Vitamin B5, also called pantothenic acid, is one of eight B vitamins. Vitamin B5 helps the body produce energy and promotes the health of the skin, hair, eyes and liver. Pantothenic acid also helps manufacture red blood cells, as well as sex and stress-related hormones. Provitamin B5, also called panthenol, is a derivative of vitamin B.
Uses for Panthenol
Panthenol is used in liquid and cream personal-care products, such as moisturizers, skin-care products, conditioners, shampoos and hair sprays. It is also used in a variety of makeup products, such as eye shadow, lipstick and mascara.
Skin Care
Provitamin B5 is used in skin care because of its ability to stabilize the metabolism of the skin surface, penetrate into deeper layers of the skin and stimulate the formation of skin pigments. It also acts as a lubricant and retains the natural moisture balance of the skin, helping to make the skin appear soft and smooth.
Hair Products
In hair products, panthenol can penetrate into the hair shaft and cause long-lasting moisture. It also gives the hair body, shine and bounce, as well as helps repair damaged hair. In addition, provitamin B5 can make it easier for you to comb through wet hair.
Types and Concentrations
Like all provitamins, the body can convert panthenol into vitamin B5. When used in a skin product, the body produces vitamin B5 by oxidizing panthenol. In cosmetics and personal care products, panthenol is present as D-panthenol--a viscous oil--and DL-panthenol, a creamy, white, crystalline powder. It is usually found in concentrations of 1.5 percent or less.
Other Derivatives
Panthenol is not the only beneficial derivative of vitamin B5. Because vitamin B5 is necessary to synthesize cholesterol, a derivative called pantethine is being studied to see if it may help lower cholesterol levels in the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several studies suggest that pantethine can help lower triglycerides and bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein, but more studies are needed to determine how effective it is.
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