Panthenol is a lovely B vitamin (Vitamin B5) that we get from our diet. It’s vital for our skin health and has been deeply studied for its effect on our skin growth, strength and general well-being. It’s found in high quantities in nuts, eggs, dairy and avocados and provides rich shine to hair, skin and nails. It, however, gets its name from the Greek ‘pantos’ meaning ‘everywhere’ as it's found in trace amounts in almost all foods and is crucial for good health. It was originally isolated as a treatment for chickens needing good skincare.

It is just that good for skin – that its origin and use has always been in dermatology. Designed specifically for atopic dermatitis (inflammatory, itching skin condition), panthenol has been incorporated into creams, sprays, pastilles and more to apply, soothe and refresh skin. 

Panthenol has a variety of functions with skin – mostly improving texture, hydration and helping bring deep balance. A good panthenol skincare product, when applied to ‘dry’ skin helps boost hydration, cool redness and improves natural skin moisture for a longer healing effect. When applied to ‘oily’ skin, panthenol has shown to help balance oils (reducing that overly oily feeling), cool inflamed skin, prevent natural water loss and help prevent hyperpigmentation and general redness. 

In short – 
Is panthenol good for oily skin? Yes!  
Is it good for dry skin? Absolutely!
 

Panthenol is beneficial to any skin type (especially for hydration and balance) as it’s found naturally in all our skin cells and helps nourish and protect our skin biome. So, if you are feeling a little rough, irritated or red – panthenol is your best friend.

Panthenol has a variety of benefits and it’s “well-tolerated”, meaning its chance of irritating your skin is really low, even at higher concentrations. We typically use panthenol in a range of 0.5 - 5.0%, as this is the general range that panthenol gives the most benefit (higher than this and you’re more likely to waste it and it just becomes saturated). 

There are two basic modes of panthenol – either ‘wash off’ either in a soothing face mask or gentle face cleanser (which are both great ways to calm redness and boost natural hydration) or in leave-on products such as serums and moisturizers which are perfect to help boost your skin’s moisture content for the day (as well as balance oils). 

As mentioned above, panthenol is great for all skin types. So if you are looking for deep moisture, calm and reducing general redness – here are our top pics for panthenol products that will help bring you deep balance and a healthier skin glow.

5. Anua 3 Ceramide Panthenol Cream 
Perfect for normal-to-dry skin, this nourishing cream gently hydrates and boosts the skin barrier to lock in moisture, cool redness and reduces broken skin. Designed to be light, non-sticky and quick absorbing, this cream is rich in ceramides and panthenol alike for a deep repair. 

4. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule 
Perfect for acne-prone or damaged skin; this light and soothing ampoule is rich in ceramides, repairing probiotics, allantoin and, of course, panthenol. With deep, refreshing tea extract melded into a base of centella asciatica, this ampoule is a long-time favourite for skin barrier repair and strengthening.  

3. Dr Althea 345 Barrier Cream 
Another fan favourite for damaged skin types – from sensitive to oily, this barrier repairing cream is rich in a variety of botanical extracts, designed to hydrate and smooth skin. Light and balanced with tea tree extract, this barrier cream helps combat and reduce acne, whilst hydrating and repairing your skin biome.  

2. TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner 
For any dry skin type, this toner is a life saver. It’s a rich, milky toner that improves skin texture, provides a deep hydration, helps calm and repair red and damaged skin and also provides a deep base for make-up for a flawless application. Not only does it contain witch hazel and rosemary to reduce acne spots, it contains panthenol to help repair and strengthen skin with each use. 

1. Purito Seoul Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream 
This light, dewy cream is deeply moisturizing – with the power of bamboo extracts. It is sensitive-skin safe, nourishing and rich in panthenol to provide a long-term healing and repair of the skin barrier. It’s designed to balance and refresh acne-prone and oily skin, but it can be used for any skin types for an added moisture boost. It’s simple formulation and creamy light texture makes it a fan favourite and must-have for anyone trying to soothe and cool skin with panthenol. 

We're seeing panthenol on the rise in a lot of new K-Beauty formulas, so you’re more likely to see it being added to your skincare. It’s especially beneficial in formulas with potentially irritating ‘actives’ (such as retinol, AHA/BHA and azelaic acid) - so if these products are a bit aggressive to your skin, check out if they have a little panthenol for you. 

Looking for more soothing skincare? Check out the range of authentic K-beauty available on Arktastic! From Purito Seoul, to TIRTIR, to the world of ANUA – it's all available on our custom site. 

Looking for more skincare advice? Check out the benefits of AHA/BHAs in your skincare routine. Or check out our review for the Dr Althea 345 Barrier Cream! 
 

The Benefits of AHA/BHA for Skin 
Dr Althea 345 Barrier Cream Review