Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) for Dry, Delicate Skin

Nizam Diveli

By Nizam Diveli, registered optometrist and founder of BlinkBetter

Panthenol, or pro-vitamin B5, is a moisturising ingredient that the skin converts into vitamin B5. It's one of the best-studied ingredients for supporting a dry or irritated skin barrier, which makes it useful for the thin, delicate skin of the eyelids.

What is it?

Panthenol (also called dexpanthenol) is a stable form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). It's a humectant: it draws water into the outer layer of the skin and helps it stay supple.

What does the evidence say?

A review marking 70 years of topical dexpanthenol use summarised studies showing it improves skin hydration and supports skin barrier repair, and it's widely used in moisturisers and post-procedure care (Proksch et al. 2017). In controlled studies, panthenol creams improved barrier recovery after skin was deliberately irritated.

Is it safe around the eyes?

Panthenol is very well tolerated and rarely causes reactions. As always, use products made for the eye area and stop if your skin becomes irritated.

Which BlinkBetter products contain it?

Read more: Dry eye guide

This page is general information about a cosmetic or device ingredient, not medical advice. If you have a known allergy or a sore, red eye, speak to an optometrist or pharmacist before using new products around your eyes.

More ingredient guides: all ingredients · Eye care guides: the Journal

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