D Panthenol 75%

D Panthenol 75% at a glance

D Panthenol 75% is a concentrated liquid form of provitamin B5. On the label it appears as Panthenol, and consumers know it under many names: dexpanthenol, provitamin B5 or simply panthenol. This grade is a translucent, viscous liquid made in the Czech Republic. It dissolves readily in water, propylene glycol and alcohols, and only slightly in glycerin. The raw material has a pH of 9.5 to 11.0. The supplier recommends 0.1 to 5% in hair care products and up to 4% in skin care.

How panthenol works

Panthenol is small enough to penetrate the upper layers of skin, hair and nails, where it is converted into pantothenic acid, vitamin B5. It binds water strongly, so skin, hair and nails become more elastic and soft. For the skin, panthenol supports the barrier and is especially valued for comfort: skin that feels dry and tight after washing, after shaving or after a day in the sun feels softer and calmer. The supplier stresses that it can be used in all weather, and that in summer it is welcome in after-sun care.

Panthenol in hair care

In hair products panthenol forms a protective film that holds moisture for a long time. It penetrates the hair shaft, gives a thicker, fuller feel, helps protect the fiber from damage and adds shine. The supplier also notes that it helps the scalp feel comfortable. This is why panthenol is one of the few actives that shows a clear effect even in rinse-off shampoos and conditioners.

Choosing the concentration

Hair care uses the widest range, from 0.1% as a label ingredient up to 5% in intensive conditioners and masks. Leave-in sprays and fluids give the strongest results at 1 to 3%. Skin care products use up to 4%, with 1 to 2% in daily creams and 3 to 4% in comfort and after-sun care. Because this is a 75% grade, the amount of pure panthenol is three quarters of the dose, and the certificate of analysis gives the exact content.

How to formulate

Solubility and process

Add the liquid to the water phase. It dissolves easily in water and propylene glycol, but only slightly in glycerin, so do not premix it in pure glycerin. Avoid long heating: add it at cool-down, below about 40 to 50 °C, in hot process emulsions.

pH

The raw material is alkaline, pH 9.5 to 11.0. At a few percent in a buffered formula the effect is small, but always measure the final pH and adjust it to about 4.5 to 6.5 with citric or lactic acid. Panthenol itself is most stable in this mild range.

Partners

Panthenol fits almost any formula. For a comfort cream it combines well with allantoin and for a scalp care line with biotin. More vitamin actives are listed in the cosmetic actives section.

Product ideas

Shampoos, conditioners, hair balms, leave-in sprays, scalp tonics, moisturizing creams, baby creams, after-sun gels, aftershave balms, hand creams and nail care are all classic uses.

Sample recipe: panthenol conditioning hair balm, 100 g

Distilled water 82.80 g, cetearyl alcohol 5.00 g, behentrimonium chloride 2.50 g, D Panthenol 75% 4.00 g, glycerin 2.00 g, hydrolyzed keratin 2.00 g, preservative 1.00 g, fragrance 0.20 g, citric acid solution 0.50 g. Melt cetearyl alcohol with the conditioner at 75 °C, emulsify into hot water, cool to 40 °C, add panthenol, glycerin, keratin, preservative and fragrance, and adjust to about pH 4.5.

How it differs from other panthenol grades

Our catalog carries several panthenol forms. This 75% grade is a concentrated, pourable liquid that suits factories with pumps and metered dosing. Other grades come as powders or weaker solutions. All of them share the INCI Panthenol, so the label stays the same whichever you choose.

Storage

Store in a cool, dark place in a tightly closed container. Panthenol absorbs moisture from the air, so close the container quickly after use. A certificate of analysis comes with every lot.