eur. requirements
pH of this solution: 9.0 - 10.5
Refractive index (589 nm): 1.497–1.501
Specific optical rotation
(589 nm, c = 5 in water): +29.0° to + 31.5° (on anhydrous material)
Water: not more than 1.0%
Sulfated ash (residue on ignition): not more than 0.1%
Heavy metals: not more than 10 ppm
Lead: not more than 5 ppm
3-Aminopropanol: not more than 0.5%
Residual Solvents: Dichloromethane: not more than 600ppm Methanol: not more than 3000ppm
Related substances:
Pantoic acid: not more than 0.5%
D-Pantolactone: not more than 1.0%
Assay: 98.0–101.0% (on anhydrous material)
CAS No.: 81-13-0
EINECS No.: 201-327-3
INCI name: panthenol
Empirical formula: C9H19NO4
Molecular mass: 205.25 g/mol
D-Panthenol is a clear, colourless to slightly yellow, viscous liquid. It is practically odourless, slightly hygroscopic, and may crystallize on prolonged storage.
syonyms : D-panthenol; D-Panthoenyl alcohol; (R)-2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutyramide; D(+)-,-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-,-dimethylbutanamide;(R)-panthenol; D-panthenol; D-pantothenyl alcohol; (+)-2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutyramide; 2,4-dihydroxy-N; (3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide; Bepanthen; butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-n-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (+--); Corneregel; D-panthenol; dexpanthenol; Dexpanthenol Heumann; DL-panthenol; Ilopan; Marolderm; NasenSpray ratiopharm Panthenol; Nasicur; Otriven Dexpanthenol; Pan Rhinol; Pan-Ophtal; panthenol; Panthenol Braun; Panthenol Jenapharm; Panthenol LAW; Panthenol Lichtenstein; panthenol von ct; Panthenol-ratiopharm; Panthoderm; Panthogenat; pantothenol; Repa-Ophtal; Rhinoclir; Siozwo SANA; Ucee D; Urupan; dexpanthenol; pantothenol; provitamin B5; Provitamin B5;(R)-(+)-2,4-Dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutyramide; (R)-2,4-Dihydroxy-3,3-dimethylbutyric 3-hydroxypropylamide; D -Pantothenyl alcohol; Dexpanthenol; Provitamin B;(+)-Panthenol;Alcopan-250; Bepanthen; Cozyme; D-Panthenol;Ilopa;Intrapan;Motilyn;N-pantoyl-3-propanolamine;Pantenyl;Panthoderm;pantothenyl alcohol;pantothenol;pantothenylol;Panyonyl;(R)-2,4-Dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide;(2R)-2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide;(2S)-2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide
;D(+)-ALPHA,GAMMA-DIHYDROXY-N-[3-HYDROXYPROPYL]-BETA,BETA-DIMETHYLBUTYRAMIDE;(+)-2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutyramide; 2,4-dihydroxy-N; (3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide; Bepanthen; butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-n-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (+--); Corneregel; D-panthenol; dexpanthenol; Dexpanthenol Heumann; DLd-panthenol; Ilopan; Marolderm; NasenSpray ratiopharm Panthenol; Nasicur; Otriven Dexpanthenol; Pan Rhinol; Pan-Ophtal; panthenol;d-panthenolBraun;d-panthenolJenapharm;d-panthenolLAW;d-panthenolLichtenstein;d-panthenolvon ct; Panthenol-ratiopharm; Panthoderm; Panthogenat; pantothenol; Repa-Ophtal; Rhinoclir; Siozwo SANA; Ucee D; Urupan; Wund- und Heilsalbe LAW
Specifications
Appearance: Clear, colourless to slightly yellow, viscous liquid; may crystallise on storage
Identity: corresponds
Solution 5% in water: meets Ph. Eur. requirements
pH of this solution: 9.0 - 10.5
Refractive index (589 nm): 1.497–1.501
Specific optical rotation
(589 nm, c = 5 in water): +29.0° to + 31.5° (on anhydrous material)
Water: not more than 1.0%
Sulfated ash (residue on ignition): not more than 0.1%
Heavy metals: not more than 10 ppm
Lead: not more than 5 ppm
3-Aminopropanol: not more than 0.5%
Residual Solvents: Dichloromethane: not more than 600ppm Methanol: not more than 3000ppm
Related substances:
Pantoic acid: not more than 0.5%
D-Pantolactone: not more than 1.0%
Assay: 98.0–101.0% (on anhydrous material)
Properties: D-panthenol, as a 75% solution in water, is used as an active ingredient for further processing in the cosmetics industry. It has a lower viscosity than pure D-panthenol. It mixes easily with water, ethanol, methanol and propylene glycol. They are insoluble in fats and oils.
