Panthenol

Panthenol is the alcohol analog of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Therefore it is also called provitamin B5. In organisms it is quickly oxidized to pantothenate. Its chemical formula is C₉H₁₉NO₄ or HO-CH₂-C(CH₃)₂-CH(OH)-CONH-CH₂CH₂CH₂-OH. It comes as a white or creamy white crystalline powder with slight characteristic odor. It is well-soluble in water, alcohol and propylene glycol, soluble in ether and chloroform, and slightly soluble in glycerin. more...

Its CAS number is 81-13-0 and its SMILES structure is =CC(C)(CO)C(C(=O)NCCCO)O.

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).

In cosmetics, panthenol is a humectant, emollient and moisturizer. It binds to hair follicles readily. It is a frequent component of shampoos and hair conditioners. It coats the hair and seals its surface, lubricating them and making them appear shiny.

In skin cells, panthenol is absorbed and metabolized to pantothenic acid; it incites new cell growth, binds water, and acts as a moisturizer. In hair, it serves only as a moisturizing coating and does not undergo modification.

In shampoos and conditioners, panthenol is usually present in concentrations of 0.1-1%. In ointments it is contained in concentrations of up to 2-5% and is used for treatment of sunburns, burns and minor skin disorders. In such mixtures it is sometimes used together with allantoin.

Other names for panthenol are:

• Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (R)-
• Butyramide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, D-(+)-
• Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-
• D-Panthenol
• Dexpanthenol (DCIR)
• Dexpanthenolum
• Panthenol
• Propanolamine, N-pantoyl-
• d-Pantothenyl alcohol

See also:

• Sci-toys: ingredients: panthenol
• Household Products Database

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