Panthenol — provitamin B5 — rarely gets headlines, but it’s in a huge number of soothing, barrier-friendly products for good reason.
What it does
Panthenol is a humectant and skin-conditioning agent that:
- Hydrates by drawing in water
- Soothes redness and irritation
- Supports barrier repair and helps skin retain moisture
Who benefits
It’s gentle and broadly useful — especially for sensitive skin, irritated skin, or anyone recovering from over-exfoliation. It pairs naturally with other calming ingredients like centella and niacinamide.
How to use it
You’ll find panthenol in essences, serums, and moisturisers. It layers with everything and has essentially no downside — use morning or night as part of a gentle, hydrating routine.