Applications: D-panthenol is applied in almost all kinds of cosmetic preparations. It cares for hair, skin and nails. The trend in modern cosmetics is formulations containing ingredients that provide therapeutic effectiveness. The effect of topically applied-panthenolhas been confirmed in many studies. D-panthenol is a biologically stable, active form of Pantothenic acid, Vitamin B5. It is the provitamin of D-Pantothenic acid, which plays a key role in human intermediate metabolism. Vitamin B 5 deficiency may result in dermatological diseases.d-panthenolsolutions are easier to process than pure Panthenols due to their lower viscosity.
Its role in the skin; Deep penetrating moisturizer, stimulates epithelization, wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect.
Its role in hair; It is a long-lasting moisturizer, protects the hair from damage, thickens it, improves its dullness and shine.
Role in nail care; It regulates hydration (water retention), gives flexibility.
Application areas of D-panthenol in drugs; syrups, pills, ampoules, creams, gels and capsules. D-panthenol is preferred over D-pantothenates in liquid multivitamin and Vitamin B complex preparations because D-panthenol is remarkably more stable below pH 5.
Locally applied-panthenolis absorbed by the skin and turns into pathothenic acid. A cream containingd-panthenolprevents redness caused by UV rays on the skin. A cream containing 5%d-panthenolhas been found to heal wounds on the skin by up to 30%. A cream containingd-panthenolapplied regularly to the skin improves the moisture content of dry skin. High water content protects hair from damage caused by combing, brushing, drying and perm.
What does D-panthenol do?
Altermed-panthenolForte 9% Ointment 50 gr It is
used in the treatment of nipples during breastfeeding, baby care, treatment of skin after sun, when exposed to solarium rays, around the nose exposed to cold, and in the treatment of dry skin prone to cracking.
If you looked around your home, you’d likely run acrossd-panthenolin several ingredients lists of products you own.d-panthenolappears in food, supplements, and hygienic products of a wide variety. It has a similar chemical structure to alcohol. It’s used to help hydrate and smooth your skin and hair from the inside in its ingestible form and from the outside in its topical form.
But is it safe for you and your family when it appears in personal care products? Read on to find out whyd-panthenolis in so many cosmetics and read the facts to understand how it affects your body.
Panthenol is a chemical substance made from pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B-5. It occurs organically and can also be produced from both plant and animal sources. It’s used as an additive in various cosmetic products around the globe.
You very likely have pantothenic acid in your system right now, since it occurs in so many common food sources. And you’ve likely used a cosmetic or personal care product withd-panthenolwithin the last 24 hours.
Panthenol takes the form of either a white powder or a transparent oil at room temperature. You will sometimes seed-panthenollisted under one of its other names on ingredients list, including: dexpanthenol, D-pantothenyl alcohol, butanamide, alcohol analog of pantothenic acid, provitamin B-5
In topical cosmetics, product manufacturers often used-panthenolas a moisturizer. But it’s also included in many cosmetics as a softening, soothing, and anti-irritant agent. It also helps your skin build up a barrier against irritation and water loss.
itamin B-5 is essential for a healthy diet, skin, and hair. It makes sense that panthenol, its derivative, is a staple of many skin care products, such as lotions and cleansers. It’s also found in cosmetics as various as lipstick, foundation, or even mascara.d-panthenolalso appears in creams made to treat insect bites, poison ivy, and even diaper rash.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information listsd-panthenolas a skin protectant with anti-inflammatory properties. It can help improve skin’s hydration, elasticity, and smooth appearance. It also soothes: red skin, inflammation, little cuts or sores like bug bites or shaving irritation
Panthenol helps with wound healing, as well as other skin irritations like eczema.
Hair care products included-panthenolbecause of its ability to improve your hair’s:shine, softness, strength
It can also help protect your hair from styling or environmental damage by locking in moisture.
One study found thatd-panthenolmay help slow down and hide the look of thinning hair. The study tested it with other active ingredients as a leave-in treatment.
