The 5 most important functions of D-panthenol in care
Known as provitamin B5, D-panthenol is a popular cosmetic ingredient for daily face and hair care. It is a substance naturally occurring in our skin, hair and nails. What effect does it have on the skin and what are its uses in care? Here’s everything you need to know about D-panthenol.
What is D-panthenol?
Behind the name D-panthenol, there is provitamin B5, which is a derivative of vitamin B5. It is nothing more than pantothenic acid, which is naturally produced by our skin. D-panthenol, after getting deep into the skin, turns into pantothenic acid, and then into acetyl-coenzyme-A, which is a compound that regulates many important processes in the body.
The ‘D’ in the name d-panthenol stands for optically active chemical compounds whose light beam turns to the right. They are described by the letter ‘D’.
Put simply, this form of panthenol shows the greatest biological activity. D-panthenol has found wide application in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
D-panthenol – properties
Provitamin B5 is primarily a good mosturising agent. Its structure is comparable to the hydrolipid skin barrier, which is its protective shield against external factors and water loss. D-panthenol supports the processes of rebuilding the protective skin barrier, it binds water and maintains proper skin hydration. It prevents irritation, itching, or the feeling of tightness of the skin.
It is not surprising that D-panthenol has been used in so many cosmetics for daily care. It has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair, moisturizing them from the inside. Products with panthenol will be a good choice for people with sensitive, dry, delicate and allergy-prone skin. Most often, however, we associate D-panthenol with soothing after-sun products. This ingredient effectively soothes sunburned skin, reduces redness, pleasantly cools, and eliminates the formation of any blisters, as well as it stops the skin from peeling.
The 5 most important functions of D-panthenol in care
Speeds up healing and regeneration processes of the skin – cosmetics with D-panthenol on the list of ingredients are the best choice for itchy skin irritated by sunbathing. Provitamin B5 has an anti-inflammatory effect, thanks to which it will effectively soothe painful sunburns, insect bites, minor wounds or pimples. It will work well in the care of dry and damaged skin, stimulating cell renewal.
2. Strengthens and moisturizes hair – the structure of D-panthenol is deceptively similar to the structure of human keratin. Thanks to this property, provitamin is quickly absorbed by the hair cuticles, providing strengthening, hydration and natural shine.
3. It is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic – simply put, it does not clog pores and is perfect for people with sensitive skin. D-panthenol is well tolerated by the human body. It shows very little toxicity and is often found in cosmetics for babies. Products containing provitamin B5 are the right choice for people struggling with acne, psoriasis, AD, or eczema.
4. Anti-wrinkle benefits – D-panthenol increases the elasticity and density of the skin. It takes part in the processes of rebuilding skin cells, stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and speeds up the growth of keratinocytes. These properties contribute to improving the blood supply to the skin, filling the ‘cavities’ and stopping the signs of premature aging.
5. Hardens nails – regular use of nail care products with D-panthenol contributes to the hardening of the nail plate and increases nail elasticity by the ability to bind water in the tissues.
