Panthenol – Hair care product powerhouse ingredient – with a strong warning for hair care purposes

You have probably heard both of the terms “panthenol”, “dl panthenol” and “Pro Vitamin B5” before in reference to key ingredients that may be in hair care products (mostly) and even some skincare products as well.

Two of our products have this ingredient in them, one is our Nourish & Hydrate Face Cream and the other is our Deep Hydration Conditioner. 

Why do you find this ingredient in so many hair and skin care products? What are its benefits, and why should you seriously consider using a product with this vitamin in it?

Deep, Penetrating Moisture

The first and foremost benefit of panthenol or Pro Vitamin B5, is its ability to deeply moisturize and penetrate the skin and hair. It deposits nourishing moisture deeply into the cortex of the hair, as well as deep within the various layers of the skin.

For the skin, this makes it appear more supple and helps to prevent wrinkles and smooth existing lines and wrinkles. For the hair, it helps prevent moisture loss, locks in moisture from other ingredients in your hair products, and deeply penetrates the hair and helps nourish the scalp as well.

In addition to deeply penetrating moisture, it has the additional benefit of being a weightless volumizer for the hair since it helps infuse it with moisture. This helps it to get that popular “bouncy” look. It also helps to smooth the cuticle of each strand because it does have such an advanced ability to penetrate.

Once panthenol is absorbed into the skin, it converts to something called pantothenic acid which is another term you may have heard of before. This is essentially the B5 vitamin that is used as an interchangeable term for panthenol.

Because it is so effective at imparting deep moisture, it is also used in treatments that are geared toward reducing the appearance of stretch marks. It helps plump everything out, and it really helps to smooth the skin out wherever it is applied.

Strengthening ability of panthenol in skincare and haircare and a WARNING

Panthenol has an excellent bonding quality, which adds to its moisturizing ability but which also helps to strengthen the hair in particular. BUT this strong bonding quality is another reason why you have to be careful not to use too much of this ingredient.

If this ingredient is in your hair spray, gel or other hair prodcuts applied after shampooing and conditioning, then make sure it is used sparingly. Also make sure it only appears in one product at a time that you are using.

The reason for this is panthenol, while being an excellent moisture-adding addition, can also build up on the hair over time. This can cause the hair to not have any body. It can become straight and stiff looking when too much of this ingredient is utilized. That is why the concentration must be just right in any hair care product that has it.

Now back to the benefits…

Regular “deposits” of pro vitamin B5 into the hair will just help to strengthen and smooth it more over time. Plus, it’s excellent for providing that softened body that everyone loves. Who wants “bigger” hair if it’s dry, coarse and frizzy after all? When you have more “structure” to the hair by adding ingredients like this vitamin B5, you add more resilience and strength because there is strength in the layers it builds to protect.

The fortification this ingredient provides for the hair over time really provides a great foundation for strong, healthy and vibrant hair. It really is a valuable ingredient when it comes to hair products. Skin care products too, but it’s REALLY great in hair products if you have a naturally coarse hair texture.