Your nails are made from keratin proteins, just like your hair. So, it follows thatd-panthenolcan strengthen your finger- and toenails. You might find it in your shine and strengthening nail treatments, or in hand creams and cuticle oils.
One study found that applyingd-panthenolto the nail can help hydrate the nail and prevent breakage.
Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission on Cosmetic Ingredients have approved-panthenolfor use in cosmetics. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) classifiesd-panthenolas “possibly safe” for general topical applications and nasal sprays. And it’s listed as “likely safe” for topical use by children.
The FDA currently listsd-panthenolin its widely known “Generally Regarded as Safe” database for when it’s ingested as a food ingredient, or as a supplement. But remember that ingestingd-panthenolor panothenic acid in food or as a supplement is very different than using it on your skin or hair.
Although it’s widely considered beneficial as a supplement, it’s only classified as “likely safe” for topical use on the skin, hair, and nails. That means there’s no significant evidence thatd-panthenolcauses harm, and plenty of anecdotal evidence that it’s helpful for many skin concerns. But there isn’t enough evidence to be sure, so the FDA suggests that more research is needed.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), another reputable organization that protects consumers, assembled a panel of experts in 2017 to assess panthenol’s topical safety in light of recent research.
This review board found no significant evidence that cosmetic products containingd-panthenolirritate or otherwise harm the skin, except in case of allergy. Bad reactions to topicald-panthenolare extremely rare. But when side effects do occur, they usually take the form of contact dermatitis or gastrointestinal distress.
It’s still important to remember that, from the perspective of the FDA, there isn’t sufficient evidence to officially gived-panthenola “safe” designation. But the CIR notes that the amount ofd-panthenolin cosmetics shouldn’t pose harm when absorbed into the body, since much higher levels of vitamin B-5 already occur in our food. So, there’s no significant evidence that topicald-panthenolwill cause systemic problems.
It’s hard to prove anything is unequivocally safe even with extensive testing. Even then, any time you decide whether or not to use a product, you should weigh the benefits against the risk for side effects.
That said, most of the research now available ond-panthenolsuggests that using a concentration 5 percent and under in a topical skin, hair, or nail product presents a very low risk to consumers. And the instance of negative side effects, like contact dermatitis, is very low.
In the end, if you’re a healthy adult who uses or is considering using a product with panthenol, you likely have nothing to worry about.
In pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal-care products,d-panthenolis a moisturizer and humectant, used in ointments, lotions, shampoos, nasal sprays, eye drops, lozenges, and cleaning solutions for contact lenses.
In ointments it is used for the treatment of sunburns, mild burns, minor skin injuries and disorders (in concentrations of up to 2–5%).[2] It improves hydration, reduces itching and inflammation of the skin, improves skin elasticity, and accelerates epidermal wounds' rate of healing.[3] For this purpose, it is sometimes combined with allantoin.
It binds to the hair shaft readily; so, it is a common component of commercial shampoos and hair conditioners (in concentrations of 0.1–1%). It coats the hair and seals its surface,[citation needed] lubricating the hair shaft and giving it a shiny appearance.
It is also recommended by tattoo artists as a post-tattooing moisturising cream.
Panthenol readily penetrates into the skin and mucous membranes (including the intestinal mucosa), where it is quickly oxidized to pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid is extremely hygroscopic,[4] that is, it binds water effectively. It is also used in the biosynthesis of coenzyme A, which plays a role in a wide range of enzymatic reactions and thus in cell growth
Panthenol is an odourless, slightly bitter, highly viscous, transparent and colourless liquid at room temperature,[5] but salts of pantothenic acid (for example sodium pantothenate) are powders (typically white). It is easily soluble in water and alcohol, moderately soluble in diethyl ether, soluble in chloroform (1:100),[5] in propylene glycol, and slightly soluble in glycerin.
Panthenol's expanded chemical formula is HO–CH2–C(CH3)2–CH(OH)–CONH–CH2CH2CH2–OH.Panthenol comes in two enantiomers, D and L. Only D-panthenol (dexpanthenol) is biologically active, however both forms have moisturizing properties. For cosmetic use,d-panthenolcomes either in D form, or as a racemic mixture of D and L (dL-panthenol).
D-Panthenol is soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol, slightly soluble in ether, and insoluble in fats and oils.
