Panthenol

About Panthenol

Panthenol is the alcohol form of pantothenic acid, also called provitamin B5. It's a clear, sticky liquid (D-panthenol) or a white powder (DL-panthenol), and it is one of the most common 'vitamin' ingredients in shampoos, conditioners, leave-ins and sprays.

On hair, panthenol works mainly as a humectant: it attracts and holds water, which can make strands feel softer and more flexible and slightly increase their thickness and shine. It also forms a light film that can smooth the surface. On the scalp it's used for its soothing, moisturizing feel.

Panthenol is often lumped in with proteins because it's popular in 'strengthening' products, but it is not a protein or amino acid. People with protein-sensitive hair can usually use it without the stiffness that protein causes — though some find large amounts make hair feel a little coated or tacky in humid weather, much like other humectants.

It's approved for the Curly Girl Method and suits most hair types, including low porosity hair. Like 'alcohol' in fatty alcohols, the 'ol' ending doesn't mean it's a drying alcohol. Panthenol is well tolerated by skin and rarely causes reactions. It won't make hair grow faster — claims to the contrary aren't backed by good evidence.