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2022 is definitely the year of beauty buzzwords, and panthenol for hair, skin, and body are is the latest ingredient on everyone's lips. It’s not a relatively “new” ingredient as social media depicts it to be, and a lot of you are already familiar with it without even realizing...Remember the classic Pantene Pro-V hair commercials in the early 2000s with the close-ups of wavy and bouncy hair? Well, the 'Pro-V' stood for Pro-Vitamin B5, an essential nutrient that's also commonly known as panthenol. 

What is it, and what benefits does it offer?

Panthenol is a precursor, which once applied to the skin, converts to pantothenic acid (aka vitamin B5). On the molecular weight scale, panthenol is roughly around 205 g/mol — which is smaller than 500 daltons, meaning it can smoothly wedge itself into the deeper layers of your skin to deliver superior rejuvenation.

Studies have also shown that due to its ability to travel through and beyond the epidermis, panthenol also stimulates the rapid production of fibroblasts. Dermal fibroblasts are a vital component of the skin that help produce collagen and aid in wound healing. Therefore, a healthy and constant stimulation of fibroblasts will result in a skin barrier that is stronger, firmer, plumper, and more intact overall.

Another noteworthy aspect of panthenol is that it's a humectant and an emollient. So it attracts and holds onto hydration and smoothes and softens skin, sealing any cracks in your skin barrier, to improve moisture retention. 

The benefits for nails

Consider adding panthenol to your nail-care routine as well. Research has shown that 2% panthenol can penetrate the nail plate, making it an effective remedy for dry, damaged, and brittle nails. And in the hair department, think of those Pro-V hair commercials we spoke about, so with regular use, panthenol for hair will leave your hair softer and fuller with increased elasticity and smoothness.

A few faves from my beauty stash:

For skin

La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5, $16 — this multi-purpose cream works wonders for dry, chapped, and sensitive skin. It’s also infused with zinc to soothe inflammation and heal any nicks and scrapes.

Biafine Cicabiafine Creme Mains Reparation Intense, $27 — Biafine is a French brand that launched in the 70s and for generations, it’s been utilized as a go-to skin-repair remedy, particularly for burns. It’s an anti-irritant and anti-itch formulation with soothing oat oil and glycerin, and it does a stellar job in healing wounds quickly.

Bluemercury M-61 Hydroboost Eye Concentrate, $82 — this eye cream is worth looking into if you have dry and delicate skin. It’s packed with panthenol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and Centella Asiatic to increase hydration as well as soothe and plump the eye area. 

For body

Eucerin Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray, $17 — this is the spray version of Eucerin’s soothing balm, and it’s an effective SOS remedy that provides instant relief. It's loaded with panthenol and glycerin to hydrate and repair skin. 

Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Oat Repairing Cream — this is a moisture-barrier-boosting body cream that consists of panthenol, probiotic oat, and aloe to help replenish skin and combat dryness.

For nails

Deborah Lippmann ​​The Cure Cuticle Repair Cream, $24 — if you're struggling with cracked nails and cuticles, this creamy treatment will bring some softness and relief thanks to its blend of panthenol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins A, C, and E. 

For hair

GrandeLASH, $36 — this holy-grail and award-winning lash-and-brow-enhancing serum contains some panthenol mixed with amino acids and vitamin E to give you fuller, longer, and more elastic lashes and brows.

Shop all of the above (and more) here.