Ingredient glossary
Pro-vitamin B5
On your shelf ✓What Pro-vitamin B5 does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Panthenol · Also: Dexpanthenol
In short: Pro-vitamin B5 delivers hydration and barrier support, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is strong.
- What it does
- Hydration, barrier support
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Evidence
- Strong
The molecule
The Glow take
One of the ingredients I trust most.
When your goal is deep, lasting hydration, Pro-vitamin B5 delivers, and the research properly backs it up. Gentle enough that most skin types can reach for it.
— Maya
What it does
- hydration
- barrier support
- soothing
strong evidenceSupported by studies for soothing, improving stratum corneum hydration and aiding barrier recovery in irritated skin.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- dry
- sensitive
- all
Approach with care
No specific group flagged to avoid it.
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- ceramides
- niacinamide
- allantoin
Pro-vitamin B5, answered
Is Pro-vitamin B5 safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Pro-vitamin B5 is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Pro-vitamin B5?
No specific group is flagged to avoid Pro-vitamin B5. It is well tolerated by most skin. Still, introduce anything new one product at a time.
What concentration of Pro-vitamin B5 actually works?
Its concentration is rarely printed on the label, so use the ingredient list as your clue: near the top third it is likely doing real work, near the bottom it is more of a sprinkle.
Commonly confused with
- Vitamin B3Different vitamins. Niacinamide is B3, a multitasker for tone and oil; panthenol is pro-B5, a soother and hydrator.
Compare Pro-vitamin B5 with
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