Panthenol

D-Panthenol (Provitamin B₅): derivative of pantothenic acid (vitamin B₅), in which it is transformed, helps to heal damaged skin. Has moisture-binding properties and is also effective against sunburn.

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Panthenol is the alcohol analog of pantothenic acid (vitamin B₅), and is thus a provitamin of B₅. In organisms it is quickly oxidised to pantothenate. Panthenol is a highly viscous transparent liquid at room temperature, but salts of pantothenic acid (for example sodium pantothenate) are powders (typically white). It is soluble in water, alcohol and propylene glycol, soluble in ether and chloroform, and slightly soluble in glycerin.

Panthenol comes in two enantiomers, D and L. Only D-panthenol (dexpanthenol) is biologically active, however both forms have moisturizing properties. For cosmetic use, panthenol comes either in D form, or as a racemic mixture of D and L (DL-panthenol).

Panthenol's ex­panded chemical formula is: HO-CH₂-C(CH₃)₂-CH(OH)-CONH-CH₂CH₂CH₂-OH.

Uses:
In cosmetics, panthenol is a humectant, emollient and moisturiser. It binds to the hair shaft readily and is a frequent component of shampoos and hair conditioners (in concentrations of 0.1–1%). It coats the hair and seals its surface, lubricating the hair shaft and making strands appear shiny. It is also recommended by many tattoo artists as a moisturising cream for new tattoos.

In ointments, panthenol has good skin penetration. It is sometimes mixed with allantoin, in concentrations of up to 2–5%, and is used for treatment of sunburns, mild burns and minor skin disorders. It improves hydration, reduces itching and inflammation of the skin and accelerates and improves healing of epidermal wounds.

If ingested, panthenol is metabolised to pantothenic acid.

[Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]