DL-Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)

DL-Panthenol at a glance

DL-Panthenol is pro-vitamin B5 in powder form. It dissolves in water and, according to the supplier specification, works in a pH range of 4.0 to 7.0. Listed products are creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, body washes and makeup. The DL prefix tells you that this grade contains both mirror-image forms of the molecule. Skin converts the D form to pantothenic acid, while the L form mostly adds humectant properties. For that reason formulators often use a DL grade at a slightly higher level than pure D-panthenol to reach a similar effect. Confirm purity and grade on the supplier CoA.

Why choose the DL form

The DL form is a practical, budget-friendly way to bring pro-vitamin B5 into large-volume products such as body washes, shampoos and body lotions. It shares the soft, smoothing feel of panthenol, dissolves easily and is almost odorless. A powder is easy to weigh and ship, and it does not need warming the way viscous liquid panthenol sometimes does.

Product formats

Creams and lotions

Add it to the water phase of face and body moisturizers for a comfortable, supple finish.

Shampoos and conditioners

In hair care, panthenol helps strands hold moisture and gives a fuller, smoother feel after drying.

Body washes

Cleansers with pro-vitamin B5 leave skin feeling less tight after rinsing.

Makeup

The supplier specification lists makeup. Liquid foundations and tinted moisturizers can include it in the water phase for a more comfortable wear.

Processing

Dissolve the powder in water at room temperature. Panthenol does not like long heating, so add it during cool-down when the formula is processed hot. Keep the final pH inside the 4.0 to 7.0 window; outside it panthenol slowly breaks down.

Good partners

D-Panthenol powder is the pure D form for formulas that need the most active grade. Silk protein pairs well in conditioners. A humectant such as the Natural Moisturizing Factor liquid rounds out a hydration base. Browse more in the actives catalog.

Testing

Check pH after one day and after several weeks in a warm cabinet, since a drifting pH is the first sign of panthenol breakdown. For hair products, run combing tests on tresses.

Claims

Skin feels soft and comfortable; hair feels fuller and smoother; with pro-vitamin B5.

Characteristics

Form: powder. Solubility: in water. pH range: 4.0 to 7.0. Type: racemic panthenol, D and L forms. Listed products: creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, body washes, makeup. Grade: supplier CoA.

Original recipe: pro-vitamin B5 body wash, 100 g

Distilled water 61.30 g, sodium coco-sulfate solution 20.00 g, cocamidopropyl betaine 10.00 g, glycerin 3.00 g, DL-panthenol 2.00 g, coco glucoside 2.00 g, sodium benzoate 0.50 g, citric acid 0.20 g, sodium chloride 1.00 g. Mix the surfactants into the water, add glycerin and panthenol, preserve, adjust the pH and thicken with the salt.

Reading a B5 label

Many shoppers know panthenol from hair care and baby products, so it is an easy ingredient to feature on a front label. Use the name "pro-vitamin B5" for consumer copy and keep the INCI name, panthenol, in the ingredient list.

Lot records

Keep each CoA with the batch file and note the lot used.

Panthenol in large-volume products

Body washes, shampoos and family-size lotions are produced in big batches, so the cost of every ingredient counts. DL-panthenol lets a brand keep a recognized pro-vitamin B5 claim at a sensible cost. It also tolerates the mild acidity of most cleansers, which keeps the product stable on the shelf. In rinse-off products part of the panthenol stays on skin and hair after rinsing, so even cleansers can deliver a softer feel.

Combining with other humectants

Panthenol pairs well with glycerin, sodium PCA and sugars. A blend of several humectants usually feels lighter than a high level of one, and it spreads the moisturizing effect across different humidity conditions. In makeup, a small amount of humectant blend helps prevent a dry, tight feeling during the day.

Storage

Store closed in a dry place. The powder attracts moisture, so close the container after use.