Panthenol

Panthenol
Identifiers
CAS number 81-13-0 Y
PubChem 4678
ChemSpider 4516 Y
UNII 1O6C93RI7Z Y
KEGG D03726 Y
ChEMBL CHEMBL1200979 N
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula C9H19NO4
Molar mass 205.251g/mol
 N (verify) (what is: Y/N?)
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Panthenol is the alcohol analog of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), and is thus a provitamin of B5. In organisms it is quickly oxidized to pantothenate. Panthenol is a highly viscous transparent liquid at room temperature, but salts of pantothenic acid (for example sodium pantothenate) are powders (typically white). It is soluble in water, alcohol and propylene glycol, soluble in ether and chloroform, and slightly soluble in glycerin.

Panthenol comes in two enantiomers, D and L. Only D-panthenol (dexpanthenol) is biologically active, however both forms have moisturizing properties. For cosmetic use, panthenol comes either in D form, or as a racemic mixture of D and L (DL-panthenol).

Panthenol's expanded chemical formula is: HO-CH2-C(CH3)2-CH(OH)-CONH-CH2CH2CH2-OH.

Contents

Uses

In cosmetics, panthenol is a humectant, emollient and moisturizer. It binds to the hair shaft readily and is a frequent component of shampoos and hair conditioners (in concentrations of 0.1-1%). It coats the hair and seals its surface, lubricating the hair shaft and making strands appear shiny. It is also recommended by many tattoo artists as a moisturising cream for new tattoos.

In ointments, panthenol has good skin penetration.[1] It is sometimes mixed with allantoin, in concentrations of up to 2-5%, and is used for treatment of sunburns, mild burns and minor skin disorders. It improves hydration, reduces itching and inflammation of the skin and accelerates and improves healing of epidermal wounds.[1]

If ingested, panthenol is metabolized to pantothenic acid.

Synonyms

Other names for panthenol include:

References

  1. ^ a b Ebner F, Heller A, Rippke F, Tausch I. "Topical use of dexpanthenol in skin disorders". American journal of clinical dermatology. 2002;3(6):427-33. (abstract)

External links