Dl Panthenol is a wonderful ingredient for your skin, as well as your hair. It is also more commonly known also as ProVitamin B5.
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What is DL-Panthenol
It is a stable lit racemic mixture of D-Panthenol and L-Panthenol. These two forms are mirror images of each other and have the same chemical formula but different molecular structures. When you mix these two forms together, it’s known as a racemic mixture. Basically, it just means you’ve got equal amounts of both types in the mix.
The combination is readily absorbed by the skin and the D-Panthenol part converts into Pantothenic Acid, which is also known as Vitamin B5. This mixture is stable, which means that it does not easily break down or react with other substances. The substance is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products as a moisturizer and humectant.
Why is it Beneficial for Hair and Skin?
DL-Panthenol is something that’s naturally found in healthy hair and skin. It really helps keep them looking good and feeling great! When you put it on your skin or hair, it really gets in there and helps to moisturise and smooth things out. That’s why it’s a popular go-to in a lot of personal care products.
It was developed in the 1940s and during the Second World War, it was used a lot to help with the healing of wounds. Studies showed that it promotes the stimulation of epithelialisation and granulation of the skin. This regenerative and rejuvenating effect is extremely desirable in skincare products.
It is available in a liquid form and a powdered form. The liquid form is less concentrated and is heat-sensitive, so it needs to be added in the cool-down phase. I prefer the powdered form because it is heat-stable and can be added in the heated water stage. Both forms are water-soluble. When using the powder form, you do have to make sure you close the bag tightly after use. Store it in a dark, dry place away from humidity to prevent clumping and hardening.
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How To Use DL-Panthenol
The INCI is Panthenol, and it is water-soluble. I usually suggest using it in the range of 1% to 5% for your creams and lotions. If you’re going for something like serums or more powerful treatments, you can bump it up towards the higher end. It can be added directly to toners and gels.
In shampoos and conditioners, I usually use it at 1%. Use it at 1% in cuticle gels where it will penetrate the top layer of the nail and keep it moisturised. This makes the nail stronger and the nail bed healthier.
Benefits of DL-Panthenol for Skin
There is a wide range of skin benefits to be gained by adding this to your products. This research study showed that just 1% was effective in hydrating and maintaining the integrity of the skin.
- It improves the appearance of the skin by smoothing out any dry patches, scaliness, or flaky skin. It does this by increasing the hydration within the skin and holding it there, reducing water loss. This moisturising effect becomes even more noticeable when used regularly over several weeks. You will see an improvement in how soft and supple your skin is.
- DL-Panthenol will also boost the anti-ageing benefits of your cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the elasticity and smoothness of the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Add it to your anti-ageing creams and serums for amazing results.
- DL-Panthenol can soothe and calm irritated skin, making it an ideal ingredient for sensitive or acne-prone skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and inflammation. This makes it excellent for itchy skin, and especially eczema and psoriasis. It really helps calm the skin because it has great anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it makes the skin more elastic, which means less cracking and flaking.
- It improves the barrier function of the skin, preventing moisture loss and protecting it from environmental damage. It has also been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect on UV-induced redness. Here are some Cosmetic Emulsifiers that also help to keep your skin well hydrated.
- This study shows that DL-Panthenol promotes the stimulation of epithelialization and granulation of the skin. This regenerative and rejuvenating effect is extremely desirable in skincare products.
- Many tattoo artists recommend skincare products containing DL-Panthenol (Provitamin B5) as aftercare for their tattoos.
I’ve used it in my Mind-Blowing Massage Cream, Blissed-Out Body Butter, Cool Conditioner Bar, and Stir Crazy Gel in my eBook, Off Your Face Creams. All of these products are cannabis-infused and, as you can now see, will have incredible skin care benefits as well.
Similarly, Glycogen (PhytoSpherix®) is another ingredient that supports skin hydration and elasticity.
