D Panthenol

Skin Care Panthenol is often called Provitamin B5 and is widely used in the cosmetics world because it is so effective when used at sufficient levels (many commercial products have minute amounts in just so it can appear on the label).

 

Once in the skin, it rapidly converts to vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) which is a major constituent of Coenzyme A , which has a key role in the repair mechanism of cells and tissues.

 

It soothes and softens skin by locking in moisture thus preventing dehydration and dry skin and reducing Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL).

 

It maintains the elasticity of the skin.

 

It also works with DMAE in the body to produce acetylcholine which tones and firms the skin.

 

It promotes the stimulation of epithelialization and granulation in the skin whilst minimising itching.

 

This is excellent for any skin repair situation as it also smoothes roughness and dryness.

 

Its anti inflammatory effect is also useful in eczema prone skin products.

 

Suitable for all skin types and especially age defying and mature skin products.

 

In cuticle gels, it penetrates the top layer of the nails and holds moisture there to make the nail bed healthier.

Excellent to use on sensitive scalps as it soothes and moisturises. Suitable for all hair types.

 

On the hair shaft, it doesn't convert to vitamin B5 as the hair does not have living cells but it is still a valuable addition to hair products as it coats, lubricates and protects the hair shaft, softening and moisturising it, making hair easy to handle and style.

 

Makes hair stronger and improves damaged and brittle hair. It coats split ends to stop them getting worse.

 

Makes hair tangle free and easier to comb without weighing it down or making it greasy.

 

Adds lustre and shine to the hair by attaching to the keratin on the hair shaft.

 

A Vitamin B5 deficiency can lead to hair loss so the conversion of Panthenol in the scalp will help to reduce hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

 

As it binds to the hair shaft on contact, it works well in both shampoos and hair conditioners.

 

Use 2% to 5%. Water soluble so cannot be used in oil only products.

 

Heat sensitive so should be used in Stage 3 (below 40°C) when making creams and lotions.

Traditionally used by qualified aromatherapists, honey has been a long established protocol for treating wounds.

 

Panthenol is found in honey. Manuka honey in particular has an excellent reputation as a wound healer because it is exceptionally antimicrobial.

 

Panthenol was developed in the 1940s and was even used in hair products right away.

It was a mainstay during the Second World War especially when it was used with allantoin for treating wounds.

 

As it was found that it accelerated wound healing very fast. In the 1960’s in gained favour for a brief period amongst tattoo artists because the tattoos would heal much faster.

 

However, they soon realised that it encourage new skin cells to form that took away the definition and colour brightness from the artwork and so fell out of favour.