DL - Panthenol 100

• INCI Name: Panthenol
• Also Known As: Pro-Vitamin B5, DL-Panthenol
• Form: Liquid
• Recommended Use Level: 1–2% of total formula weight
• Phase: Water phase (can be added hot or cold)
• Shelf Life: 1 year
• Sizes Available: 0.5 oz, 2 oz, 1 lb, 55 lb

• A blend of D-Panthenol and L-Panthenol for broad cosmetic application
• Water-soluble and easy to incorporate into the water phase of any formula
• Believed to improve moisture retention in both skin and hair formulations
• Reported to add shine and luster when used as a pro-vitamin B5 for hair applications
• Compatible with a wide range of cosmetic bases, including shampoos, conditioners, lotions, creams, and body washes
• Measures by weight for precise, consistent formulation results
• Available in sample sizes through bulk quantities to support businesses at every stage

• Pro-vitamin B5 for skin: Add to lotions, creams, and body washes to support a soft, moisturized skin feel
• Pro-vitamin B5 for hair: Incorporate into shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks where shine and manageability are key selling points
• Panthenol for skin: Use in facial serums, lightweight moisturizers, and after-sun formulations where hydration and skin comfort are priorities
• Panthenol for hair: Ideal for rinse-out and leave-in conditioners, detanglers, and scalp treatments
• Vitamin B5 for skin: A natural-feeling, well-tolerated additive suitable for sensitive skin formulations
• Works effectively in both rinse-off and leave-on product formats

Measure DL-Panthenol 100 by weight. Add to the water phase of your formula, either during heating or after cooling — this ingredient is stable enough to be introduced at either stage. The recommended use level is 1–2% of total formula weight. Always test your finished formula for stability, pH, and performance before scaling production.

When applied topically, DL-Panthenol 100 penetrates the outer layers of the skin where the D-Panthenol component is believed to convert to pantothenic acid — a B vitamin reported to support skin cell metabolism and moisture retention. As a humectant, panthenol for skin draws moisture toward the skin rather than sitting on the surface, and is also reported to support the skin's natural barrier function by helping reduce transepidermal water loss. This combination of hydration and barrier support makes it a practical inclusion across daily moisturizers, sensitive skin formulas, and post-care products alike.

Unlike in skin care — where primarily the D form contributes biological activity — both the D and L forms of panthenol are reported to be active in hair care applications, meaning DL-Panthenol performs reliably across both categories. When used as a pro-vitamin B5 for hair, it is believed to penetrate the hair shaft and bind moisture within the strand, which is reported to improve flexibility, reduce visible breakage, and contribute to the shine and softness that makes panthenol for hair such a consistent presence in shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in formats.

Pro-vitamin B5 is water-soluble, non-reactive, and broadly compatible with the ingredients formulators reach for most often. It works alongside humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid without competition, pairs well with niacinamide, ceramides, and antioxidants in barrier-focused skin care formulas, and is reported to help buffer sensitivity when used alongside stronger actives like AHAs or vitamin C. In hair care, it complements conditioning agents, proteins, and lightweight oils without adding weight or buildup.

Panthenol and vitamin B5 for skin appear regularly on ingredient labels across both mass market and prestige personal care categories, and consumers who actively read labels have largely come to associate the ingredient with hydration, gentleness, and hair conditioning. For brands developing retail-ready product lines, the combination of a low usage rate, low cost, and strong consumer familiarity makes DL-Panthenol 100 one of the more commercially practical additives available at the 1–2% level.

Panthenol has earned its place as a go-to additive in professional cosmetic formulation for good reason. It penetrates the skin and hair shaft with ease, and once absorbed, it is widely reported to convert to pantothenic acid — a B vitamin that plays a role in supporting the skin's natural barrier function and helping hair retain moisture from within. For formulators looking to build products that feel substantive and perform well over time, DL-Panthenol 100 delivers both functional value and strong label appeal. Pro-vitamin B5 is an ingredient consumers recognize and actively seek out, making it a smart choice for product lines targeting the skin care and hair care markets.

Did You Know? DL-Panthenol is considered one of the most well-tolerated cosmetic additives across skin types, including sensitive and dry skin formulations. Its water-soluble nature makes it straightforward to add to virtually any aqueous product.

DL-Panthenol 100 is available in a range of sizes — from sample quantities to 55 lb bulk orders — making it a practical choice for indie formulators, growing brands, and established manufacturers alike. Whether you're scaling an existing line or developing new skin care and hair care products, Wholesale Supplies Plus offers competitive pricing and reliable fulfillment to keep your production moving.

What is panthenol used for in skin care and hair care products? Panthenol — also known as pro-vitamin B5 — is used in cosmetic formulations as a humectant and conditioning agent. In skin care, it is believed to support moisture retention, leaving skin feeling soft and comfortable. In hair care, panthenol for hair applications is widely reported to improve shine, reduce breakage appearance, and support manageability. It's commonly found in lotions, creams, shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and serums.

What is the difference between DL-Panthenol and D-Panthenol in cosmetics? D-Panthenol is the biologically active form of panthenol — it is the isomer that the body can convert into pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). L-Panthenol is the mirror-image isomer and is generally considered cosmetically inactive on its own. DL-Panthenol is a racemic mixture of both forms, making it a widely used and cost-effective option for cosmetic applications where the full moisturizing and conditioning profile of panthenol is desired. For most skin care and hair care formulas, DL-Panthenol performs reliably and is the most commonly available form on the market.

How much panthenol do you add to lotion or shampoo? The recommended use level for DL-Panthenol 100 is 1–2% of the total formula weight. This range applies across most product types, including lotions, creams, shampoos, conditioners, and body washes. Always measure by weight rather than volume for accurate results, and incorporate it into the water phase of your formula. It can be added at either the hot or cool-down stage.

Is DL-Panthenol 100 suitable for leave-on and rinse-off products? Yes. DL-Panthenol 100 performs well in both leave-on formulations — such as lotions, serums, and leave-in conditioners — and rinse-off products like shampoos and body washes. It is water-soluble and stable across a wide range of formulation conditions, making it one of the more versatile additives available for both skin and hair care product development.