D-Panthenol is fairly stable to air and light. It is hygroscopic and sensitive to heat; heating to over 70 °C may cause racemization. However, it may be heated to 40 °C for short periods in order to improve flowability. The product may be stored for 36 months from the date of manufacture in the unopened original container and at a temperature below 25 °C. The ‘best use before’ date is printed on the label. In aqueous solutions, D-Panthenol is markedly more stable than the salts of pantothenic acid, in particular at a pH of 3 to 6.
For pharmaceutical drops and syrups. For various cosmetic formulations.
This product is not intended for use in the manufacture of sterile drug products. The purchaser assumes all responsibility for additional processing, testing, labelling and registration required for such use.
D-Panthenol meets all requirements of the USP, FCC and Ph. Eur. when tested according to these compendia.
This product is safe for the intended use. Avoid ingestion or direct contact by applying suitable protective measures and personal hygiene.
For full safety information and necessary precautions, please refer to the respective DSM Material Safety Data Sheet.
The information given in this publication is based on our current knowledge and experience, and may be used at your discretion and risk. It does not relieve you from carrying out your own precautions and tests. We do not assume any liability in connection with your product or its use. You must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and observe all third party rights.
d-Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is the biologically active precursor of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). A major physiological function of vitamin B5 is its conversion to acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl CoA), which participates in many metabolic processes involving carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Panthenol is essentially the alcohol form of vitamin B5.
d-Panthenol is most well known for its humectant properties—it is hygroscopic—thereby leading to its inclusion in moisturizing formulations. Several reports in the literature highlight panthenol’s moisturizing properties and ability to improve the appearance and physical properties (e.g., smoothness) of skin.1-4 It has a long history of use in cosmetic products and good toxicological profile.5
In addition, topically applied panthenol helps to heal wounds, burns, and dermatitis.6 There have been reports purporting the anti-inflammatory activity of panthenol, which would explain its efficacy as a healing agent.7 In fact, a clinical study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory efficacy of nanotopes loaded with panthenol in the treatment of erythema induced by UV radiation.8 Moreover, it was shown to alleviate inflammation caused by sodium lauryl sulfate treatment.9 A recent study demonstrated that gene expression is modulated as a result of panthenol treatment during wound healing.10
d-Panthenol is also used in hair care compositions—mostly in conditioner and shampoo formulations—for its humectant properties. A search of the patent literature reveals a number of inventions in which panthenol is used in combination with other ingredients as an adjuvant treatment in hair care. However, there are no comprehensive reports in the scientific literature examining the benefits of panthenol in the treatment of hair.
The detection of the concentration of panthenol in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations is important from a quality control and product stability standpoint. A number of studies have focused on chromatography technicques, alone or in combination with mass spectrometry.11-13 Other methods take advantage of the optical properties of panthenol and employ colorimetric or spectrofluoremetric determination of the chromophore.14,15
Dexpanthenol has positive effects on protection of cerebral tissue after ischaemia reperfusion[1]. Topical application of dexpanthenol is widely used in clinical practice for the improvement of wound healing. Upregulation of IL-6, IL-1, CYP1B1, CXCL1, CCL18 and KAP 4-2 gene expression and downregulation of psorasin mRNA and protein expression are identified in samples treated topically with dexpanthenol[2].
D-panthenol belongs to a derivative of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). It can penetrate the skin and mucous membrane to be quickly oxidized to pantothenic acid. The later one is extremely hygroscopic and binds water effectively. Therefore, D-panthenol can be used as a moisturizer. It is added to pharmaceutical and cosmetic products to relieve itching and improve wound healing. In ointments, it can be used for the treatment of sunburns, mild burns, minor skin injuries and disorders. It is also immediately applied after major abdominal surgery to minimize the possibility of paralytic ileus. In addition, it can also be supplemented into the commercial shampoos and hair conditioners to lubricate the hair shaft and give the hair a shiny appearance. The exact mechanism of action of D-panthenol is still unclear, perhaps through its enhancing effect on acetylcholine.