Benefits of DL-Panthenol for Hair
There are numerous hair care benefits when using it in shampoos, conditioners and hair packs. Basically, it works like a moisture magnet. It helps grab and hold onto water in your hair, keeping it nice and hydrated while also helping to cut down on frizz. This also helps to improve the elasticity and strength of the hair, reducing breakage and promoting healthy growth.
Panthenol hair products are plentiful out there, and many of them promote Provitamin B5 for hair. This is a little confusing because DL-Panthenol only converts into Vitamin B5 when it comes into contact with living tissue. Your hair shafts are not living tissue. The keratin which makes up your hair is dead. Therefore, the DL-Panthenol only converts to Vitamin B5 on the scalp. A deficiency of Vitamin B5 can cause hair loss. DL-Panthenol converts to Vitamin B5 on your scalp, which can reduce hair loss and stimulate hair growth.
DL-Panthenol makes the keratin layers lie flat. If you check out one of your hairs under a microscope, you’ll see it’s got these little overlapping scales on it, and those are made out of keratin. It’s kind of like how roof tiles sit on top of each other.
When your hair is bleached or coloured, the bleach lifts the keratin scales so that the product can bleach the cortex of the hair shaft. That is what lightens the hair colour. If you don’t use a good conditioner after washing, your hair is going to feel super dry and rough, kind of like straw. That’s because the keratin scales on your hair get all raised up. Your hair will be very prone to breakage.
Along comes DL-Panthenol to the rescue. It easily attaches to the hair shaft and smooths the keratin layers, making them lie flat against each other. This makes the hair very easy to comb through, as it will not tangle. The flat keratin also reflects the light very well, so your hair will look shiny. Keeping keratin scales flat helps retain moisture in the hair shaft, preventing dryness. That will also make it stronger and more flexible – much less prone to breakage. Your hair will be easier to style and less prone to damage from heated devices like curling tongs.
It gets even better. If you have coloured your hair, it will slow down the oxidation as it protects the hair cortex. That means your colour will last longer and not fade so fast.
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Conclusion
Incorporating DL-Panthenol, also known as ProVitamin B5, into your skincare and haircare routines brings a bunch of awesome benefits. This versatile ingredient deeply hydrates and nourishes your hair and skin. It keeps your skin supple, helps with anti-ageing, and effectively soothes irritation. Plus, it strengthens your skin’s defences and even fights redness caused by the sun.
For your hair, DL-Panthenol is a moisture magnet, taming frizz and making your hair easier to manage. It’s like a superhero for your scalp! Packed with Vitamin B5, it helps cut down on hair loss and gives a nice boost to regrowth. It’s not just about how your hair looks – it also helps keep the colour and overall health intact, so your hair can handle styling better. In a nutshell, DL-Panthenol is your go-to for vibrant skin and strong, fabulous hair!
FAQ
What is DL-Panthenol?
DL-Panthenol is a stable, racemic mixture of D-Panthenol and L-Panthenol, commonly known as Provitamin B5. When applied to the skin or hair, it converts into pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), aiding in hydration, skin barrier repair, and tissue regeneration.
How does DL-Panthenol benefit the skin?
DL-Panthenol acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin, and helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier. It soothes irritation, reduces redness, and promotes healing, making it ideal for dry, sensitive, or damaged skin.
What are the benefits of DL-Panthenol for hair?
In hair care, DL-Panthenol improves moisture retention, adds shine, reduces static, and strengthens hair shafts, making hair more manageable and reducing damage from heat and styling.
How is DL-Panthenol used in formulations?
DL-Panthenol is water-soluble and typically used at concentrations of 1% to 5% in creams, lotions, serums, and hair care products. The powdered form is heat-stable and can be added during the heated water phase, while the liquid form is heat-sensitive and should be added during the cool-down phase.
Is DL-Panthenol suitable for all skin types?
Yes, DL-Panthenol is generally well-tolerated and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is non-irritating and can be used daily to improve skin hydration and overall appearance.
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