Panthenol (inci)

Panthenol, the precursor of pantothenic acid (also known as provitamin B5), is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C9H19NO4, which belongs to the group of polyols and amides. Panthenol is a viscous, colourless substance, easily soluble in water and ethanol, with a low, characteristic inherent odour.

Panthenol is used in cosmetic formulations (and in pharmaceutical exteriors). The well-tolerated substance acts as a skin care product, especially for dry and brittle skin, as an antistatic agent (reduces static charges by neutralizing the electrical charge on the surface, e.g. of hair) and as a hair conditioning agent (makes the hair easy to comb, smooth, soft and shiny and gives it volume).

Allergological assessment: Contact allergic eczema under panthenol is rare in relation to the wide use of the substance in cosmetic and pharmaceutical topicals, but clinically relevant (Clerens I et al. 2017). To clarify a suspicion of contact allergy (Ebner F et al. (2002) this substance can be routinely tested in an epicutaneous test (DKG epicutaneous test series "Other drugs").

After systemic application of panthenol (see below dexpanthenol), anaphylactic reactions have been described, although rarely (Röckmann H et al. 2005).

1. Clerens I et al (2017) Allergic contact dermatitis caused by panthenol: a rare but relevant sensitizer. Contact dermatitis 76:122-123.
2. Ebner F et al (2002) Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders. Am J Clin Dermatol3:427-33.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12113650?dopt=Abstract
3. Röckmann H et al (2005) Anaphylaxis after dexpanthenol exposure by multivitamin tablets. Clin Exp Dermatol 30: 714-716