Panthenol

Panthenol (provitamin B5) is the alcohol analog of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and is rapidly converted to the vitamin in the body[3][7]. It is a small molecule with the formula C₉H₁₉NO₄ and is widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals for its moisturizing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and hair conditioning effects[1][5][6]. The biologically active form (dexpanthenol) is rapidly oxidized to pantothenic acid, which is a precursor of coenzyme A (CoA), essential in metabolism and cellular repair[4][5]. Panthenol is not a molecular target for therapeutic drugs, but rather an active agent itself and a precursor to a vital nutrient.

Other names

DL-panthenoldexpanthenolpantothenolpanthenolumprovitamin B5

Converted in tissues to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), a precursor of coenzyme A, which is essential for many metabolic reactions including cellular growth and energy metabolism Increases fibroblast proliferation and epithelialization (in wound healing) Downregulates cell apoptosis and senescence markers in hair follicle cells