If you have ever scanned the ingredient list of your moisturizer, cleanser, or even your hair conditioner, chances are you have spotted the name panthenol. This ingredient has earned a solid reputation in the beauty and medical aesthetics industry for its ability to hydrate, soothe, and repair the skin.

At Clique Clinic, where our doctors perform a wide range of treatments such as skin boosters, microneedling, RF microneedling, and post-laser care, panthenol often plays an important role in recovery and long-term skin maintenance.

But what is panthenol exactly, and why is it so well-loved in skincare? Let’s discuss.

What is Panthenol in Skincare?

Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is the alcohol form of pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5. It is a water-soluble ingredient that easily penetrates the skin and converts into pantothenic acid upon absorption. Once in this active form, panthenol functions at a cellular level to support skin regeneration and repair.

You’ll find panthenol in many personal care categories, including:

• Skincare: panthenol cleanser, moisturizers, serums, masks, toners, and after-sun gels.
• Hair Care: shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments.
• Body care: panthenol moisturizer, lotions, ointments, and healing balms.

For Clique Clinic patients who undergo aesthetic procedures such as lasers, chemical peels, or microneedling, topical products with panthenol are often recommended during the recovery phase to help speed up skin healing while maintaining comfort.

How much panthenol to use will largely depend on the individual skin condition, and our doctors will advise accordingly.

Read more: Accelerated wound healing with the use of dexpanthenol-containing ointment

Studies have shown pantothenic acid [and dexpanthenol, the stable form of pantothenic acid] to be useful in improving stratum corneum hydration, reducing transepidermal water loss, and maintaining skin softness and elasticity.

Chemical Composition and Properties of Panthenol

• Molecular formula: C9H19NO4.
• Form: Clear, viscous liquid.
• Solubility: Water-soluble and stable in most cosmetic formulations.
• Panthenol function in skincare: Converts to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it binds to and holds water, improves barrier function, and stimulates skin regeneration.

This transformation is what gives panthenol its remarkable hydrating and soothing properties, making it especially beneficial for compromised or sensitive skin.

Panthenol vs Ceramide

While both panthenol and ceramides support the skin barrier, they function differently.

• Panthenol: acts primarily as a humectant as it draws and binds moisture into the skin, preventing water loss and helping keep the skin supple. It also has soothing, anti-inflammatory effects, which is why it is ideal for post-treatment care at Clique Clinic.
• Ceramides: on the other hand, are lipids naturally found in the skin. They act as the “mortar” between your skin cells, sealing in moisture and protecting against environmental irritants.

For the best results, combining panthenol with ceramides in your skincare routine can provide both immediate hydration and long-term barrier repair.

Here’s a deep dive about Ceramides on our blog: Ceramides in Skin Care: Everything You Need to Know

What Does Panthenol Do for the Skin?

Panthenol is a multi-tasking skincare ingredient with benefits that extend beyond simple hydration.

Its main functions include:

• Moisture retention: As a humectant, it draws water from the environment into your skin
• Barrier repair: Supports the production of lipids, strengthening the skin’s natural shield
• Soothing irritation: Calms redness, inflammation, and sensitivity
• Improving elasticity: Encourages healthy skin cell turnover and flexibility

For patients at Clique Clinic, this makes panthenol an ideal ingredient to include in aftercare products following procedures like RF microneedling, PDRN skin boosters, or even intense laser treatments.

Panthenol Skin Benefits

1. Deep Hydration and Softness: Panthenol penetrates the deeper layers of the skin, binding water molecules and preventing transepidermal water loss. This results in skin that feels plump, smooth, and soft to the touch.

2. Enhanced Healing and Regeneration: Clinical studies show that panthenol accelerates the repair of wounds, burns, and abrasions. It’s often included in post-procedure creams recommended at Clique Clinic to help clients recover quickly without compromising results.

3. Reduces Itching and Irritation: Panthenol has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated or compromised skin, especially beneficial for those with eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea-prone skin.

4. Improves Skin Smoothness: By hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier, panthenol helps reduce rough texture, giving the skin a more refined and even appearance.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations with Panthenol

Panthenol is generally well-tolerated and considered safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin.

Possible considerations:

• Rare allergic reactions: In very sensitive individuals, contact dermatitis may occur.
• Optimal concentration: Works best in skincare at concentrations between 1 to 5 percent.
• Patch testing: Especially recommended for people with highly reactive skin.

Is Panthenol Safe for Pregnancy?

Yes. Panthenol is widely regarded as safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, making it a great option for expectant mothers who want to maintain healthy, hydrated skin without risking harm. At Clique Clinic, our doctors often suggest gentle, pregnancy-safe skincare routines that include panthenol moisturizers or cleansers.

How to Use Panthenol in Your Skincare Routine?

Panthenol is versatile and can be found in many skincare formats:

• Moisturizers for daily hydration.
• Serums for concentrated repair and soothing.
• Toners for lightweight hydration layers.
• Sheet masks for intensive treatment.
• After-sun gels to cool and repair UV-stressed skin.

It is safe for daily use, morning and night, and works well with ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.

For post-treatment care at Clique Clinic, we may recommend a combination of panthenol-rich creams and skin boosters to optimize healing and results.

How Much Panthenol to Use?

When applied topically, panthenol in concentrations between 1 and 5 percent is effective for most skin types. Using more than this does not necessarily increase benefits but can alter product texture or absorption.

So, how to use panthenol cream?

Just apply a pea-sized amount to the targeted area after cleansing and toning. For serums, 2–3 drops are generally sufficient.

Who Should Use It?

Panthenol is suitable for:

• Dry, dehydrated skin.
• Sensitive or irritated skin.
• Post-procedure recovery (after lasers, microneedling, or skin boosters).
• Aging skin that needs improved elasticity.
• Pregnancy-safe skincare routines.
• In haircare, panthenol helps to increase hair’s water content, improving elasticity and softness while reducing static and frizz by smoothing the cuticle layer.

While Clique Clinic specializes in skin and body treatments, we often educate clients on hair and scalp care since healthy scalp skin also benefits from panthenol. So if you have undergone treatments at Clique Clinic, your doctor may specifically recommend panthenol-based products to complement your in-clinic results.

Final Thoughts

Panthenol is far more than just another skincare ingredient. It is a hydrating, healing, and barrier-strengthening powerhouse that fits seamlessly into almost any routine. Whether you are looking to soothe irritation, improve skin softness, or recover from an aesthetic procedure, panthenol can deliver visible results without causing sensitivity.

At Clique Clinic in Malaysia, we integrate panthenol into many post-treatment care plans for patients who undergo lasers, RF microneedling, PDRN skin boosters, and other advanced skin rejuvenation treatments.

By pairing in-clinic procedures with targeted home care that includes panthenol, we help our clients achieve healthier, stronger, and more radiant skin.

If you are interested in learning how panthenol can enhance your skincare results, whether for daily maintenance or post-procedure recovery, our doctors at Clique Clinic can design a personalised plan for you. @wa.me/60123537960.