DL-Panthenol Provitamin B-5

DL-Panthenol Vitamin B-5

DL-Panthenol is a racemic form of panthenol, the provitamin form of vitamin B5, widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations for its humectant and conditioning properties. Cosmetic-grade DL-Panthenol is synthetically produced to high purity standards, yielding a stable, water-soluble ingredient that readily converts to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) upon application to the skin or hair. The manufacturing process does not involve ethoxylation, sulfation, or petrochemical surfactant modification, supporting its use in clean and modern formulation systems.

From a formulation standpoint, DL-Panthenol functions primarily as a humectant, conditioning agent, and skin- and hair-feel enhancer. It attracts and binds moisture, helping to improve hydration, softness, and flexibility of the skin and hair fiber. In addition, DL-Panthenol contributes to improved slip, reduced roughness, and enhanced overall sensory performance. It is highly versatile and integrates easily into water-based systems, emulsions, gels, and surfactant formulations. Its performance is influenced by concentration, product format, and the presence of complementary humectants.

In finished products, DL-Panthenol supports immediate and long-term conditioning benefits. In skincare, it helps improve skin comfort, smoothness, and moisture retention. In hair care, it enhances manageability, shine, and softness while supporting moisture balance. It is commonly used in lotions, creams, serums, toners, cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, masks, and styling products where hydration and conditioning are key formulation goals.

From a clean standards and safety perspective, DL-Panthenol has a long history of cosmetic use and broad acceptance across global regulatory frameworks. It is biodegradable, non-irritating, and suitable for both leave-on and rinse-off applications. While DL-Panthenol is synthetically produced, it is widely accepted in clean and modern cosmetic formulations due to its safety profile, multifunctionality, and transparency of use. These attributes support its inclusion in ingredient offerings carefully selected by Suncoast PCP for reliable cosmetic formulation performance.

Suncoast PCP carefully selects DL-Panthenol based on purity, consistency, and formulation versatility, ensuring dependable performance across a wide range of skincare and haircare applications while aligning with clean and modern formulation standards.

Ingredient Identification

INCI Name: Panthenol
CAS Number: 16485-10-2

Physical & Technical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white powder or viscous liquid (grade dependent)
Odor: Odorless to very faint
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol; slightly soluble in oils
pH Stability: Stable across typical cosmetic pH ranges
Functional Role: Humectant, conditioning agent, sensory modifier

Typical Usage Levels (Skincare & Haircare)

Lotions and Creams: 0.5–5.0%
Serums and Toners: 0.2–2.0%
Cleansers and Wash-Off Products: 0.1–1.0%
Shampoos and Conditioners: 0.2–3.0%
Hair Masks and Treatments: 0.5–5.0%

Actual usage levels vary depending on desired conditioning intensity and product format.

DIY Education and Formulation Guidance

For DIY formulators, DL-Panthenol is easy to use and highly forgiving. It is typically added to the water phase and can tolerate gentle heating during emulsification. It may also be added during cool-down to preserve maximum activity. DL-Panthenol is compatible with most preservatives, surfactants, and active ingredients and does not significantly impact viscosity at standard use levels.

DL-Panthenol pairs well with humectants such as glycerin, sodium PCA, and hyaluronic acid to create layered hydration systems for both skin and hair care products.

Formulation Compatibility & Common Combinations

DL-Panthenol is compatible with emulsifiers, surfactants, polymers, botanical extracts, proteins, and conditioning agents. In hair care formulations, it is often combined with cationic conditioners and silicone alternatives to enhance softness and shine. In skincare, it works well alongside niacinamide, allantoin, and aloe-based ingredients.

Shelf Life, Storage, and Packaging

Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months when stored properly
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry environment away from moisture
Packaging Recommendations: Sealed plastic containers, foil-lined bags, or airtight bottles
Handling Notes: Protect from excessive humidity; reseal after use

Regulatory & Safety Notes

Regulatory Status: Approved for cosmetic use globally, including the United States and European Union
California Proposition 65: Not listed
EWG Context: Generally categorized as low hazard based on available safety data
Irritation and Sensitization: Non-irritating and well tolerated for topical cosmetic use
Clean Beauty Compatibility: Widely accepted in clean, modern, and transparency-focused formulation standards