130 parts by weight of d(-)-α-hydroxy-β,β-dimethyl-gamma-butyric acid lactone are dissolved in 150 parts by volume of methyl alcohol. 75 parts by weight of 3-hydroxypropylamine are added, in one portion, to the solution and the mixture is well stirred. While the reaction sets in, the temperature of the mixture gradually rises by itself to about 50°C and then drops again after about two hours. To cause completion of the reaction, the mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature for 24 hours. The so obtained (d+)-α,γdihydroxy-β,β-dimethyl-butyric-acid-(3'-hydroxypropyl)-amide is freed from methyl alcohol in vacuo. It is a colorless, viscous oil, easily soluble in water. It boils under a pressure of 0.02 mm between 118° and 120°C.
d-Panthenol is the alcohol corresponding to pantothenic acid, of the vitamin B5 group. It is used as a food additive, and in skin and hair products as a conditioning agent. Contact dermatitis and urticaria have been reported.
D-panthenol has been suggested for use in intestinal atony or distension, postoperative retention of flatus and feces, prophylaxis and treatment of paralytic ileus after abdominal surgery or traumatic injuries, equine colic (not due to mechanical obstruction) and any other condition when there is an impairment of smooth muscle function. Controlled studies are lacking with regard to proving the efficacy of the drug for any of these indications.
D-panthenol is an alcohol derivative of pantothenic acid, a component of the B complex vitamins and an essential component of a normally functioning epithelium. D-panthenol is enzymatically cleaved to form pantothenic acid, which is an essential component of Coenzyme A, which acts as a cofactor in many enzymatic reactions that are important for protein metabolism in the epithelium2.
Due to its good penetration and high local concentrations, dexpanthanol is used in many topical products, such as ointments and lotions for treatment of dermatological conditions to relieve itching or promote healing. Dermatological effects of the topical use of d-panthenol include increased fibroblast proliferation and accelerated re-epithelialization in wound healing. Furthermore, it acts as a topical protectant, moisturizer, and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties 3.
D-panthenol is also available as a racemic mixture containing both the dextrorotatory form (d-panthenol) and the levorotatory form (levopanthenol) as Panthenol. While pantothenic acid is optically active, only the dextrorotatory form (d-panthenol) is biologically active.
Uses: D-Panthenol is an analogue of pantothenic acid (P190300), a member of the B complex vitamins. D-Panthenol is the biologically active enantiomer of Panthenol.immunosuppressant, mitoxantrone analogue less toxic on cardiac tissue antineoplastic
Therapeutic Function: Gastrointestinal drug
Contact allergens: Pan(to)thenol is the alcohol corresponding to pantothenic acid, of the vitamin B5 group. It is used as a food additive, and in skin and hair products as a conditioning agent. Contact dermatitis and urticaria have been reported.
Safety Profile: Moderately toxic by intravenous route. A skin and eye irritant. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx. See also AMIDES.
Veterinary Drugs and Treatments: Dexpanthenol has been suggested for use in intestinal atony or distension, postoperative retention of flatus and feces, prophylaxis and treatment of paralytic ileus after abdominal surgery or traumatic injuries, equine colic (not due to mechanical obstruction) and any other condition when there is an impairment of smooth muscle function. Controlled studies are lacking with regard to proving the efficacy of the drug for any of these indications.
Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission on Cosmetic Ingredients have approved panthenol for use in cosmetics. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) classifies panthenol as “possibly safe” for general topical applications and nasal sprays. And it’s listed as “likely safe” for topical use by children.
The FDA currently lists panthenol in its widely known “Generally Regarded as Safe” database for when it’s ingested as a food ingredient, or as a supplement. But remember that ingesting panthenol or panothenic acid in food or as a supplement is very different than using it on your skin or hair.
Although it’s widely considered beneficial as a supplement, it’s only classified as “likely safe” for topical use on the skin, hair, and nails. That means there’s no significant evidence that panthenol causes harm, and plenty of anecdotal evidence that it’s helpful for many skin concerns. But there isn’t enough evidence to be sure, so the FDA suggests that more research is needed.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), another reputable organization that protects consumers, assembled a panel of experts in 2017 to assess panthenol’s topical safety in light of recent research.
This review board found no significant evidence that cosmetic products containing panthenol irritate or otherwise harm the skin, except in case of allergy. Bad reactions to topical panthenol are extremely rare. But when side effects do occur, they usually take the form of contact dermatitis or gastrointestinal distress.
It’s still important to remember that, from the perspective of the FDA, there isn’t sufficient evidence to officially give panthenol a “safe” designation. But the CIR notes that the amount of panthenol in cosmetics shouldn’t pose harm when absorbed into the body, since much higher levels of vitamin B-5 already occur in our food. So, there’s no significant evidence that topical panthenol will cause systemic problems.