The Magic of Vitamin B5 d-Panthenol
Pro Vitamin B5 (or d-Panthenol) is a water-soluble cosmeceutical and readily penetrates the outermost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum) to be metabolised into pantothenic acid (or Vitamin B5). Panthenol and pantothenic acid occurs naturally in all living cells (pantothenic derives from ‘pantos’, meaning everywhere in Greek), and is often used in cosmetics as a humectant, or moisturiser because it attracts and infuses water into the skin cells. Do not mistake d-Panthenol (Pro Vit. B5) for pantothenic acid (Vit. B5), though they are only one metabolic step different. Pantothenic acid is the active form of panthenol.
When Pro-Vitamin B5 is applied to the skin, it is converted into d-pantothenic acid, which easily penetrates the epidermis and produces the hydrating and healing effects. However, panthenol must be absorbed past the stratum corneum to work. This can be achieved effectively through our skincare regime with the (HA) Serum, which carries panthenol into the epidermis. Once it’s been metabolised into pantothenic acid and moves deeper into the skin, it absorbs moisture, which in turn ‘plumps’ up the skin cells and smoothes them out, aiding in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
Pro-Vitamin B5 has a highly stable compound makeup and very low toxicity, so it’s safe to use and rarely has adverse effects. It is included in many topical treatments for scarring, redness, itchiness and dryness of the skin. Clinical research has shown that regular application over a period of four weeks or more has an anti-inflammatory effect. It heals surface skin damage by stimulating dermal fibroblast production in the dermis, which is responsible for the repair and growth of connective tissue. Although there isn’t much research for Pro-Vitamin B5’s anti-ageing qualities, the hydrating powers work to rejuvenating mature skin.
We use Pro-Vitamin B5 in our B Mist for its hydrating and water-absorbing qualities. We use it in our C Moisturiser and Moisturiser Light for its role in healing and moisturising the dermis and epidermis, leaving your skin hydrated and improved.
