Panthenol for Acne (Acne Vulgaris)

Pro-vitamin B5. Deeply hydrates and helps repair the skin barrier, calming dry or compromised skin.

Why it works for Acne (Acne Vulgaris)

Soothes irritation and helps your skin barrier recover. It is pro-vitamin B5. It speeds up healing and calms redness a little. In an acne routine it is handy for settling the dryness and stinging that benzoyl peroxide and retinoids can cause. Taking pantothenic acid by mouth may cut down oil, but there is not much proof that putting B5 on your skin clears pimples directly.

How Panthenol works

Converts to pantothenic acid in skin; humectant and accelerates barrier repair.

Evidence

4 citations from our ingredient database. Full citation list on the Panthenol ingredient page.

journal2025

Gao Y et al., Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Panthenol-Enriched Mask for Skin Barrier Recovery After Facial Laser Treatment, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2025;24(7):e70223 — double-blind RCT (n=60): panthenol mask decreased erythema, enhanced hydration, repaired barrier vs saline

review2022

Cho YS et al., Use of Dexpanthenol for Atopic Dermatitis-Benefits and Recommendations Based on Current Evidence, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2022;11(14):3943 — Korean-authored review; dexpanthenol improves barrier and reduces severity in mild-to-moderate AD

journal2019

Heise R et al., Accelerated wound healing with a dexpanthenol-containing ointment after fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing of photo-damaged skin in a randomized prospective clinical trial, Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology 2019;38(3):274-278 — RCT: dexpanthenol significantly faster wound closure vs petroleum jelly post-laser

review2017

Proksch E et al., Topical use of dexpanthenol: a 70th anniversary article, Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2017;28(8):766-773 — dexpanthenol improves stratum-corneum hydration, barrier function, and wound healing

Products with Panthenol in our catalog

These are the catalog products that list Panthenol as a tracked ingredient.

Cetaphil

Gentle Skin Cleanser

$15 · Cleanser

Cetaphil

Daily Facial Cleanser

$14 · Cleanser

Aveeno

Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser

$12 · Cleanser

Anua

Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner

$20 · Toner

Anua

Heartleaf 80% Moisture Soothing Ampoule

$24 · Essence

Torriden

Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner

$19 · Toner

Full Panthenol guide →Acne (Acne Vulgaris) overview →